Outside

We've been getting in as much outside time (that doesn't require a pool!) as we can before summer is upon us.

Braden is enjoying his California roll!

Hunter's trying to use the chopsticks.

Playing together. Even though he's walking, Hunter's knees still require a pretty good scrubbing most nights.

We've finally felt that it's safe to put the 2 of them together in the bike trailer! Hunter can pretty much hold his own these days. I'm glad they are getting hydrated before the big ride.

And we're off!

We took a hike in the mountain preserve by our house.

Braden walked on his own most of the way and had a wonderful time exploring.

It's fun to get out into the Preserve and feel like you're in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the city!

The mayhem of a broken piñata at Kyndal's birthday party.

Hunter and Kemper got into the action, too.

Oh, the things a Mommy can do.

Braden had been wondering about the cake all week. And he wasn't far from it most of the party. You'd think it was his... he's more interested than the birthday girl!

Catching up.

Easter Fun!

We had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard! Each time Braden had seen a plastic egg anywhere leading up to Easter he had asked us if he could "peek inside." He knows what's supposed to be in there!

Hunter liked the singing at Easter service!

We went over to the park to fly a kite because it was a little windy on Easter.

Hunter had fun watching it.

And Toby came out to join us and flew his kite, too.

Look who's walking!

Our fun kite.

The Easter Bunny (aka - Nanny Leah) left the boys packages at the front door!

Decorating eggs with Nanny Leah. We love Nanny Leah.

Friday in the Park

We went to a lunch in the park that a local Mom's group put on. It was a beautiful day and fun to see friends!

Climbing a tree.

Kemper and Hunter are having fun!

Kyndal's greeting!

Fun in the mud.

Get Away

An organization that we support was having a retreat at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale. They had some cancellations at the last minute and offered a room to us. What a beautiful place! We had a great time enjoying a wonderful little get away in an amazing place.

Nice view of Pinnacle Peak from our room!

The grounds were prettier than the Botanical Gardens.

We had tons of fun in the pool.

Random

The boys came along with me on a work trip to Jerome. Braden liked the hand dryer in the bathroom!

Hunter had his first taste of Ethiopian food. I have to admit, he didn't really like it.

Happy Easter!

We hope that you all have a very blessed Easter!

"My God is so big, so strong and so mighty,

There's nothing my God cannot do!"

That pretty much sums it up!

Uncle Matt and Bridget

Anthony's brother Matt and his girlfriend Bridget came for a visit. It's been almost 2-years since I've seen Matt and this was his first introduction to Hunter. They hit it off pretty nicely! We had a great visit and wish we all lived closer. And Matt always brings us some Maine weather of rain (and snow!), so we're glad he comes to visit because we can always use a day or 2 of rain.

Hunter and Uncle Matt bonding at their first meal together!

Hanging out at Tempe Marketplace.

Hunter's wondering what they are looking at!

The boy's are enjoying their rides.

We got to go to a fun, special event at the Zoo! The opening of the new orangutan exhibit. It's super cool and as you can see you can get up close and personal with the orangs! We're glad Matt and Bridget were here to go with us!

Making friends with Dutchess! She's been at the Zoo since before it was opened and seems happy in her new house.

Hunter didn't spend much time in his stroller with Matt around.

This peacock was strutting around the party.

Getting the boys in "Harmon" shape.

We got to go to the Diamonbacks home opener, too! Always more fun with family around!

Braden solving problems.

Growing up way too fast.

One of Hunter's birthday balloons ended up in one of our palm trees. Braden wondered what was going to happen to it for a few days. He had several suggestions. Thankfully Uncle Matt and Bridget got here, so that distracted him!

Birthday Fun.

We had a fun time celebrating Hunter's 1st birthday! It's funny the difference between number 1 and number 2. We made Braden and Kyndal a cake with no sugar for their 1st birthday. For Hunter I asked Anthony to just get something with the least amount of food dye as possible. And no party at the train park... just a few friends over for chili and cake in the backyard. Thankfully he's a sweet thing and I don't think he'll hold it against me when he gets older. He knows he's loved and that's the important thing!

Here's his one-year well visit stats for our big, healthy boy!

Length - 31 1/2" - 95%

Weight - 24lbs 12oz - 80%

Head 18 3/4" - 90%

I included some pictures of him from his first year of life in this little Smilebox. It really is crazy how fast time goes by.

A scrapbooking design by Smilebox