Late November in the garden

These may be a few weeks late. My brain is Sherlock-compromised. ;)

It was a bit colder than expected and she wanted a hat. Luckily the bonnet was still in the car and she wore it the entire time. I die.

Little Red.

What I'm most thankful for

I am beyond beyond thankful for these three. Nothing else matters when I've got this.

I asked them for a kiss. I love that they were willing. And the fact that James promptly wiped it off as soon as they were done. Goofs!

James, year six

James,

Today you turn six. SIX. At six I can no longer pretend you are a baby. I can no longer pretend you are a toddler, or even a little kid. Being six (and one of the tallest, smartest and biggest kids in your kindergarten class) means you've officially graduated from anything that could be considered small. And the very last of your babyness (your sweet little perfect baby teeth) are loosening and bigger stronger (less straight) teeth are moving in.

James, my dear, I love you so. I try to express it with words and I come to a loss. You still want to hold my hand walking into school, you still smile when you see me, you still want your back scratched every night, and to be tucked in just right before bed. But many things, most things, you are doing yourself.

With each new victory you need me less and less, and it's a bittersweet feeling. Of course I want you to grow and change and become an adult that doesn't need me every single day of their life, but that's going to hurt too. Recently you told me that when you're big you were not moving away, because you'd miss me too much. Because you love me too much. As you were telling me this you started to cry, that the very thought of not seeing me when you wake, kissing you before bed, helping lay out your clothes for the day, was too much to bear.

The thing with that feeling is you'll grow out of it. Before long you'll want your independence. You'll be on your own before I even blink. But that feeling, the feeling of wanting to care for my son will never leave me. You'll need me less and less yet I'll never need you any less than I do now.

I love you my sweet boy. More than you'll ever know. Happiest sixth birthday. I adore you.

Mama (which you still call me, thank goodness!)

It's a rare day I get a photo with these two. Thanks love!

James is SIX

James at SIX!

• Six is the best ever.
• He's so dynamic and expressive. He understands more complex feelings and thoughts.
• He's learning to read.
• He's a math master.
• He makes friends easily at school, his best school friends are Wylie and Mohimen
• He still loves diggers and waterfalls, but his intense interests include natural disasters, weapons, Star Wars and Star Trek, explosions, and science. 
• His favorite foods are cheeseburgers, ice cream and whatever fruit he can find.
• Favorite colors are blue and green.
• Writes amazing things on his school work like "my mommy is kind"
• Plays so well with his sister most of the time. 

Thanksgiving Point Gardens in autumn

Sometimes I feel like I could just post last October's posts and nobody would be the wiser. We do the same things each October: Lagoon, enjoy leaves, Garden After Dark at Red Butte Garden and visit Thanksgiving Point before their garden closes for the season. And of course Halloween.

So, enjoy some autumn garden goodness.

This kid is suddenly so big! Reading and doing math like a pro. Has his first loose tooth and turning six in just a few weeks.

My favorite spot for a photo every single year. Here is a link of the years previous.

They are both goof balls.

E had just returned from a week away and he misses these kiddos so much. Autumn is difficult because it's his busiest travel season by far.

James took this! Well done kiddo!