My family update

Jared:
Last weekend Jared went hiking with a friend and his brother. They attempted Mount Borah here in Idaho. It's the tallest peak in the state and is a very steep climb. I was thinking about doing it with them, but decided to give the kids a break and not make them spend 10 hours in the car. It all turned out great because last weekend was freakishly cold and there is really no way I would have wanted to camp in 10 degree weather and then hike in scary snow conditions.
They were super tough and made it to "chicken out ridge" and then were pretty much forced to turn around because of the crazy strong wind and snow to their knees. I want to do the hike, but not until the height of summer with warm sun and clear skies. That's the kind of hiker I am.
Here are some breathtaking shots from their hike:


Jared works hard at work (just won an important trial, too) and is a fantastic husband. He loves being a dad and his kids love him immensely. So do I.

Afton:
My daughter, the whirlwind force of energy, emotion, creativity, and personality takes my breath away. Sometimes it is because she's being clever. Most of the time it is because she is being impossibly stubborn. And even on the days I don't like her attitude, I love her. Here are some of her latest antics:
She's an expressive food critic. If she likes the food, she'll get this almost pained look on her face, and with a shake of her head and scrunched up eyes tell me, "MOM! This food is amazing!" If she doesn't like it, she'll spit it out (so disgusting, I know).

The other day she told me that "it is just taking forever for me to grow up! I am sick of being three and being a kid. When do I get to be a mommy!?!" Then she told me that when she FINALLY gets to be old and be a mommy she won't need me anymore cause she'll have her own kids to take care of. (I think this stems from her daily desire to be in charge of everything).
When we were telling her about how her aunts are her cousins mommies, but not the same thing as ants the bugs, she thought a minute and asked us with total sincerity, "So... does Grandma Jan have a bug in her name?"

When she speaks she regularly incorporates a good eye roll into the conversation. It may be about some injustice life is handing her at the time, it may be that her dolly just won't cooperate with the latest wardrobe change, or it may just be an eye roll with no words. But watch out any teenager out there, this little kid can rival any eye roll you put on the table. Seriously.
Changing her entire outfit five times a day is the standard. I am amazed at the combinations she comes up with and I'll only make her switch certain aspects if I am feeling dizzy or somewhat nauseous at a certain combo.

Writing long letters, lists, and cards for any occasion means we always have a plethora of papers all over the house. In my attempts to clean things up, I either have to throw stuff away when she's asleep or suffer the wrath of my three year old lecturing me on how I shouldn't throw away that grocery list or I'll go to time out.
Okay, okay, I'll stop.

Ben:
As he nears 16 months of age, we get to see more of Ben's personality. He has a definite affinity for music, dancing, singing, and playing instruments. He might be the next Bono.

Also in his repertoire is a new found love for running. He'll book down our driveway right to the very edge of the sidewalk and then laugh how I freak out and tell him not to run into the street. We spend a good portion of the day wrestling or snuggling. He's a physical kid, with a heart of gold.

It's awesome to watch him successfully poke a bit of food on his fork from his tray and get it to his mouth. He'll grin and clap for himself. He also loves when we pray cause he has figured out how to fold his arms. Although the folding only lasts about three seconds, he feels proud of his ability.
Ben can throw a serious temper tantrum and if you are in his way, he'll take a swing at you. Watch out, he packs a punch. He is a complete night owl and loves to run around and be silly instead of going to bed. Plus he is in love with sleeping in late. My kind of schedule! Too bad it doesn't fit with the other two people in our family.

Me:
I spend my days taking care of kids. I say, "don't put your fingers in your mouth," "stop pushing each other," "be nice," "go potty please," "I'm in charge," and "I love you" over and over all day long. It's awesome. I spend my evenings talking with my husband and worrying about the troubles in the world. But I am happy.