Finding the Birthday boy's "Magic Tower"

Last Friday was Brooks' birthday! That sweet boy turned 4. Where did the time go?? Well, while Daddy was at work, I knew the littles and I needed a birthday adventure. So after seeing my friend Caroline post about the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Reserve, I knew we needed to explore that gorgeous place! It did not disapoint. We walked on a wooden path way through golden grass as far as the eye could see, with snowy mountains to the east, and a "magic tower" to the south. Brooks was so excited to get to it! Upon walking to the top of the tower, we (as in I;) sang "Happy Birthday" to our new 4 year old. I wish I could've bottled up that moment! On the way back, Ava had a bit of a melt down (haha oh girl), but for the most part the afternoon was pretty perfect. Love my little explorers. And we're excited to go back through out the summer and look for birds, as it's a reserve for some amazing species!

^^ They're hard to see, but there are two ducks in the water by the grass, to the right of Ava's head. The kids loved when we spotted them! ^^

^^ Kisses for my birthday boy! ^^

^^ The lookout from the tower. ^^

Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Confidence

Dear Ava,

"No woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is." --Sheri Dew

Thinking back over different stages of my life...I can remember times when I wasn't "thrilled" to be who I was. My confidence was fragile--whether I was struggling with my physical appearance, not believing in my ability to accomplish my goals or try new things, or not having confidence in my spirit being able to get through hard times. I hope you come to know Ava, before I really did, that being confident in your own skin and your body's abilities is awesome, but it's not everything. That no matter how many times you try and fail, you can always always always try again! And that through different stages in life you will be stretched far beyond what you're comfortable with, but I promise that you'll learn through it all and come out stronger and more confident if you remember that you're not alone.

As your mom, I am with you and your sweet brother all the time, and yet I can feel so lonely at times. Honestly, motherhood has thrown more blows at my confidence in myself than I'd like to admit. But Ava, your unconditional love for me--your trust and your forgiving, little heart--is what always builds it back up. You and your brother are daily evidences that I can have an impact on the world. Takes me breath away just thinking about it!

You'll be two this March, and you're already miss independent...as long as you feel comfortable in your surroundings. ;) When we're out and about, you are passionate about either being worn in your sling or walking and exploring all by yourself. I appreciate both! Aves, I think that wearing you from the start has been a beautiful way to instill in you a comfort and confidence that you are loved, which has helped you feel good about venturing out and trying things on your own. I'll wear you as often as you'll let me. Seeing the world from similar points of view never loses its magic. It sure added to the magic we experienced at the Ice Castles in Midway this past weekend!

And back to the quote I shared with you at the beginning...I am thrilled to be your mom Ava. I am thrilled to be your sweet Daddy's wife. I am thrilled to be a sister and a friend and a woman of God who makes mistakes but tries to learn from them. And I am thrilled to be able to watch you become an instrument in His hands. I love you Ava, always. 

Love,
Mom

** I'm wearing Ava in a Simple Linen Sakura Bloom sling, in silver. Thanks to my sweet Adam for taking these pictures. :)

Elsa's Castle

After finally seeing 'Frozen' last week (well, Adam and the kids had seen it, but it was my first time) and falling in love with the story and music, going to the Ice Castles in Midway was a perfect follow-up adventure! Felt like we were visiting Elsa's castle. :) We had been a few years ago, and it was even better than we remembered. So fun to have experienced it at night time, all a-glow, and then in the day. The kids had their sassy pants on and needed to take a break to warm up (and cool down if you know what I mean) in the car, then we went back in, ready to explore! Loved walking though icy blue tunnels, a gorgeous courtyard of white, and even finding Olaf!! Such a fun winter wonderland. :) 

^^ We saw Olaf!! ^^

^^ Brooks was sad to go, he would've camped out there if we let him! ;) ^^

Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Dreams

Dear Ava,

"A dream is a wish your heart makes."

That quote is from a song in the Disney movie Cinderella, a movie I'm sure we'll watch together one day. The soon-to-be princess in that story lived in such sad circumstances, but she never let it break her hope, her heart, or her dreams. She was still kind to those around her and made best with what she had, and eventually lived out her dreams...all while singing happy tunes. :) The song she sings of dreams being wishes our hearts make is a simple, but incredible sentiment! Aves, your heart will drive you to take risks, love deeper, make changes, and dream big. Your heart, and my heart, is where I feel our faith lives...even when our once-burning faith--in ourselves or in those around us--is just a glowing ember after life's storms pour down on us. The dreams we have for our lives take faith and passion and dedication on our part, but the people we surround ourself with also influence how those dreams unveil themselves and eventually turn out.

I hope you surround yourself with people that lift you and encourage you to dream big! Your Dad, older brother, and I will always be some of those people. Even though you'll have hard seasons in life, and you'll walk through frigid, snow-packed trails (like our wintry walk we took last Sunday), you may feel like your dreams are frozen and they'll never see the warm sun. Sometimes we'll carry you over the ice, like your Daddy as he wore you in the sling. Or we'll hold your hand to keep you steady, like we did with you brother. And then one day I know we'll have to watch you fight for you dreams on your own. But we'll always be here for you, cheering you on as you reach for your dreams. That's a promise. I see a strong woman in you Ava, and I'm so excited to see what dreams are in that beautiful heart of yours! 

Love,

Mom

PS - Watching Dad wear you makes me melt every time! Thanks for making one of my dreams come true...to see my love raise a daughter. He cherishes you Ava. So much.

** I am participating in the Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries, sharing thoughts and photos of our baby wearing adventures. See my other Sling Diary entries/letters to Ava here. In these photos Adam is wearing Ava in a Sakura Bloom Simple Silk sling in Bittersweet. And please excuse the poor quality of some of these pictures, I take all of my photos with my iPhone, and when I lose day light I lose quality. xo