bikes bikes and more bikes!

Well needless to say after Rylee learned to ride her bike...Taya decided she needed to upgrade from this...

(dont know why its blurry)

To this....:)

I couldnt believe how well she picked it up! She took right off...no fear at all. After the first day she was riding in circles saying..."AND TURN!" she didnt care how bumpy the road was or how fast she was going. Totally different from Rylee when she was 2. I think she's mainly just wanted to keep up with her big sister, and she's done a pretty darn good job! Sure love this fun little girl!

Taya wanting to learn to ride a bike, meant getting Rylee a bigger one. I found this awesome purple bike on KSL for $10. I told Ry she could earn it if she wanted to which of course she did. We drove to pick up the bike and when we got there, I was a little worried at how beat up the bike was...it was far from shiny and new and the little handle bar breaks were hanging off, but when Rylee saw it she ran up to it and said, "ITS PERFECT!" I shoulda known a 4 year old would be able to see past some scratches and scrapes. After all it was dark purple and sparkly and nothing could fit my little Rylee better then that!

A couple weeks in and she's turned into a little dare devil. So fun!

Since the girls loved their bikes so much Derek and I decided to follow suit, and after quite a few hours KSL shopping I found us 2 great deals on some nice bikes and a bike trailer and we've had TONS of fun going on family bike rides. Isnt summer just the best!!!

Zoom zoom Rylee on 2 wheels

It's crazy as a parent you watch your child reach so many little and milestones in just the first 5 years of life. Their first cry, first smile (even if its a gas one it counts!) first giggle, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, eating rice cereal, eating solid food, eating sugar! First steps, first word, first sentance, first prayer, first injury, first day in nursery, first night away from parents, potty training, learning colors, letters, animal sounds, numbers, songs, how to write their names and draw their cute interpretation of what people look like. First day at preschool and sunday school..all that good stuff and more. The funny part of all of it, is that every single first, and every little accomplishment is bigger and more exciting then the last! You think you couldnt love or be more proud of your child and then tomorrow comes and they suprise you. Well this little post is in honor of miss Ry learning to be a little pro on her bike minus its training wheels! It was such a rush watching her learn and pick it up so fast! I was a little sceptical because just last summer she didnt even want to ride on the road cause it was too bumpy but off she went and within 3 days of practicing she wasnt needing any help starting or turning. It was definately a proud parent day for me and Der! :) Sad thing is, today it was first time riding a bike without training wheels and before we know it, first day of kindergarten...middle school...high school! first date, first kiss, first love! oh man I sure dont mind waiting for all of those firsts! I'll take these little milestones and SOAK them in!

How cute is she, all ready to ride! :)

Once she learned, riding her bike has been all she's wanted to do...gotta love her all ready to go! :)

the "good air"

Some of my favorite memories of my Dad are of us being in the mountains together. I remember driving up Ephraim canyon, in our little white datsun pickup truck with the windows down, and Dad would say how he loved breathing the "good air." Thats stuck with me ever sense. He loved the mountains, being close to the simple goodness God created for us. I hope to pass the love of breathing in the good air, to our kids. Each time we get high enough up the mountains to breath it, I feel calm and remember Dad. The mountains are a perfect place to be, and I'm so lucky to have always had some close to me! 

To the Good Air!

Cute Derek right after we got married :) one of my favorite pictures!

Our family 2 years ago up Ephraim canyon at the little lake

We took the girls in the bike trailer up the Provo canyon trail and stopped for a picknic. Its crazy how much better the air is just a little way out of the city...love it!

2 cute little buddies

2 more cute little buddies :)

Absolutely love this picture!

Our next summer trip up the mountains was a quick one to roast marshmallows and make smores. We had fun finding dry wood and making a little fire. The girls ran around free and played in the open field. It was such a nice little get away and we left smelling like dirt and a fire pit...it was perfect :)

love this girl and her beautiful hair :) 

yay for smores...straight sugar! 

look at that perfectly dirty little face! oooh she's just delicious!: ) 

once again...delicious!!! 

Me and Ry up the bridal veil falls. The water was freezing but it still felt perfect to just sit and relax

love for the mountains and all that good air!