May was a joyful month for our family. We took a refreshing getaway to southern Utah, celebrated Mother’s Day and Naomi’s birthday, and went mini golfing together for the first time.

“I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass.”

Welcome to “Moments” on JoyFoodSunshine. At the end of each month I share a recap of our family’s favorite moments. Here’s a snapshot of our life in May 2021.

Life lately

We enjoyed a low-key, fun-filled month. Between a southern Utah trip, Mother’s Day surprises, Naomi’s birthday, and a first-time family outing to mini golf, it felt like a season of small, meaningful celebrations.

Baby Zach (4 months)

My sweet baby boy turned four months and I’m completely smitten. Zach is smiling so much now and fills our days with giggles and coos.

Sleep is still a work in progress, so I’m often tired. He wakes some nights between 2 and 3 a.m. and again around 4:30–5 a.m., which means early mornings for me. I haven’t started pumping to build a milk stash yet like I did with my other children, but I plan to begin soon.

Zach still loves sleeping on me; he settles quickly in a carrier or wrap and often naps against my chest, whether we’re hiking or at church. Toward the end of the month we transitioned him from swaddles to a sleep sack. He’s a thumb-sucker and being able to self-soothe made an immediate difference—his first unswaddled night was better than many weeks prior.

Southern Utah getaway

We needed a change of scenery, so I planned a relaxed escape to a town in southern Utah. The kids love the High School Musical movies, so we stayed where one of the films was shot. It was the refresh we needed—warm weather, outdoor play, and a break from the daily newborn rhythm of nursing, rocking, and trying to sleep.

The kids were in heaven, climbing and hiking everywhere. We picked up walkie-talkies so the older kids could explore while we kept in touch. We swam, ate well, and soaked up time together. On the drive home we even stopped for ice cream—an ideal end to a lovely week.

Mother’s Day

Ritch surprised me by arranging for another pastor to preach so we could drive to and from church together. As a pastor’s wife, being able to worship as a family without the usual pastoral responsibilities was incredibly meaningful. I cried when he told me.

He planned our whole day: breakfast together, church, lunch out, and then home for a nap while he and Bethany made dinner. The kids made me sweet cards and thoughtful gifts. It was the most loving, restful Mother’s Day I’ve had.

Mini Golf

We took all the kids mini golfing for the first time and it was a perfect, simple day. With the house being cleaned, we headed out for a family activity and the kids loved every minute. Each child’s personality shone: Bethany kept score, Gabe enforced the rules, Naomi wandered happily, Mara focused on her swing, and Keilah made up her own game.

Naomi’s Birthday

Naomi—whose name means “sweet”—is pure light. For her birthday she wanted to swim at our local water park, so we spent the day there. For meals she requested chocolate chip pancakes with berry syrup and whipped cream for breakfast, BLTs for lunch, and dinner from her favorite restaurant.

She asked for a castle cake. I don’t use fondant and prefer edible frosting, so I built a cake with rosettes and edible decorations. It wasn’t perfect, but Naomi loved it—and that’s what mattered most. She opened gifts with genuine gratitude and kept saying thank you to everyone.

I’ve learned not to chase elaborate social-media-worthy parties. The happiest moments for kids are simple: cake, presents, and time with family. Those memories, not Pinterest-perfect setups, are what stick with them.

A few of my favorite things

Here are some things I loved this month.

Dreft scent

The Dreft fragrance I remember from earlier baby years changed a while back and I missed that newborn scent. I found a product that brings back that fresh-baby smell in the wash, and it’s been a small but comforting joy.

Nespresso

After polling friends on Instagram, we chose a Nespresso machine to recreate coffee-shop drinks at home. It’s easy to use and perfect for our busy season. We’ve started making Saturday latte mornings for the older kids, and it’s become a fun family ritual.

Walkie talkies

Ritch bought rechargeable walkie talkies and they’ve been fantastic for giving the kids freedom while keeping us connected. They have good range and feel more substantial than typical kids’ models—great for summer adventures.

Recipes I’m making on repeat

These were our go-to dishes this month. I’ve also been testing new recipes to share later in the year, but these favorites kept coming back to our table.

Burrata salad – always my favorite

Pretzel bread – always Ritch’s favorite

Snapshots

Some moments from this month:

The place where High School Musical 2 was filmed, where we enjoyed a favorite dinner.

The kids scrambling through a slot canyon.

On the bridge where one of Mara’s favorite scenes was filmed.

More rock climbing adventures.

Bethany lovingly rocks Zach to sleep every night; she adores helping with him and he responds to her warmth.

Cute morning moments with the kids.

Naomi often wakes up a bit tangled from sleep—her expressions are priceless.

Baby Z loves the baby swing and naps there happily.

Snuggling a little one to sleep is still one of my daily joys.

Those braids, that dress—too cute for words.

Swim lessons are underway and the kids are learning and growing every week.

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