{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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Some pictures from more visitors!

We had some more visitors this last weekend! Grammy (Tyler's Mom), Aunt Danielle and cousins Aiden and Natalie. We had a great time while they were here, despite the fact our minivan didn't have seats for everyone AND we all passed around the inevitable cold/sickness. We celebrated Kellen's birthday (again!), we painted pottery, some of us got makeup makeovers, courtesy of Clinique, the same people got half-!@#$# pedicures/manicures (the shop really didn't do that great of a job!), and we did some knitting... the kids played A LOT inside and out. All in all, a fantastic time with some of our favorite people!

Our first bike ride this year

We took a couple bike rides this last weekend, with fabulous results! Colton is such a trooper and loves to ride his bike EVERYWHERE! But just in case we put the seat on the back of my bike and the bike trailer on Tyler's. The first day Kellen rode with Ayla in the trailer... he was too fond of it, unless she fed him snacks the whole way!
The second day he sat in the baby seat behind me, and totally loved it!

Ayla calls him Baby Watermelon Head!

Kellen's birthday (the actual day plus)

So here are more of Kellen's birthday pictures :: he seems to have had a great first birthday.

We made this pear cake which turned out wonderful! Except the middle which was gooey (to little of a pan and not enough cook time!)One of my great friends got this fishing pole for Kellen. All of the kids thought it was great! So cute!Aren't my two boys handsome? And don't they look alike?

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

We had so much fun with Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Richard this last weekend! The kids decided they wanted to go bowling, so here are some of those great pictures. The bowling alley near us is so nice; they had a couple lanes with couches and what not, and the kids thought that was fun... the floors were also VERY clean, so I was alright with Kellen crawling around... not that anyone let him much! Both Colton and Ayla beat Grandma and myself in the two rounds we played... they each got over 100 both times!!!Colton would put his leg over the bowling contraption after every ball, just watching it go down the lane!

Both kids took a running start in order to get the balls going fast!

Kellen enjoyed all the attention!

Some Daddy love!

We also went out to eat a bunch, painted some awesome plates up in Whitefish (more on that later), went shopping, played games at home, and just in general had a lot of fun. We wish the visit could have been longer, but know that all good things come to an end.

What fun things do your kids like to do with their grandparents?

I think either this year or next, the two older kids will go to the grandparents (all three, maybe?) and spend a couple days really getting to know them without us silly parents around! The younger two will probably follow suit soon enough, too!

Kellen

Oh, wow! How the time has flown. My sweet little boy who entered this world in an amazingly peaceful way, is now ONE YEAR OLD!
His birth story is here... it was really amazing and I can only hope this next baby has such a wonderful experience.
Kellen is a happy little boy, who greets us every morning with a smile and a giggle. He loves his big brother and sister, although he lets them know when they go too far! He is unbelievable vocal, saying "kitty", "Jack Jack (our cat's name)" "meow", mama, dada, and a whole bunch of gibberish! He loves to play blocks and knock them over. Usually he is pretty independent, but still loves to come snuggle and get picked up. He pulls himself up on everything, but is still pretty unsteady in the standing on his own department.

I can't believe a year has gone by already! It is truly amazing to watch that first year unfold, and a baby turning into a toddler.the volcano cake

This last weekend, the Grandparents were here, so we celebrated a little early.... and we will celebrate again next week with Grammy and Aunt Danielle and cousins!

Mountain Bars :: A Childhood Favorite

These recipe came from my mom... not sure where she got it, but I remember her making these when I was a kid all the time. And they were one of my favorites! Still to this day, too.
Kellen and I made them today; he was quite the little helper! And Oh So Cute!SIMPLE NO BAKE MOUNTAIN BARS OR COOKIES

2 cups sugar (I used 1 3/4 cups, and it was still great!)
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup cocoa (dry)
3 cups (quick cooking instant) oatmeal (or grind up some regular oatmeal for same effect)
1 cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

opt:: I added about 1/2- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut, and I have to say, it was fabulous!Mix first 4 ingredients in saucepan on medium heat. Boil 1 minute or 2. Take off heat and add peanut butter, stir until smooth and creamy. Stir in oats (and coconut) and vanilla. Mix until all mixed together.
Drop onto wax paper with a big spoon and let cool in freezer for 1/2 hour or until cool. When putting away, store in airtight container.