Arizona

This weekend Jonas and I flew down to Arizona to spend part of their Spring Break with my parents, Nichole and her family. As luck would have it, the weather started to heat up as soon as we got there. In fact, Jonas's first word as we got off the plane was "HOT!" However, the heat didn't stop us from enjoying our time with family. We flew in on Friday evening and went straight to Nichole's for dinner before retiring for the evening.

Saturday (3/11) we took Jonas and Kate to the OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland. I love taking Jonas to places like this. I love to see him discover the world and all the cool creatures in it. He still wasn't particularly fond of the bigger fish, but he did get excited with the penguins and otters. Mostly, I think he just enjoyed running after Kate. She was his buddy all weekend.

I love the sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

Jonas liked the fun kids activities they had throughout the aquarium.

The Butterfly Wonderland was really impressive! We got to see a butterfly emerge from its cocoon then we were led into a large, greenhouse-like room where hundreds of butterflies were flying around. There was a beautiful garden to enjoy as we witnessed colorful butterflies fluttering all around us. A few even landed on us. Jonas became very concerned when one landed on my shirt. He didn't want to touch it, but he definitely didn't want it touching me. All in all, it was a fun first day.

On Sunday, we enjoyed church then took Jonas to the Mesa temple. I had to show him where Jeff and I got married. I love that temple. It will always be my temple. I feel like I grew up in its shadow. I can even begin to count the times I wander around those gardens or felt the peace that exists within its walls. We took a few pictures outside then decided to go into the Vistor's Center. We came in from the back and meandered up front where the Christus statue is. As the statue came into view, Jonas exclaimed, "There's Jesus!" He quickly walked up to the large statue to look at his Savior. There was a senior missionary couple there and the kind gentleman set Jonas up on the pedestal so he could be closer to the Christus. Jonas looked at the prints in His feet and felt his robes. Jonas knows His Savior. Do I? It was touching to watch his innocence and his faith. There were several times I had to choke back the tears. I am so grateful for my Savior...and I'm grateful that my son will know who He is.

Grandma trying to save Jonas from diving in.

Jonas took this picture. Pretty good selfie.

Monday was our traditional Spring Training game. This has been a tradition I have shared with my dad since I was a kid. My dad grew up going to Spring Training games in Tucson with his dad when he was younger. They would watch the Indians. We have carried on the tradition and are now (hopefully) passing it onto the next generation. There are several major league baseball teams that train in the Phoenix area during spring. We have picked the Angels as our team. Unfortunately, the day was really hot so we didn't stay for the whole game. I was concerned about Jonas getting too much sun and not enough water. However, we did get to enjoy our ballpark hot dog, the National Anthem, and watching the Angels' centerfielder smack a home run into the lawn seating area. At first, Jonas was more interested in climbing up and down the bleachers, but once he realized there was a ball being used in the game, he actually sat and watched as the players threw, caught, and hit that ball. I think he may just want to carry on the tradition. I guess only time will tell.

After the game, we went to Nichole's house where Jonas was able to play in the sprinklers and with water balloons to cool off. I have a feeling there will be tons of water activities in our near future.

I loved seeing his tiny little footprints. He's growing up way too fast!

Tuesday (3/14) was our last full day in Arizona. I have to admit I felt torn about going home. I had quite enjoyed the down time with my family. I loved not having to do anything or be anywhere, but I did miss Jeff and the boys. I guess I couldn't shirk responsibilities forever. In any case, we ran a few errands in the morning to prepare Mom and Dad for their trip to Texas on Thursday then met up with Nichole and Kate to go to Urban Jungle. It was this really cool facility with a rock climbing wall, trampolines, obstacle courses, and a fun toddler area for Jonas. He loved this one water trampoline. It was like a water bed that he could jump on. He also enjoyed climbing up the sides of this roller slide. He did not love going down the roller slide.

That evening we all met up at Joe's BBQ (one of my must-visit places when I'm in AZ) for dinner and pie! It was National Pie Day (3.14). We grabbed an Arizona Orange pie from Piefection. It was delicious! It was the perfect way to end a great weekend with family!

Wednesday (3/15) morning we flew home. Jonas is still a pro-traveler. He slept from take-off to touch down on the plane ride to and from AZ. Maybe I finally have a traveling buddy! Jeff seems quite content to just stay home...then again, there truly is no place like home. I was glad to see Jeff and be back with the boys. Now it's time to get ready for Laurin's homecoming!

My birthday!

I think my birthday is still one of my favorite "holidays" to celebrate! My parents always made sure we had a special day. It was never anything over the top, but Dad would take us out of school for lunch, we got to choose the dinner we were going to eat, and we didn't have to do the dishes! There were never annual, grand parties with over-the-top decorations or tons of friends...and that was ok. I just knew that was my special day. Since becoming an adult, I have always reserved my birthday as a special day to be spoiled and to spoil myself. I think it's because it's a holiday I don't have to share with anyone else. Sounds a bit selfish, but I feel like it gives me an excuse to simply be Alisha...to celebrate the day I came to be and to remember who I am. Sometimes I think my individuality gets lost in the roles I play (and adore!). I forget that I am more than a wife, mother, daughter, aunt, friend, etc. so for my birthday, I get to remember that I am me! I get to be celebrated...and loved...and that's the best part. This year is no different. I have felt completely spoiled and absolutely loved. Of course, I decided to celebrate my birthday week rather than just a day. On Wednesday (3/1), Jonas and I went to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. While that may not have been an entirely stress-free activity (what is with a 19 month old?), I enjoyed seeing all the animals, but most especially watching Jonas discover and explore! He LOVED the penguins and watching the sharks swim overhead. He did NOT like the aquariums with the large fish. He'd approach one, quickly turn around, and say, "Bye-bye!". It was actually pretty funny to watch.

After we explored the aquarium, we grabbed a quick lunch then indulged in a gourmet donut from Beyond Glaze. I couldn't resist the chocolate peanut butter swirl! The whole chocolate/peanut butter combo gets me every time.

I continued my birthday celebrations on Friday (3/3) with my traditional birthday lunch with Jeff and Jonas at the Communal. I love traditions. It doesn't have to be anything big. It's just something out-of-the-ordinary and special. Jeff gave me my traditional roses (one for each year) then we walked down to the Provo Bakery to pick up my traditional lemon birthday cake.

After that, Jeff took Jonas and I got some "me" time! I treated myself to a relaxing pedicure before going home to see the older boys and Jeff off on a campout. That meant Jonas and I got to spend the evening together. We rented a movie, got in our pjs, and enjoyed a night in.

The next morning (3/4) Jonas and I went out to breakfast at Cafe 300. Scott recommended it but warned me that they had big pancakes. I underestimated their size. They were HUGE! Luckily I only got one! I loved spending the morning with my little man...and a gigantic pancake.

That afternoon, Katie and Greg took Jonas and I out to lunch! I felt completely spoiled. I am very lucky to not only have a wonderful family of origin, but an amazing family that I married into.

Uncle Greg sat with Jonas in the back seat...now we know why! Jonas loves his Uncle Greg.

Finally, my actual birthday arrived! Again, I was completely spoiled with phone calls, texts, and social media messages wishing me well on my birthday. I am grateful for family and friends, near and far, who took some time out to wish me a happy birthday. After church, I was able to do a little scrapbooking (which may not seem like a huge deal but it was a gift that the other boys entertained Jonas so I could have a little time to do what I wanted to do) before the boys made me my traditional fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean dinner. (See...more traditions!) Jeff's parents, Katie, Greg, Scott, Mel and Kaia joined us. More than anything, I think that's why I enjoy my birthday. I just love being with or hearing from the people I love. I wish we took more time to reach out to those we love year round...not just on special holidays. The night ended with candles and a lemon cake. I would say it was another successful birthday!