SOCCER BOY!

Gavin has started soccer and we are so proud of him! Being a parent is the best! It is so rewarding to watch your kids enjoying their lives, meeting friends, and playing some fun sports! Gavin is a pretty good little player, he loves to steal the ball and do some "slide" steals :) In the second to last picture he scored a goal and was so happy! GO GAVIN!!

The majestic Pine Creek

The morning of Gavin's birthday we took a drive to one of the most majestic places above Paradise Valley called Pine Creek. I wanted to show my dad this beautiful spot and to let Gavin wade in the cool mountain stream. It was beautiful that morning despite all of the smoke filled skies which gave the stream a suddle glow. The boys went down right away and started to wade in the water while my dad took time to take in all he was seeing and marvel as he took pictures. It was so nice to have my dad there to share this moment with him and to see him happy and in his element. If he would have had his fly rod it would have been that much better! He showed the boys how to build a dam in the river and Gavin worked hard at moving rocks for quite some time while Carter, my explorer, crossed the river and was on his own adventure. We love this place so much.
On a sad note... A fire started just days after these photos were taken and our community has been praying for relief. There have been 5 homes lost at Pine Creek and we hear this area was burned. I am so grateful that we made it up there that day to make this special memory on Gavin's birthday and now we will have to wait patiently for the re-growth to come. It will always be a special place.

Birthday dip in Chico

Chico Hot Springs is a historic landmark and one of our most favorite spots to enjoy a day of soaking and eating diner food by the pool. The boys enjoyed their swim in the warm water on a hot day and cooled off with some montana made vanilla ice cream! My dad opted for the huckleberry ice cream sandwich. Yum. I love these boys and their individuality and unique spirits. Its a wonder how they are each so different but when they come together its always a busy and crazy time! This was the second stop on Gavin's birthday adventure and it sure was a hit!

Gavin's 6th Birthday!

 One of Gavin's favorite spots is the Pop Stand to eat and play the coin operated video games!
It is such a landmark in Paradise Valley and serves up great food and ice cream for all.
It was a special treat to have Grandpa with us that night to enjoy his company and celebrate our fun and unpredictable Gavin. :)

 He took his "wish" very seriously as he pondered for quite awhile while the candles were lit but once he knew he happily blew out those 6 candles with one big breath!

 Gavin is over the moon about Pokemon cards right now. He seems to spend all of his hard earned chore money on them whenever he gets a chance! He also was ecstatic about getting a new fishing pole and a scooter to ride around the neighborhood and down to the park. Thank you all of our family for the many cards and money sent for Gavin. He used it to buy.... Pokemon cards!

 A RARE sighting of two brothers showing that they do really love each other. :)

A large canister of gumballs! I think he has consumed them all by now!! What a kid! We love this fun-loving, creative, active, silly, and determined little guy. I can't believe my baby is now 6! The years just seem to fly by now.