Sweet Summertime!

The best part of parenthood is being able to relive simple joys again through your children. There is something so magical about summertime. This summer we've had many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and fun activities.


Dillan and Natalie have spent their July mornings in swimming lessons. They have enjoyed every moment of it and are actually becoming quite comfortable in the water!

Celebrating the Fourth of July seems to be the pinnacle of  the summertime festivities. This Fourth of July the cousins found an abandoned pirate ship that washed upon the shores of Water Valley Lake, right next to Great Grandpa John's house. As you can imagine, this provided for hours of entertainment and mayhem. 

We had the opportunity to visit our friends, Jason, Sarah, Jaelyn and Elliana Ruybal in Sheridan, WY the following weekend. Sheridan is a charming small town surrounded by green hills and mountains up by the Montana boarder. Visiting the Ruybals always provides fun for everyone in the family. The most unique part of this trip was experiencing the WYO Rodeo! With the street dance, rodeo, and watching people play butt darts (yes, I said that,) we were provided with a very interesting and authentic experience. 

We've also had the opportunity to do some hiking this summer. We are so pleased to announce... We no longer have to carry both children the entire way! This is a big milestone for us. We've always loved hiking together, but having babies and young children has somewhat kept us from the activity. This summer, both kids completed a 3 mile hike on their own (ok, with a few rides here and there). 

Jordan took us on the hike that he proposed to Kelly on just two days after it happened. The kids did great, but because it was rather steep, they got many rides from Grandpa and Jordan along the way. 

In between our adventures, I'm enjoying the moments home with my little loves. Our days are busy, but there are many moments to treasure along the way. I am amazed at how old Dillan seems lately, and I'm excited to see how he will blossom in preschool. Natalie seems less like a toddler and more like a little girl to me every day too. Here are a few pictures of her sitting in the garden with me. 

"Enough pictures, Mom"

We're Back!

It's been about 9 months since my last update and so much has happened in that time! With the near completion of my Action Research (like a thesis) and the academic school year, I am now recommitting myself to this blog. Feel free to check periodically! Here is a brief recap of the past months and an update on the latest! Beth: Almost finished with grad school! Just one more edit to do on my research. I will be taking a drawing class this fall just for fun. With a lot of prayer and consideration, I've decided to seek a part time job for the next school year. If there aren't any available I plan to resign from my full-time teaching position. I LOVE teaching art, but not as much as I LOVE my family. My job kept me from my kids way to much this past year, and the stress of balancing two working parents and two little toddlers was something we don't want for our family again. I'm very excited to be home more :) Dan: Dan merged his business, 3D Construction with RiteCorp in December. They made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He's enjoyed working with a team as well as driving around his fancy new extended cap, red, diesel truck! He still works long hours and does the same kind of work with many of his previous clients. When he's not working he plays recreation softball, attends a men's bible study and is committed to being a loving and involved dad. Dillan: My "big boy" Dillan will be turning 4 in August- I can't believe it! This past year he as somehow transformed from a precarious toddler to passionate and loving little boy. He loves cars, art, wrestling, helping me, and "working like Daddy". (Excuse me while I brag) My most favorite thing he says is, "Mommy, you look like a Princess." And yes, this comes out of his mouth at least 5 times a day. Sigh... He recently learned how to ride a bike, and I've thoroughly enjoyed his company on my evening walks. Dillan is starting preschool at our local public school (Tozer) this August. He is very excited and often packs his backpack in preparation. Natalie: Natalie's baby days are long gone... she is now a sweet and sassy little toddler. She loves shoes, dressing her bunny, taking care of her babies, and picking on or playing with her brother. Her latest accomplishment: She is potty trained!!! So proud of her! I'm so looking forward to spending more time with her this year. A fun trip to Steamboat in January- time to hang out with my "sisters" Natalie Turns 2 Dan and Dillan tear down two walls opening up the kitchen, living room and hallway. I love it! Probably the last remodel we will do in this house.

A little Sunshine in the Storm

It's been a while since I've had a chance to update. I'm sitting here at my table this sunny Sunday afternoon (avoiding my homework for at least a few more minutes)thinking back over the past six weeks. I've returned to my teaching position after thoroughly enjoying life as a stay-at-home mom for 1 1/2 years. It's been a difficult transition, as expected. The storm of life is raging. Between work, grad school and trying to be a good mom and wife, sometimes the busyness of it all can cloud my vision. Despite the challenges, there have been many moments where I have truly felt God's presence and his hand guiding us through all of it. Here is a little glimpse of some of our treasured moments: Harvesting apples!

Watching the Harvest Parade with cousins on Labor Day

A weekend getaway to Steamboat to see the fall colors

That is one amazing Daddy hanging out with his kids!

Natalie's scrunchy face she makes every time we take a picture.

The sad face of Dillan. Poor boy didn't feel well for most of the trip.

Natalie decided to teach her parents a lesson for ignoring her and trying to have a conversation over dinner. A little pink marker on the face did the trick.

Natalie tossing rocks into the Yampa River

Wrestling on the grass

Change is in the air

Well, here it is. My very last day of my time off with my family. That year-and-a-half flew by! It just seems like yesterday we were preparing for baby Natalie to arrive. Now I return to my art teaching job with a 16 month precious girl and a 3 year old spirited boy. Time sure does fly by. Of course I'm very sad to leave this life behind, but I trust that God is there "through the calm and through the storm." I've been so blessed to be a part of my kid's childhood for just a bit. This past year was easy, relaxing and beautiful as I made a home and watched my family thrive. I pray that we still thrive as we enter this next season. Although it seems crazy for me to make this choice to return to work, I will admit that this is something I feel that I am supposed to do. The financial part will be nice (someday, when I'm not paying for daycare). It's more than that though. I feel a strong sense of purpose where I'm going. I know that is where God wants me. I don't know why, but I do know that 1. There are so many kids there that need to be loved 2. Someday my kids and their cousins will come there too! 3. This year, I am blessed with Fridays off! Cheers to the past year's blessings, and now to moving forward! Here are some pictures of how we spent our last few weeks.

Dillan's first hike! He was such a trooper. We loved watching him have so much fun.

Playing in the Old Town splash park

Mommy and Daddy get a night out! We met up with our friends, Adam and Kim Fisher, had an amazing dinner and went to the Comedy club down in Denver.

The weird thing about being a parent is that you suddenly find yourself being overwhelmingly proud of your child for very insignificant things. Last Tuesday I took Dillan to the transportation event at Centerra to go on a train ride. To my surprise, I realized parents were not allowed on the train with their kids. (Thank goodness, there is no way I'd fit into that little cart.) In a quick moment of panic (expecting Dillan to refuse to go without me) I explained how he would have to be a big boy and go alone. Well, guess what. He did. Without a tear, he climbed in the cart, and gave me an uneasy look, and off he rode. He frequently glanced my direction to make sure I was witnessing such bravery, and I made a point to cheer and wave profusely. As the train disappeared into the crowd, I thought, 'Well, this is it. This marks the beginning of learning to let him go.' I'm so proud to be his mom.