When I was trying to take some photos of Max the other day, Sydney quickly put on an assortment of accessories and hopped right in. After nearly 3 years of chasing her with a camera, she's finally warming up to the idea of being my #1 model. 

Sydney is so playful and imaginative. She begs for story after story, and as soon as I say "The End", she chirps "Tell story?!" She's always been a bit of a tomboy, preferring Buzz Lightyear, Elmo, and Thomas the Train. But in the past few months she's suddenly talking about princesses and castles and a prince on a horse. I think the movie Tangled had something to do with that. She is obsessed.

While toddlerhood can be a lot of work, it is definitely the most entertaining experience I've ever had. The things that come out of Sydney's mouth keep me cracking up all day. I just love this little girl so much!

In a few days, this little chubbo will be NINE months old. How did that happen?! I took these last month, but he's still just as roley, since he hasn't been too mobile until recently. Actually, this week he learned to crawl, and I'm afraid all these rolls will begin to disappear. I'd better sneak more butter into his food. :)

I am so smitten by this little man. I've never met a soul so sweet, innocent, loving, forgiving, patient, and happy. He's sensitive and loves to be showered with love. He seems to sense any tension or stress, and just glows when we are excited and happy. So I try to do my best and stay upbeat and smiley whenever he's in my arms. 

He is very much a mama's boy, but he loves to watch his daddy, and will just stare and stare in awe...like he knows he's daddy's little mini-me. He is head-over-heels for Sydney. She can do no wrong in his eyes. She's a sweetheart to him, but even when she forgets and takes away a toy, or ignores him for a while, he continues to gaze at her with an adoring smile and laughs at every little thing she does. 

Ever since the moment Max was placed in my arms for the first time, I knew this was a special little guy. And that I was the luckiest in the world to be his mother.

Tony and Sarah welcomed their fourth little one - baby Caitlin. During some Easter festivities with the family, Sarah and I ducked out for a bit to get some newborn shots. I did these in our master bedroom to get the soft window light. I love natural light. And I love newborns...especially sweet sleepy ones that happen to be related to me. :)

As soon as Kathleen got home from her mission, Alex finished getting his papers in, and quickly got his call! At least they get to see each other before he takes off for two years. But it will be bittersweet to have another sibling gone on a mission. I'm so proud of my little brother!

Here are a few more of Malinda and her adorable family. We took these in the CLU hills next to our house we grew up in. See that hill (or "mountain", as I used to call it before realizing what Utah mountains look like) in the background? We used to hike and explore those all the time...barefoot, muddy, out for an adventure. :) Childhood is the best. And now we have kiddos of our own to relive all those fun memories!

Thank goodness there's a day set aside each year to celebrate motherhood! Not just because this morning I got breakfast in bed (thanks, honey!), but because there are so many wonderful women in our lives that deserve celebrating! Here's a little shout-out to my own mama, who continues to be such an amazing mother to me, as well as my little ones.