a hike

desert rain

I was just getting ready to make dinner last night when the kids came running inside and said, "Mom! You have to come see this beautiful rainbow!" So out I went and when I saw how truly magnificent it was, I abandoned our dinner plans and we jumped in the car and drove a few miles down the road for a better view. It doesn't rain very often in this desert but when it does, it's nothing short of glorious -- everything becomes saturated with color and contrast, and we can't bear to stay inside. We walked along a quiet road in Kayenta for awhile, then drove back toward our house and walked along a dirt road that heads toward some horse stables. William didn't stop running the whole time until he realized there were a bunch of big rocks along the side of the road, which he picked up and threw over and over while saying, "Mom! Look at THIS bad boy! Think I can throw it?" He is so hilarious! Millie walked right along with me most of the time, just chatting and appreciating the rain, which felt like a treasure -- one of those moments I want to tuck away and never forget.

I honestly can't think of anything better than an impromptu walk in a surprise rainstorm with my two favorite kids in the world. What a perfect evening.

(I'm still working on the pictures from our California trip, but they'll be up soon!)

Easter

We had such a nice Easter weekend! We colored eggs and had the traditional BBQ and Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Johansen's house. William didn't remember the egg hunt from last year, and he was SO excited once he realized what it entailed and what was inside the plastic eggs (money and candy)! He stopped partway through and said, "Mom, I am having SO MUCH fun!!" After it was all said and done, he asked how far away Halloween was (his favorite holiday) and then said, "Can we have Easter again on Halloween?" :) Millie wasn't feeling well -- we've had a tummy bug going around -- but she wasn't about to miss it, and ended up feeling just well enough to have a good time. Who wouldn't have fun running around searching for rainbow-colored eggs filled with all sorts of goodness?

The weather was perfect, and has continued to be since, a fact about which we are all very happy. Hopefully the 90s will hold off a good while, but these days of mid 70s have been perfect. I love this gorgeous spring weather and I adore these two beautiful kids!

William-ism

(said while pointing from feet to tummy to head)

Mom, look! I'm five . . . I'm five minutes long!

:)