We went to the Arboretum this week- I planned to stay for a couple of hours and get through several activities but we found ourselves in one little garden and we never moved on. The kids have played in here before but we usually move along after a few minutes and before things get too dirty (there's sand and water which is really just a messy combination, right!?)
Hazel and Henry both played in the sand for almost an hour and yes they were filthy but totally engaged in it. 


Then Henry moved over to the water feature and my first thought was that I didn't bring a towel or other clothes so he shouldn't play. But then he ran through that water and his face lit up. I said whatever and watched him soak himself head to toe. He was alive and playing and loved all of it. 



Sure we had to undress and ride home in only a diaper and sure we didn't move on to other fun parts of the Children's Garden but I was content just watching them both play. I realized I probably hurry ourselves through activities just a little too quickly. That was a great morning.

:: hazel ::



1. Loves playing in sand right now but does not like getting cleaned up after.
2. She asks so many thoughtful questions- i feel like I'm having real conversations with her.
3. I  hope I can remember the way her little voice sounds forever.
4. Get to be in the Primary Program in two weeks.
5. She is singing " I love to see the Temple " in a trio and I kinda hope she sings so loud and proud instead of reverent.
6. Only has one pair of everyday shoes that fit her right now- but I"m hesitant to buy more shoes as her feet are growing daily.
7. All week she has said her best thing of the day was dad coming home from her work.
8. Her worst thing all day is that dad has to go to work. 


:: henry ::



1. I bought him some moccasins and he's obsessed. He wants them on inside all day.
2. Still getting out of his crib every few nights. He comes into our room so alert and happy.
3. Usually wakes up a little grumpy from his naps.
4. Wakes up in the morning starving for breakfast though.
5. I cannot feed him enough food- he always is hungry.
6. He's gotten for adventurous in the last few weeks- wanting to climb, run away from me, do the bigger equipment at the park.
7. loves playing in the sand too. This was at arboretum and I watched him just play for an hour.
:: hazel ::


1. We found this magnifying glass at the Perot and she was intrigued.
2. Loves playing our dinner-time game where we ask each person about their best and worst things of the day.
3. Is having grandma and grandpa withdrawals. She told me today "we just live too far away from everyone!"
4. Could sit and read books all day with me.
5. Still haven't decided on a Halloween costume.
6. She got to hold TWO newborns at park yesterday and she was dying. She wants a baby in our family already.



:: henry ::

1. I'm dying at this picture. Henry is seriously the cutest kid.
2. He pooped on the potty yesterday! He kept telling me poops and grabbing his bum so we tried two or three times and nothing. The next time he ran so fast to the potty and did it!
3. We danced and clapped and celebrated hard! He loved it. I'm not sure if I'm ready to tackle potty training yet though.
4. How crazy would that be to have no diapers?!?
5. Loves waving to me from afar and is getting braver at playing alone, like at the Perot or the Park.
6. He's been getting out of bed after bedtime... we put him a quick time-out and take him back to bed.
7. I kind of just want to keep him up and play with him though.

We were so happy to have Grandpa and Grandma Johnson here in Dallas the last few days! They got home from their mission to Hong Kong and Timor Leste just two weeks ago. We enjoyed a day at the Texas Stat Fair, lots of walks, Central Market, and the Arboretum. On Saturday we had lunch at Kylde Warren Park, walked around the Museum of Art, and took the trolley around downtown. We were so happy to see them with the kids and to see Hazel and Henry just adore them. Henry woke up early each morning and snuck right into their bed.
These pictures are only from the Arboretum- but 'tis the season!






^ Brice has wanted to gather pecans all October and he finally did this evening. They've been drying out and I think he intends to actually shell them and roast them,. We'll see what we make with them. ^


I feel like I could sing, yell, and tap-dance out all my excitement. It's been two and a half years of us having only one car that Brice takes to work 19 out of 20 days a month!
We bought a Ford Fusion, barely used with low miles and I wrote the biggest check that I've ever written. It was surprisingly an easy process even with kids in tow at the dealership because we we're paying cash. 
It sure is hard to see that drop in our savings though.
I'm so glad that we have to safe cars and I hope and pray we drive safely! 
We can do hard things- although this is definitely not something I want to do again.
:: hazel ::


1. woke up on her birthday almost in tears saying "did I grow too much?" We assured her that her clothes and pj's still fit!
2. loved having a park day with friends to celebrate.
3. She even helped me make "toddler party mix" which means I just threw together m&ms, candy corn, honey chex, and pretzels.
4. Got totally spoiled with an Aurora doll, stickers book, a backpack, new books, and 8 horses and their own stables.
5. Sharing new toys is not going well today though.
6.  In her bedtime prayer last night she asked for "Jesus to say Happy Birthday to her." Kids say the funniest things.

:: henry ::


1. He knows exactly what he's doing to get on her nerves- and mine.
2. Will eat anything lately and doesn't stop. I feel like I'm always saying that but seriously cannot keep enough food in the house for a week.
3. He has been sitting on the potty all week. He hasn't actually gone but he always tries and then 5 minutes later poops in his diaper.
4. Is imitating us and the characters in books so much. its so cute.
5. He loves emptying out baskets to use them as a stool. 
6. Also, I feel like he's grown up in that dang stroller.


It's Hazel's FOURTH birthday and I can hardly believe it! 
We celebrated this morning with a low-key party at the park where so many friends came for treats and to play on the playground. Hazel's face lights up every time someone say "Happy Birthday" and gosh I just hope she feels special and loved today, but really every day! She's requested a family night and grilled cheese sandwiches for tonight.


Hazel is smart, daring, and kind. She loves climbing high into trees, jumping off of walls, and going fast on her scooter with her eyes shut! She loves to have her nails painted, to have matching outfits with mom, and to have sandwiches for dinner.

She loves to learn. We've counted up to 30 and are working on counting by 10's. She loves to make lists of rhyming words while we're out on walks. Loves to ask questions about animals and learn about the different species. Play-dough, crafts, play-dates are some of her favorites too! She loves using scissors to open packages, and going to the library.

This last year she learned how to swim independently, her feet grew three sizes, and has leg hair! She says the funniest things, love to take baths, and gives Brice a hug as soon as he's home each day.

She can sit for hours reading books, playing blocks, or watching a movie. She loves pretending she's a superhero (wonder-woman currently), watching the soft-shell turtles, and playing princesses. She has abs of steel and more upper body strength than her mom!

She asks for running shoes like moms, wants deodorant like dad, and at least 10 more babies in our family!




Hazel- you are such a fun girl to be around! You keep us on our toes with thoughtful questions, your curiosity, and athleticism. You are a kind friend that always wants to include others and it makes me so happy to see you being kind to others. Sometimes you lose your wits  and get frustrated with your brother but are quick to apologize and include him in whatever you're doing! We are so happy to be your parents and I feel especially blessed that you made me a mom. It's been the most rewarding four years and I can't wait to see what else you can do!
We love you so much bug!

Welcome to our little space

Welcome to our little space
“No nobler work in this world can be performed by any mother than to rear and love the children with whom God has blessed her. That is her duty.” David O. McKay

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