I cut my hair.
Then I cried.
Sorry, this is post nap picture, so it's not totally fixed, not that it looks any different when it is!
There is just a little too much face for me now, no hair to hide behind.

Omaha Zoo

(Collin, Caleb, Susie, Hannah & Talin)

We love the Omaha Zoo, so when the weather was bragging to be seventy degrees on Saturday, we jumped at an invitation from Chad and Betsy to join them at the zoo.

Ready to go!
Oh how I wish Talin were looking at the camera for this picture!!

Collin, Susie and Tom on the gorillas.

This zoo has some amazing attractions, the gorillas are one of the coolest exhibits.

True to form, Talin attached himself to Hannah and made it his responsibility to look out for her. Even taking her leash from her dad at times, which was fine until Collin wanted a turn, he treated her more like a puppy than a little girl. It was quite amusing.

Caleb watching the monkeys.

This boy loved the zoo, it was fun to take him now that he's older.

Can you hear the ocean?

Talin can.

No, Collin is not intoxicated in this picture.

Me and my boys.

They are really the best. Looking at this picture makes me realize how lucky I am to have these boys.

The Family.

We were in the shark tank so it was pretty dark, and the sharks swimming around us and overhead were kind of distracting.

Caleb loved the shark tank, I think the aquarium was his favorite part. Mainly because he couldn't miss the fish swimming around, and it's super awesome.

So much fun, but a little bittersweet at the thought that it's probably our last trip to the Omaha Zoo since we're moving in two months. :( I'd like to write a post about our future move and the heartache involved, but there would be too many tears, and it might be too mushy and painful to read, mainly for me to write.

One Year

A lot can happen in one year.
A whole lot.

Our family dynamics are so different, so much better. We now devote our time to each other, to Caleb. One year ago I never would have imagined life to be what it is today. It's been a long road to travel, and the bumps have been unexpected, not the ones I assumed would come along.

But accepted and taken into stride.
One year.
Wow.

Caleb came to nervous, unsure parents. We weren't sure what to expect. We weren't even sure if he would be with us for a full year, we were scared, but we found comfort. Caleb not only opened our hearts and answered our prayers, but he opened us up to new friends, new possibilities, and a whole new world of beautiful people; people willing to pick up our slack when we haven't been able to carry the load ourselves. Family members flying out, listening to hours of my phone conversations of frustrations, pitfalls and triumphs with Caleb. Ward members who bring a treat each week for the older boys, who love on them and care for them during sacrament meetings, and always have a mint or a m&m when most needed, and take Caleb and rock him to sleep during church when I'm ready to pull my hair out. And these are all different people, different families, all offering us their support.

We love this boy. Without him we wouldn't be who we are today. He has taught us a lot this past year. The most important lesson I've learned is acceptance.

Acceptance of trials.

Acceptance of service and love.

Acceptance of people in all walks of life.

I love my Caleb, and I love every little thing about him, even that blasted g-tube!

We look forward to many more birthdays and celebrations each year for him.

His triumphs and victories will be many.

Watch out.

Don't you wish you felt this way about cake?

Happy Birthday Caleb!!

One Year Old Today!

(that is a tear of birthday joy)

A little vacuuming & dinner