Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tohono Chul Park

We went to a botanical garden. It's true...Tucson has a botanical garden! A couple, actually! I've never been to a botanical garden, but when I hear the word, I imagine lush tropical foliage, tons of flowers in bloom, and exotic wildlife. But who's to say a desert botanical garden can't be beautiful?! I was actually taken back by the beauty the desert has to offer. Maybe because it was all packed together in one place and wasn't spread out with tons of dirt. Or maybe I'm truly converting to the phrase and idea that "the desert has it's own kind of beauty". Either way, it was beautiful and we had a great time exploring the grounds. 
On our way into the park, Lucy had run ahead and Todd and Anna were following behind me. I turned around and saw that Todd had willingly grabbed Anna's hand and was guiding her along. I grabbed my camera as fast as I could. I did not want to miss this tender, big-brother, moment! 
There were TONS and TONS of butterflies...EVERYWHERE! That alone made our trip worth it. Such beautiful creatures! We had just recently rented a book from the library about butterflies, so the kids were especially intrigued. 
Upon entering, the woman at the ticket office gave the kids these little wooden "boats" for the "river". The river was the first place we went to, and we never left. The kids slowly started out by touching the water, then throwing their shoes in, then dabbling their toes, and before you knew it they were completely sitting in the little pool! Sometimes you just can't care as a mom. And guess what...they had so much fun!
Todd loves posing for me now. I love it! haha!
Let's get a close up of these sillies 
Annie had just turned 18 months. I tried to snap some "18 month pictures" but with little luck. She was more interested in trying out the lemons from the tree above. 
My kids are so obliging when I ask them to stand somewhere so I can "try" out a picture. I promised them that they didn't have to smile for me. They took me up on that :)

Sunday, November 2, 2014

My Favorite Little People

I can't even tell you how much I love these three little squirts. 
They are my life. They fill me with so much joy! 
Despite the fact that they are a constant tornado, destroying everything in their path, and demand so much out of me, I am forever grateful that I have the opportunity to be their mother. I feel like I have such a duty to raise them in righteousness, to teach them the ways of the Lord, and to safeguard them from the toxic values, or lack thereof, of the world. 
These pictures were taken on our way out the door to church. I could just scoop them up one by one and smooch them til their cheeks are red! I love my babies!
I had to try and get a few pictures of Todd in his dapper suit. 
Though he wasn't quite thrilled about it at first. :)
Oh, this boy melts me!! Such a handsome little guy.