eleven of 52

Axel River- explored, climbed and slid- he was fearless
Autumn Rain- pushed herself to keep up. such fun she had sliding
Ari Indigo- first snow

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

The snow was SO far away.  We drove twice as far as we expected it would be to even find snow.  We ended up at the little snow park at Boreal.  It was the perfect amount of hiking and sliding for the kids.  Poor Ari was under dressed, and, even though it was quite warm, he was cold and ready to go before everyone else.  He had quite a fun time, though, eating snow and hiked much more than I expected his toddler legs to carry him.  I had a much easier time hiking and playing as well.  Since having three pregnancies in 4 years, I feel somewhat slow and immobile.  I don't tend to be drawn to outdoor activity, but when I do it, I enjoy it and wish I was more driven to experience creation more frequently.  I was please to find that I was able to hike up the small hills (sometimes even carrying a child) and was comfortable sliding with the kids.  It gave me a hope for a future of enjoyable physical activity that I rarely feel.

eight of 52

Axel River and Autumn Rain- in deep concentration while painting

Ari Indigo- that hair!

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

seven of 52

Axel River- decided his job for the afternoon was to vacuum the driveway

Autumn Rain- resting in Mommy and Daddy's bed, reading about nutrition

Ari Indigo- post nap 

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi   

six of 52

Axel River- holding his baby brother, waiting for his turn to wear the coveted green goggles

Autumn Rain- always happy to eat a pear

Ari Indigo- the favorite perch for all three of the kids

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

five of 52

Axel River- still one of his favorite spots to play

Autumn Rain- another favorite place to play

Ari Indigo- would play outside all day if he could

 photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

four of 52

Axel River-  getting bigger, learning new things

Autumn Rain- recovering from bumps and bruises

Ari Indigo- my popcorn eating partner

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

three of 52

Axel River- so proud of his artwork- our family in puff balls

Autumn Rain- thought she was shutting me out, but I caught that beautiful eye

Ari Indigo- Mommy is in love with this series of photos!

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

two of 52

Axel River- whenever he smiles like this, it lights up my day

Autumn Rain- NARS in Schiap!

Ari Indigo- his cuteness has stolen my heart this week

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

one of 52

Axel River- as close to a smile as the camera gets lately

Autumn Rain- just as reluctant to pose

Ari Indigo-  through the eyes of his big sister

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2014

inspired by Jodi  

52/52

What a great month of family time it has been.  Mostly the beginning of the month was family time holed up because almost everyone was sick with a yucky cough and covered in snot, but it was sweet in it's own special way.  Ari felt like such a big boy watching 2 minutes of a video with Axel and Autumn.  I have enjoyed the holiday this year primarily because of the focus I have had on being present with the kids and making the time special for them.  It has been rewarding, though I am ready for a break.  A date possibly?  I hope so.  I have taken many photos with our new camera and hardly any with my iphone.  Too many photos to go through them all to find individual portraits of each of the kids by themselves.  But I think this one is fitting, since we have spent time doing things together this month and had more of a determined focus to do so.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

50/52

Axel River- lego mastermind

Autumn Rain- makes a mean lego vehicle, but really loves the lego phone mommy made

Ari indigo-  aka busy bee- wore that costume a good portion of the morning, following the big ones around 

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

49/52

Axel River, Autumn Rain, Ari Indigo- a trip to the city where all they want to do is play in the hotel room and ride the streetcar.  

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

47/52

Axel River-  he has been looking forward to this day for a year.  our park, covered in leaves

Autumn Rain- sweet and nurturing, stealing kisses from a worn out brother 

Ari Indigo- sleeping in mama"s arms is rare.  such a special treat

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

46/52

Axel River- leading the way on an adventure

Autumn Rain-  happy to follow close behind

Ari Indigo- watching from the comfy seat

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

45/52

Axel River- quiet time

Autumn Rain- quiet at the same time

Ari Indigo- that made three of them for a whole 30 minutes

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

44/52

Axel River-  has been talking about a robot costume for nearly a year.  

                    the coolest robot boy I have ever seen

Autumn Rain- delighted to dress in her own robot girl costume

Ari Indigo- ran down the sidewalk after his big robot siblings, knowing that he fit right in with them

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

43/52

Axel River- stopped his riding to pose with mommy and actually offer a smile

Autumn Rain- her beauty takes my breath away

Ari Indigo- loves playing in the sand by himself

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

My favorite from this week: mybrandnewlifeasmom

One of my favorite ways to look at my children when we play in the back yard is up in the air, framed by the sky..

42/52

A little something different this week.  I have fallen in love with these photos.  We went in search of a giant moon.  Up on top of a ridge, the kids saw this magical sight.  They were amazed at the beauty and brightness before them.  I was in awe of the beauty and the light and the preciousness of my family.  It reminded me of one of my favorite band right now.  The first photo especially reminds me of the cover of their album, and the dream it gives me of traveling and experiencing the vast horizon with the ones I love most.  

Axel- loves outer space.  While sitting on the potty this week, looking at a couple of balloons hanging from the door jamb, he had the realization of how an eclipse occurs.  I was so proud of him and his ability to think about the alignment of the solar system.  He is such a bright boy and a bright star in my heart.  

Autumn- loves her brothers.  She takes care of her little brother.  She is quite overbearing and controlling with him, but has such a desire to be his caretaker (and his boss).  She follows and copies her big brother around all day.  She plays with trains, and cars and in the dirt.  I can hear her mimic his phrases and the way he plays.  I adore her beautiful face and spirit.  She is the most precious girl to me.

Ari- runs around now.  Following his big brother and sister.  He does this thing with his head when he feels independent.  Cocks it to the side and tilts it down, almost like a bull ready to charge.  He loves to dance and sing and scream.  In the early morning when we wake, he looks out of the cracks in the blinds and says, "Happy Day"  It sounds as clear as can be; I cannot imagine that he is saying anything else.  He also says it when we are singing happy birthday.  Ari is quickly becoming the funny little guy of the family.  Even after over a year with only two nights of 5 or more hours of continuous sleep, usually it's broken up into much smaller segments, I just treasure the moments that I get to spend close to him- nursing him in the night- feeling his little body next to mine as we sleep.  

      photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi  

41/52

Axel River- turn right then left

Autumn Rain- fell in love with this sheepie

Ari Indigo- alone story time

photo of each of my kids once a week through 2013,

inspired by Jodi