Holding on to little moments

Some day my kids will grow up and I will yearn for this time. The time of having a nine year old discovering her talents, an eight year old asking all sorts of inquiring questions I can't answer.  The time of a five year old so full of energy he literally cannot hold still, or a three year old who wants to have dance parties in her layers of dress up clothes.  These time are trying for a mother.  But, they are so so wonderful too.  Just when I am near tears of frustration, I have moments like this when I look at these kids and think, "Miranda, you are going to miss this so much." 

Summer 2013

Yes, I realize that, for most of you, the summer is over.  And, I guess it is technically coming to a close here in AZ too.  But, it was still 100 degrees at 6 pm today.  So, my summer brain is still turned on.  I am just now uploading pictures from my phone and thought I'd give everyone a quick summary of our summer through photos.

 I have a good friend that invites us over every summer to do tye dye shirts.  The kids love their shirts more than any other piece of clothing.

Emma and Sydney took riding lessons from a girl in our ward.  I think I was trying to live vicariously.  So, I came and watched a few times.  It was fun, but next time, we will be doing it when it's not 110 by 9 am.  Ugh!

 This was Taylor before we even started our 4th of July celebrations.  How sweet.

 The highlight of my summer was when my sister Amelia surprised me with a visit.  Brent arranged it all, and she just rang my doorbell.  I burst into tears.  It was so great.  Plus, the kids loved seeing their cousins and playing in some awesome monsoon rain.

 If you ever come visit, we will take you to this random ostrich farm on the side of the freeway.  They have goats, deer, donkeys, gophers, duck, ostriches and these larakeets.  These birds are very excited about the nectar and is usually a little much for the little kids.  Taylor was trying to be so brave with Aunt Amelia's help.

 Our ward had a July 24th parade.  This was our covered wagon.  Complete with Samantha the pioneer.  You can see the bike Emma turned into an ox which is pulling the wagon.  This kind of project really excited Emma.

Sisters, Sisters

Taylor moved into Sydney's room back in April.  Since then, they have really bonded.  Can I just say that Sydney is the greatest big sister ever?!  I often find them together in Sydney's bed reading books.  Taylor rushes to give Sydney hugs when she gets home from school.  Then, they will both tell each other about what they did that day and how much they missed each other,  Taylor says "I said, where is Sydney?  I miss Sydney."  Today, Sydney invited Taylor to "help" her with her homework.  Sydney is ever patient with Taylor, even when things get ruined or messed up.  Taylor idolizes Sydney.  As a mother, this sweet relationship makes my heart happy.  There is nothing more wonderful than to see that two people you love dearly, love each other too.  I hope this relationship stays sweet forever.