Chick Weekend 2010

First stop- Cheesecake Factory for some lettuce wraps:) We always seem to get the most "interesting" waiters. "Are you really going to ask that? I just told you I have the same purse and I'm wearing white sunglasses!!!" oopps.

"Mani, pedi? I take good care of you..." "you have boyfriend?"

There's nothing better than finding a great pair of purple shoes. Oh wait... yes there is. Buying them with Amy and getting a two-fer deal!!!

My first experience in a Tornado. Okay... it was just a warning, but we heard the sirens and everything. Thanks for navigating us safely home Amy!

Another great weekend with the girls! It was so fun seeing where Amy's been hanging out all this time and trying St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake.

You can't call your trip to St. Louis complete without visiting the arch!

Gila Valley Temple Trip

YEAH! Arizona got a new temple- The Gila Valley Temple

dedicated May 23, 2010

In Young Women's, I challenged the girls to take the Gen. YW's Pres. Challenge of being 100% in three things. Reading from the Book of Mormon for at least 5 minutes, praying and smiling EVERYDAY!! I gave them this challenge the day after they broke ground for the Gila Valley Temple and I challenged them to try and be 100% for the entire year until the temple was finished. Then we would visit the temple together. I'm good friends with the Stake YW's President and they decided to make the temple trip a Stake Youth Conf.

I gave the girls that were 100% for at least the last month, a special necklace at the temple. Those that didn't quite make it could still earn one as well by being 100% for one month straight. This challenge helped me to recommit to reading the Book of Mormon... everyday. Because who doesn't have 5 minutes for the Lord? After the temple trip was over I decided to continue to try and be 100%.

Of course we wanted our children to see the House of the Lord as well so the next weekend, I made the trip again. I gave my kids a white handkerchief to take with them so they could have it as a reminder of the cleanliness and peace you feel inside the temple.

They were able to use the same handkerchief the following sunday for the temple dedication by Pres. Monson.

Audrey loved the Bride's room, Blake liked the ox in the baptismal font. Jackson (and everyone) loved the huge chandelier in the Celestial Room and Chase loved the cookies afterward:) I loved being in the Celestial Room with my entire family- a first. There was definitely a special spirit and I got a small glimpse of heaven.

2nd Annual T-Bird Trot

Round 2 for the T-Bird Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run!

Jackson went to Milers Club with me to train for the T-Bird Trot. He actually ran this year, instead of riding in the stroller the whole time. He was excited to do the kids race.

Blake came in second place with a time of 24: (something). Way to go Blake! and he didn't puke this year either.

Audrey ran the 5K this year too. She stayed with her friends for most of it but was able to run hard at the finish. "Go, go, go Audrey you know what I mean! Go, go, go Audrey your a running machine!"

Now for the kids fun run- notice the tongue.

Go Jackson!! The kids race had an obstacle course this year and Jackson won a prize.

Phew- another year under our belt. Time to start training for next year!

Soccer Champions Winter 2010

We started our own co-ed soccer team back in the Fall of 2008. We play on Friday nights with other couples for our date night. We are C&A which stands for Choice and Accountability. Notice the Orange jerseys... any connections?

Matt actually really enjoys playing now that he's gotten good at it. He's pretty tough on D. It beats dinner and a movie by far.

This will be remembered as the "perfect night of soccer" The weather was perfect, the brand new field was perfect and C&A won the championship for the first time. Fun stuff!

Catalina Trail 5 mile Race

I've known Matt a long time and I was finally able to talk him to running a race with me. Now that our kids are older, we can leave them and run together. There is a 5.2 mile trail race at Catalina State Park (right near us). Since there was trails and mountains involved, I think that's why he agreed to do it.

Matt wasn't very valiant on his training, but he came to the race with a smile on his face ready to "just finish". He's never ran that far before in his life when a ball wasn't involved somehow. He pinned on his number and was ready to go.

Somehow I managed to finish first in my age group and won this very expensive, very prestigious...mug. Matt finished as well and I was so proud of him. The question is "will he do it again?"

Easter 2010

This Easter we got to watch General Conference. We love listening to the Prophet and apostles speak so this seemed like a special Easter treat.

We played a little Hungry, Hungry Hippo...

and had a quick Nerf Gun war before it was time to sit still and listen.

After Conference, Paul and Trisha came over for Easter dinner.

Then on to an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

Good quality time together with cousins.

Jackpot! Audrey found the money egg this year. I think that's 2 in a row for her.

That should last him for awhile.

You're never too old to find free candy!

Chase caught on quick and loved putting his eggs in his baseball basket.

HAPPY EASTER!!