samantha liz

We are road tripping again.

It always amazes me how the simple motion of a car can cause so much peaceful silence…

…and how a simple paper and pencil can cause so many joyful smiles.

Life’s full of little reminders this week.

Like when Molly declared her first tooth fell out at 9pm at night, I had to remind the tooth fairy to come for a late night visit.

And when today we were at my Mom’s house smelling the new fuchsia we bought for her new porch? I was reminded that I just happen to know the two most beautiful ladies on the planet.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Today, it felt like a little spring decided to… well.. spring here in Colorado.

The kids played out back riding their scooters, while Marcus was excited to ride on Buzz’s spaceship again. The noisy, button pushing, light up, buzz animated sit on rider.

You may remember it from his first birthday?

Oh yes, it is still one of his favorites.

Hanging at the park this week, the kids did a little rock lounging…

…and climbing…

…and soaring.

Thomas’ 8th birthday was “the best day ever” completely decked out in homemade minecraft goodness.

When it was time to blow out the candles, Thomas was cool and relaxed (this week’s “life photo” theme), thinking, “Oh yeah, I’ve got this.”

He even posed for some silly cake mining shots:

After chowing down on food that was strictly the shape of blocks (thanks, grandma for making the requested meatcubes!), it was time for presents.

That is where the unexpected (this week’s “portrait photo” theme) came along…

He lost it completely, I’ve never seen his face light up at a gift like that before. “You got me this??”

Happy Birthday, my big man. Not so tiny anymore. <3

It was a week of firsts around here, all three kids got new beds!

Well, I suppose more accurately Molly got a new bed and the boys got theirs bunked.

Molly was quite happy about it.

And, even though I had to sneak up on him in his top bunk to get a picture…

I got a smile of approval from Thomas too.

I always find it funny how our natural progression of our week always fits the PTM themes. Even this week.

We did a little off-roading of our own during the race on Friday. Thom in the car, and Molly out of it. She climbed to the top of this huge rock, sat down, and declared herself winner of the race. (This weeks portrait theme was copycat/it’s a sign)

The life theme for week 14 is “What home means to me.” And even though we are traveling and away from home we always bring home with us. A couple nights ago, Molly fell asleep on our bed while we were getting ready to settle in for the night. Marcus must have caught a glimpse of her and thought he needed to join in. As he snuggled himself under her arm and drifted off to sleepy land, I chuckled, knowing I had my photo. <3

This week brought us to a lovely cabin right outside Moab, Utah. There, along with the inn keeper, his wife and their 18 month old son, lived this sweet girl.
Marcus immediately fell in love with her. “She’s so soft!” and “Aww! She’s cute.” were words he frequently said over the course of our stay.

They played and ran together.

…and when he dreamed, I’m pretty sure it was of her.

Ah, the little joys of a boy and (not) his puppy. What can be cuter?

We celebrated Molly’s 6th birthday yesterday rainbow style.

We had rainbow snacks…

and unicorn rose cake…

that happened to be {all naturally dyed} rainbow on the inside.

A special friend of mine made her a doll in her favorite color of the rainbow… PURPLE!

…and you know that doll I’ve been working on?

She and Molly both wore rainbow knitted dresses {that I’ve also been working on}…

Now they match Sheepie quite well.

All in all, I’d say it was a pretty awesome {and colorful} day. I think Molly would agree.

*These photos include this week’s 52. If you want to see specifically which ones click over to my flickr set to see.*

If you couldn’t tell already, spring time is the time for Birthdays in my home. First comes Marcus’ then Thom’s followed by Molly’s and rounding out with Thomas’. This week was Thom’s turn. His birthday was this past Thursday. The kids love parties, so we use birthdays to really do it up.

Thomas even learned how to play “Happy Birthday” on the piano and played along {which was quite appropriate, considering this week’s life photo theme just happened to be play} while we brought out the cake.

Which means that since Friday, it’s Molly’s birthday prep time. Which also means that I’ve been sewing. She wanted a doll this year for her present.





Which is also coincidentally perfect for this week’s portrait photo theme of anticipation.

She is so excited about her new doll that she hardly will put her down long enough for me to finish her, as evidenced by her having to hold her last night, sans her matching knitted dress. Oh yeah, remember that rainbow dress that I’m making for Molly? Her doll is getting one too.

Better get back to it! T-minus 6 days until her birthday party!