New Years in Arizona

SUN!! How's that for a transition? In less than 11 hours, we went from 19 degrees to 79 gloriously warm degrees! It has been our tradition to spend New Years in Arizona with my family. Nichole, my sister, throws a pretty rocking New Years Eve bash every year. This year was a little more low key, but still just as fun. We drove down on Thursday (12/29/16). Jonas was a champ! We were able to drive straight through (with only a brief stop in Kanab for gas) to Flagstaff before we stopped and had lunch. We went to the historic district and ate at the Weatherford Hotel. This is an historic building dating back to 1897. I love places like that. I love going to local restaurants, especially ones with history. Before we left the restaurant, I took a picture of the hotel (1) because it is a beautiful building and (2) because of the pine cone. Yup...Flagstaff doesn't do a ball drop on New Years, it has a pine cone drop. I thought it was pretty funny, but definitely unique. We walked around the historic district and explored some shops before getting back in the car to head to the valley.

We got to my parents' house around dinner time. We were all pretty exhausted (not to mention I was battling a cold), but I insisted on going to see the Mesa LDS temple lights. Every year, we would go see the lights on Christmas Eve (and even more often if we felt like it). I love these lights. I love this temple. It is my temple. It is where Jeff and I were sealed together for time and eternity. It is where our love story began. It just seemed like the perfect thing to do that evening. Dallin and Daniel admired the lights. Jonas just liked being out of his car seat. Perhaps next year he'll be more interested in the lights.

Nichole and her family were traveling back to Arizona on Friday (12/30/16). They had been on a cruise for Christmas so we decided to find something fun to do until Dallin and Daniel could meet up with their cousins. My only stipulation for the day's activity was that it had to be outside! I wanted to maximize the beautiful weather and the sunshine. We started at a really fun park in Tempe. It had something for all the boys! Dallin and Daniel enjoyed this twirly thing that sent them flying. Danny also climbed anything he could find while Dallin played hackie sack with Jeff. Jonas was attracted to the slides and anything with a wheel. After the boys exerted their energies, we had a picnic lunch by a pond with ducks. Jonas LOVED feeding the ducks. He would laugh as he watched them scramble for the scraps of bread.

Once we finished at the park, we headed to Golfland. They were offering discounted passes for miniature golfing, go cart racing, laser tag, and arcades. It was a one stop shop! The boys had a blast! Jonas provided extra obstacles for our golfing adventure and he loved sitting at all the race car arcades. I got to join Dallin and Daniel for the go cart racing while Jeff joined them on the laser tag. I loved how much fun everyone was having.

By the time we left Golfland, Nichole and her family were close to home. I took the boys back to my parents to have dinner (they loved the tamales and beans and rice!) then dropped them off at Nichole's for some quality cousin time.

Saturday was New Years Eve! I can't believe 2016 has come to an end. It has been a good year. It hasn't been without its less-than-pleasurable moments, but in the end, those are the moments that do more to shape our characters than any other moment. All day, I constantly reflected on the blessings I have received...many of which were with me. My faith and my family are the greatest blessings I have. I feel truly blessed. Yet, amidst all the blessings, I discovered areas in my life that need improvement. These past 4 years have been a whirlwind for me. I became a wife, step mom, and mom. I gave up my career and my home...and, I think, my sense of self. While I have been incredibly blessed, I have lost touch with me. There have been so many changes in such a short time. I had years to refine Alisha Shumway. I only have brief grasp of who Alisha Southwick is. I think some of that is my own doing. I think I have let some of those things that define me slip. In 2017, I want to get to know Alisha Southwick better. I have made goals to re-prioritize my life. I have also resolved to improve my relationship with my Savior. He is who knows me best. He is who can guide me and show me the person He wants me to become. I am excited for this new year. I'm excited for all the positive (and negative) adventures that lie in wait. I don't anticipate any major disasters this year, but I know, with my family and my faith, I will be strong enough to overcome them. However, I most look forward to all the small moments that make me smile or laugh. Those are the moments that define my life.

We spent the last day of the New Year outside! We had to soak up all the sun and warmth we could. Luckily, Nichole lives by a little park. We spent most of the afternoon there.

That evening the festivities began. This year was a lot more low key than previous years. Part of that was because Nichole had been out of town, but part of it was because many of us were fighting colds. Still, it was a fun night. We all chipped in to help with dinner then Nichole planned several games to play every hour leading up to midnight. Jonas, Jeff and I only lasted until about 8:00 when we decided to go back to my parents to put Jonas down. I did make sure we watched the ball drop in Times Square at 10:00 p.m. our time. I got my "midnight" kiss too. Happy New Year! Bring on 2017!