5 springs

The Big Horns bring back tons of memories for me. As a child, we would picnic there with our family and friends. We would head to this one campsite in particular. 5 Springs. Probably because it is the first campground at the base of the mountain, but I think more so because it is beautiful there. A few years ago, I realized that I had never taken my kids there. Partially because we always seem to go to Red Lodge, or Northfork (occasionally) The first time I took the kids, all of them loved it. They thought it was the coolest place ever! Hiking back to the waterfalls was so much fun. As we got closer, I saw the kids excitement building. Seeing things through their eyes is amazing. I sat at the base of the waterfall, took pictures of the kids, and was amazed at what a beautiful creation the Lord made. I told Josh, "this is why we live in Powell" The beauty we are surrounded by daily is such a blessing.

the boys on the trail

We went back up last weekend (minus Paige) and had a wonderful picnic and hike. We had so much fun relaxing, and climbing up as high as we could by the waterfall. We actually went quite a ways up past the first big waterfall. Josh was getting a tad nervous with Mia, but she was a trooper. The boys wanted to go higher and higher.

After sticking his head in the freezing cold water. Such an amazing kid.

Everywhere I would turn, I would see another photo op:)

All boy..all the time.

This picture is acutally behind the waterfall that you see Mia in at the top. they climbed up behind it and sat in this little cave. I love to see the smiles on those faces!

I promised the kids that we would make a habit of going up. It will be a good one to keep!

Safe in my arms

This picture was taken at Mia's girl scout mother/daughter tea party and it makes me so happy to see her face like it is in this picture..at that moment. I think so many times that if I could just freeze every moment and remember them all, it would be easier to have them grow up. There is a song that sums it up for me. It is by Plumb (one of my favorite bands) It is called " In My Arms"

Your baby blues

So full of wonder

Your Curly Que’s

Your contagious smile

And as I watchYou start to grow up

All I can do is hold you tight

Knowing
Clouds will rage in

Storms will race in

But you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down.

Waves will crash all around

But you will be safe in my arms

Story books

Are full of fairy-tales

Of kings and queens

And the bluest skies

My heart is torn

just in knowing

You’ll someday see

The truth for lies

Clouds will rage in

Storms will race in

But you will be safe in my arms

Rains will pour down

Waves will crash all around

But you will be safe in my arms

Castles they might crumble

Dreams may not come true

Cause you are never all alone

Cause I will always

Always love you

The song is amazing and the words don't do it justice, but it is so true.

Soccer

Kain had a great rec soccer season this year. He got to play with several of his friends and despite the cold and snow, he really enjoyed it. My biggest complaint was that I could never get close enough to him to get good pictures. One night, we were bored and decided to go kick around the soccer ball the at fields. He thought we were just there to play, but I snapped pictures the entire time. This one up above is SO Kain. He is my goofy child who acts reserved and serious when others are around, and yet when it is the two of us..I get the best of him.

A little soccer portrait

He loves playing soccer. In fact, we decided to sign him up for USA soccer and he is doing really well. In fact, the coach has him playing with the older kids. Kain really wants to play with his friends, so we will have to see...

:)

Marathon

Carson, Kalen, and Kain

The 1st annual Westside Marathon was such an amazing experience for the Kain and Mia. They have a new gym teacher this year, and he started a fun program for the kids. He challenged them to run a Marathon during their recess time. Mia and Kain worked very hard on this challenge. The K, 1st,and 2nd graders only had to run a half marathon to qualify, but Mia..she ran the full Marathon! They waited to run their last mile together on the track. They all got special t-shirts, and were served fruit in the warming hut by the track.Before the race began, all the kids were huddled together and so excited to run. When the gun fired, the kids took off and ran. I thought they would get tired and slow to a walk, but Mia and Kain each ran the entire time...sometimes faster, sometimes slower. :) As each child crossed the finish line, they were given a medal. Despite the freezing weather, fun was had by all!

Mia said..this is my first medal...EVER!

My little runners together:)

Sweet Mia C.

Look at that smile-Kain

The Carter man.

I love this picture of Paige. I snapped it out at Mom and Dad's after the Easter Egg hunt.

Easter

We had a great and low key Easter this year. After Nanny's funeral, and having the family here, we decided to have an "easy going" Easter. We did the anual hunt at Mom and Dad's house. The kids love this..instead of candy, the eggs are filled with MONEY!! Ging and Jason were spending time in Red Lodge, So we went out with Odin and had a ball. Family time is the best time!