Photo session with Alicia Horst Photography

Over Christmas, we visited with Nathan’s high school friends Alicia and Kendall. We had a great visit with them and a photo shoot with Alicia. We were very excited to have family pictures. We tried to keep the day low key before we went, but somehow things did not work the way we planned. When we got to Alicia and Kendalls house, they boys were tired and hungry. We had found out I was pregnant a week or so before this day and the morning sickness was kicking in. I was trying VERY hard to hide the fact that I was so sick. I ended up spending most of the shoot with Leaf and Nathan was with Everest. We did get a few great family photos. Alicia is an amazing photographer and we loved the way they turned out. There are way too many to post them all, but I have included some of my favorites.

2 of my beautiful boys. She did an amazing job. There are so many pictures, I will post more tomorrow.

Getting ready for a party

Growing up, Nathan's mom would make him a cookie cake for his birthday. I have been trying to keep the tradition going. This year, both boys helped me make the cake. Leaf REALLY wanted to run the mixer, but in typical "Leaf fashion" the minute I touched the mixer he let go and screamed. (He is so determined, independent and stubborn, all qualities that will be wonderful in his life, but sometimes make me crazy!) I found that I could hold on to the underside of the back without him realizing this. He was so proud of himself. All Everest wanted to do was play in the flour.
Adding the chocolate chips, so much fun to stir them in!


We ran out of time to decorate the cake, but no one seemed to mind. We invited our neighbors over to celebrate with us. We had Nathan's favorite food, a Costa Rican meal (Gallo pinto, hearts of palm salad, and fried plantains).

Yeah daddy. Both boys helped him blow out the candles. As is typical these days, Everest did not want his picture taken.

Nathan's birthday gift

Every year I try to have Everest (and now Leaf too) make something for Nathan's birthday. This way he is directly involved in the gift and not just picking something out. We usually paint some type of picture. This year, I decided to make it a little more than just a picture. We sanded and painted a frame too. We have had so much fun making it. Everest loves to go to daddy's office and see his paintings on the wall.

Ready to work. My parents got the leaf apron for Leaf for Christmas and Teresa got the little apron for Leaf from Etsy. Isn't it adorable on him?
Nathan had found an old picture frame in his mom's attic over Christmas. He brought them home for us to use, so we did. The frame was shiny, gold with black specs. I wanted the boys to paint it and I wasn't sure if the paint would stick to the smooth surface. We decided to sand it first.

Leaf even got into the sanding.....as long as he can keep his fingers in his mouth, he is up for anything.

Starting to paint.
Leaf painted 90% of the time with his fingers in his mouth. At least this hand stayed clean of paint.

Everest wanted to make flowers for Nathan's birthday. We started with some tissue paper, scissors and pipe cleaners.
Assembling the flowers. He was very focused on this task. (He has been into wearing his Purdue hats lately.)
Proud of the flowers we made.Leaf drew while we were working on other things. I traced his hand print on the paper and then cut them out. I glued down the middle and ring finger (the sign for "I love you") and put a heart on the palm with "Leaf 2010". I also punched 2 holes in the palm and put a pipe cleaner through it.
Here are our flowers and painting for Nathan.

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Today is Nathan's birthday, and we have some wonderful surprises in store for him when he gets home. The boys and I have had a wonderful week getting ready for Nathan's birthday.
I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of Nathan doing some of the things we love. The best times of my life have been spent with you and the boys. I love you so much and look forward to all the adventures we have yet to embark upon.

I hope you have a wonderful day, (despite being swamped at work).

Nathan rode his bike over 800 miles in 3 weeks along the Continental Divide trail. He started at the Canadian border and ended at the Idaho border. Someday we will all take a long bike trip!
Backpack camping. One of our favorite things to do (at least before kids). Can't wait to go again in a few years.....when the kids can carry their own stuff.


Nathan at the Gold Bug Hot Springs. We LOVE hot springs (undeveloped ones are our favorite).

Riding the zip line in Costa Rica.Taking a break while working on the roof of our Montana cabin.


Cross Country skiing in Green Canyon (Logan, UT) with Everest in a front pack.
Building with the boys.
When we first met. I love you more everyday. Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am one lucky girl.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!