The Corn Maze

Fall would be incomplete without a day spent at the corn maze.

Landon grasped a handfull of hay while Addi explored the children's maze. I could see the wheels in his little brain moving. Of course, throw the hay at mama!

Waiting for the "cow train" to pick them up.

The whole ride Landon was saying, "It's tooooo bumpy!" And it was way too bumpy.

Corn kernel box.

Corn kernel angels.

She lead us through the giant maze.

Investigating the corn stalks.

Mama could not do the bumpy cow train again!

How they measure up.

Great Falls Rendevous

Uncle Spencer was attending a youth conference in our neck of the woods, so along with Grandma and Grandpa Powell we met him in our nearest big town for an overnight get-away. We shopped, swam and had a candle-lite party at the yogurt shop!

Just Him.

I try, at least once a week, to head into the woods for a little adventure and photo taking - just me and him.

Yesterday we found ourselves near a reservoir surrounded by the crisp, autumn morning air and a rainbow of fallen leaves. With the tips of the peaks covered in new fresh snow, the golden yellow and red of the turning aspen trees danced in perfect contrast. We saw several hawks and falcons and even a golden eagle, waiting on the power poles for the thermals to heat up so they could take flight. It was one of those days when the sky is so blue; that clear, clean blue that goes on forever and doesn't look real. A pristine imagination couldn't dream this day any more perfect.

He was a little crabby. Too crabby to wear his gloves and explore on his own. He didn't want to stack rocks or throw berries at me. His sweater was bugging his neck and Mason couldn't get near him with out being squealed at, but Diego never left his hand. It wasn't funny when I threw handful of leaves at him and even lifting my camera to my eye had him hiding his face in his hands. Of course I thought it was adorable - his little fits of protest, and I continued to torment him just a little, preserving it forever.

Country Heart

From within her light shines out

pouring grace down like rain

always forgiving

always replenishing

The innocent way she loves

showers me in beauty

never questioning 

never doubting

Its for her heart

that mine beats

and

its her future

that I grasp to 

because

in her happiness my life finds purpose.

A Few of My Favorite Moments {This Week}

It seems all I can muster up these days for my poor neglected blog is posting a few, quick, Instagrammed photos. Our weeks literally fly by. It seems that all in the same day we are reorganizing for Monday morning and celebrating that it's Friday! It is difficult as I sit here to stop and think about last week to remember all the individual little things that happened. It is all a blur. I am thankful for my obsessive need to capture random parts of our day on my iPhone. Otherwise I really might blur it all into one giant blob of a memory. And for that, I would be devastated because within the craziness of our day are tucked tiny moments of wonderful that makes us, us, and I would ache for those lost moments.

The kids and I went to Missoula to visit and celebrate the Griz Homecoming. It was too quick of a weekend. It goes by too fast and we never get to see everyone that we love and miss.

In Papa's Shoes.

We were able to spend the morning with our littlest best friend, Fischer and his sweet parents. 

You never know who you will run into (and be related to) in Missoula! A brother sandwich. 

"A big tractor."

Compared to our little town, it's a lot to take in!

Our week at home.

Princess Batman. 

The kids insisted we rescue the pond goldfish and give her a home on our counter. 

While we wait for sis to get out of school we walk in the crisp sunshine. 

Addi continues to work hard in gymnastics. 

In between tiny bursts of winter are leftover moments of lazy summer bliss.
We find a ladybug.

Landon loves his egg collecting job. After he collects, he counts. 

My hero fixin my flat tire!

We visited our pumpkin patch! He chose our one and only "punkin."

Addi and her friends on their pajama party day. 

We started Girl Scouts this week!

 I thrifted a Fisher Price play house straight outta the '80s! 

Landon and his four favorite things: blankie, Diego, fish and tractor.

Mariah saying good morning.  As of now, she's doing great. And we are
hoping to help her get through the winter. 

Addi at her dentist appointment. 

He makes me smile!

....we only have this moment....