Insta-Tuesday {12.8.15}

The camera on my phone is terrible. Like absolutely awful. We've gone through some dumb phone-drama lately (and by we, I mean I) and I just got my lame-phone-with-a-bad-camera replaced by another lame-phone-with-a-bad-camera because the sensor on the first phone stopped working and wouldn't let me open my phone because it thought something was covering it AND it kept hanging up on people because it thought my cheek was trying to push the end-call button. I digress. I just look at these pictures and love the memories associated with them while simultaniously wishing that the picture quality was better. I always feel dumb posting such awful pictures to instagram (and would totally stop if I wasn't doing it so I could post them to our blog then print them in our blog book). I just can't fathom how pictures from my childhood 20 years ago are better quality than the pictures I can capture. *sigh* I know it doesn't really matter, and I really am grateful for the phone that I have and that it only cost $30. AND I know that I'm not responsible enough for a $700 iPhone. But, I can't help but wish that my photos were just a little better quality. 

But that's not really what this post is about. This post is about winter and all the wonderful things we've been up to. Enjoy! 

{11.10.15}

Snow! We tromped around outside this morning (like before-breakfast early) and by the time I let her go back out this afternoon much of it had melted... but she loved it all anyway. (Except she wanted me to make it not so cold.) He loved watching it out the window with his little friend and was mad I wouldn't let him go out, too. #firstsnow #idontreallylikesnow#orcold #orwinter#butidolovechristmasandreadingbooksunderblanketssoiwillsurvive#ohandnetflixbingewatching#anysuggestions?

{11.12.15}

Another wonderful day at the Ranch. Grandpa Walker (my dad) was there helping Grandpa-great work the cows and afterwards took L & C out to the tire swing, then with him to grain the bulls, look at the horses, and a myriad of other fun things. I spent a nice day with my Grandmother and my sister. I love it there and I especially love when my kids get to experience life on the Ranch. (And when my dad is there because he's pretty much the best.)#wyominglife #familiesareforever#whichiswhytheyareimportantrightnow

{11.19.15}

We went to the "donut factory" this afternoon and both kids were enthralled with the whole process. The highlight being when the guy making the donuts gave Lydia and Austin each one of their very own donuts hot off the line. The whole stop was an afterthought after I had already dragged them around to four different stores but I felt like the best mom in the world. Hopefully it makes up for some of my less than stellar mom moments lately. #thatshowitworksright #krispykreme#donutfactory

{11.22.15} 

Austin has been really clingy lately and only wants his mama. But tonight during our bedtime routine David was laying on Lydia's bed and Austin climbed right in and curled himself up next to his Daddy's chest. It was so sweet. The talks in church were about being grateful in all things and I'm just filed with so much gratitude for this little family of mine, especially the wonderful husband who manages to make me feel like he is the lucky one even though everyone knows it's the other way around. I can't imagine a better partner or better dad for L&A. I guess I'm feeling a little sappy (I'm really tired) but this picture makes my heart want to burst. It was one of those moments that I'm SO glad to have captured. This little boy loves his Dad. #abadcameraisbetterthannocamera#heartfullofgratitude

{11.23.15}

It's my amazing mother's birthday today. There are no words for how much I love this woman. She's taught me so much throughout my life and continues to teach me how to be a good mother every day. When I need advice or comfort, she's always there. I'm so blessed to have her.@lwalker23

{11.25.15}

My little rancher-cowboy.#butreallythoseoveralls #walkerblood#walkerangusranch

{11.25.15}

Spent the day at the Ranch visiting Grandma- and Grandpa-Great. Bonus: Grandpa Walker came with us and took Lydia out with them all day long. It was a lovely day. (I told her to try to give GG a kiss before he tickled her, and snapped that top picture. I love it!)#walkerangusranch #wyomingdays

{11.26.15}

I can't find the words to express all the feelings in my grateful heart today. There are so many blessings, great and small, that fill my life every day. I'm grateful for the opportunity to live in this scary and troubled world with a knowledge of God and the solid foundation of the Gospel and I'm grateful for my sweet family who give me perspective and purpose and fill my life with so much happiness. (Also, Lydia let me curl her hair today and I think that is a Thanksgiving miracle!) Happy Thanksgiving!

{11.29.15}

Bow ties are cool.#whovianintraining

{11.30.15}

Free aquarium day today. Not nearly as crazy as free zoo day but still a lot of people. Lydia loved climbing in the jungle gym area but Austin looooved the exhibits. I'm just glad to have spent some time with my sister @jennahaderlie. These cousins make me smile. (Truth be told: Lydia didn't listen to me the whole time which resulted in a lot of power struggles and stress. But I'm hoping this still makes it into the "good childhood memory" bucket.)#lovelandlivingaquarium#cousinsmakethebestfriends

{12.2.15}

Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point last night. Highlights: Austin giggling as he helped "drive" and Lydia pointing out all the things she saw in the lights. I'm sad they aren't doing this next year!#christmastraditions

{12.4.15}

Bunk bed shopping is exhausting.#Lydiawantsabunkbedforchristmas#withaslide #babywearingforthewin#thoseeyelashes

{12.7.15}

Our wonderful (and Jewish) neighbors held a Hanukkah party tonight. It was so fun and interesting and I hope they do it every single year!

{12.8.15}

Holiday baking round one: sugar cookies. Two double batches will hopefully be enough to least the season. (Plus enough for the annual cookie decorating contest.)#peadenfamilytraditions#onlyonethirddonewithourbaking