Over spring break, we took a road trip down to Bryce Canyon. We drove down (takes about four hours), did some exploring, stayed the night in a hotel, played some more the next day and then drove home. It was pretty great! A little hard to get all of us sleeping well in one room, but that’s probably to be expected. The canyon itself was just stunning. The formations and colors are incredible and seem like something from another planet.

Crazy boys, all ready for an adventure.

Isn’t it gorgeous?

Another scenic shot.

This was the pose Calder chose. No clue.

Kind of self-explanatory.

On day two, we went on a fun wagon ride. Calder cracks me up sometimes. Well, a lot of times.

We also hiked through a petrified forest. It was pretty amazing–lots and lots of petrified wood. It was fun to see the different colors and just marvel at the process that turned wood to stone.

Riding some petrified wood.

Three of my boys. Once again, Calder is totally in character as the secret agent he became once he put on his sunglasses.

On our hike.

Lots of great memories made. And a bit of, “Are we there yet?”, too, of course.

My sweet baby boy is 2 years old. I know it’s cliché, but can’t I keep him little? His soft arms hugging me tight around my neck, his chubby hands reaching up to me, his fresh smile each morning when I walk in and say, “Hello, Sweetheart!”, his waves and calls of “See ya later!” He is just heaven. And now he is 2 and I’m trying to hold on to his sweet baby ways. A huge thanks to my friend, Adam Johnson, for these beautiful photos!

Clearly, a photo shoot was not what he had in mind!

He has got the best pouty face ever. What a little monkey.

Once he decided to be happy, we couldn’t get him to sit still! We ran around and around this building.

Hello there, my sweet blue eyed boy.

This look is such a classic Liam expression. He’s saying, “Huh?”

Hello, goat!

Pretty irresistible. He’s saying, “Honey!” He has yet to really call me, “Mommy,” but I love the nickname.

So delighted to be sitting in a tree! And to be alive!

Happy birthday, sweet sweet Liam! I thank my lucky stars every day that you are in my life.

4 years old already! What a little man he has become. He’s at the crossroads of toddlerhood and childhood–a place where emotions can be big and hugs can be even bigger. A big thanks to my friend, Adam Johnson, for these fantastic pictures!

Handsome boy.

Wheee! This kid had so much fun at the farm during this photo shoot.

M: What do you want to be when you grow up?

E: A museum helper.

Just out for a walk.

Such a love. He’s a mama’s boy and I sure love it. I know someday I’ll long for the sweet hugs and kisses he gives me, so I try to savor them.

Came up with this pose all on his own.

M: What’s your favorite movie?

E: Cars 2.

M: What’s your favorite T.V. show?

E. Cars 2.

My handsome fellow.

Just swinging.

And smiling.

M: What’s your favorite food?

E: Pizza.

M: What’s your favorite dessert?

E: Pizza.

The triumphant moment of the day. And what a great photo op!

I love this little boy so very much. He has brought so much joy to my life. Happy birthday, Sweetheart!