Arizona!

On Wednesday (March 7), Jonas and I flew to Arizona to spend some time with my parents. This has been a tradition since I've married Jeff. I generally go down around my birthday (and for my mom's Spring Break) to take in a Spring Training game with my dad, but this year we decided to forego the game until Dad's health is a little better. Jonas and I flew in Wednesday evening.

He was so good in the airport that he earned a couple cars to play with on the plane. Thanks goodness for $1.00 Matchbox cars!!

He always falls asleep! This time he was out before take off and I had to wake him up after landing.

Thursday (March 8) Nichole and Kate joined Dad, Jonas and I for a trip to the zoo. The weather has been perfect in AZ this year. Most of the time when I visit the temperatures are already in the 90s, but this year it didn't top out over 81 degrees! We had fun at the zoo! Jonas did enjoy looking at the animals (especially the monkeys), but he was more fascinated with the tractors and the "milking" cow at the petting zoo area of the zoo. No big surprise! Jonas did, however, ride a camel with Kate and I. Since I turned 39, I decided to try to have 40 new experiences before I turn 40. These can be anything from new foods to try to activities to participate in or simply events to experience. As we were walking around the zoo, we saw that they were giving camel rides. I have never ridden a camel so I figured this was a good way to start my 40by40 project. Kate was eager to join me and Jonas agreed to ride along as well. I was a little surprised that Jonas didn't freak out once we started to get on the camel, but he didn't. He even stopped to pet the camel after the ride was over. It was a fun experience...and it was fun doing it with Jonas and Kate.

After the zoo, Jonas and I hung out with Nichole, Tyler and Kate since they would be leaving to visit Krystle the following day. While Jonas napped, I helped them pack and get ready then we met up with Mom and Dad for dinner at Pita Jungle that evening. This was my birthday dinner treat. It's one of my favorite places to eat in Arizona!

Nichole and I indulging in a juicy AZ orange!

The next day (Friday, March 9) Jonas and I were on our own with Dad. Since the weather has been so nice, we decided to head to Freestone park to play and have a picnic. We were also able to take a little train ride around the park and enjoyed a carousel ride too. Jonas even got to ride a "seadoo" (which he did at least three times!). I think Jonas enjoyed the rides more than the park.

That evening Jonas came down with some sort of stomach flu. The poor little guy was throwing up and running off. He has never been a sick kid so it was a little disconcerting to both of us. Still, he seemed to be doing better by the next morning (Saturday, March 10) so we ventured out again. This time Mom got to come along. We headed to Urban Jungle - a jump place with slides, trampolines and so much more. Jonas loved exploring all the fun stuff to do. We had been here once before. It is always fascinating to see how his interests change. The last time we were here, he hated the roller slide. This time, he loved it! After about an hour though, he was feeling pretty tired and started to exhibit signs of being sick again. We left for home but made one quick stop so Grandma could buy him a gift. Of course, it ended up being more tractors! That kid loves his tractors and construction vehicles.

The rest of the day, we just hung out at the house since Jonas started throwing up again. Poor kid! Sunday (March 11) was much the same. We began our morning with a walk around Fountain Hills. I can’t remember the last time I had been to see the fountain. It was a beautiful morning for a walk. We enjoyed watching the fountain, chasing ducks, visiting the Veteran’s Memorial, playing at the park and seeing all the statues around the lake. On the way home, Jonas fell asleep so we simply relaxed at home for the rest of the afternoon.

That evening, we did venture out to go to the Mesa LDS temple. This temple will always be my temple. This was the first temple I went to. This is where I came to feel peace when my heart was broken. This is where I came to find faith when I had doubts. This is where Jeff and I were married. This will always remain a sacred place for me. Unfortunately because Jonas was sick, I didn’t have a chance to go inside, but at least we were able to walk around the grounds and go to the visitors center. I loved taking Jonas there. I hope he will always feel what an important place these temples are to me.

Monday (March 12) was our last day in Arizona. By now, Jonas was feeling better but still not a 100%. Still, we had to soak up the perfect weather once more before we went home to cold temperatures and rain/snow. We went to Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Jonas fed the ducks and played on the playgrounds. He loved the zip line. He was by far the youngest kid in the line, but he wasn’t scared or deterred in his quest to ride the zip line. I love that he is fearless...yet cautious. He still won’t take any unnecessary risks unless I am right there to ensure his safety.

The rest of the day, Grandma and Papa played with Jonas at home while I finished some laundry and packed up. The next morning Jonas and I flew home. I was glad we were able to come down for a visit. I miss having my parents around. I’m so glad that Jonas didn’t waste any time warming up to them. Family is always what matters most.

Asleep again!

My 39th Birthday!

This is it! My last year in my 30s!! This has definitely been the most adventurous decade EVER! I bought a house...then sold it. I earned my professional license. I continued to travel the world. I got married...and had 4 kids all in one day! I added another kid to that crazy mix. Phew! It makes me exhausted just thinking about it all! I remember thinking that 40 was soooo old...now that I'm only a year away from it, it doesn't seem that bad after all. Still, I have one final year in my 30s and I'm ready for all the new adventures it will bring (I hope!). As is usually the case, I spread out my birthday celebrations over the whole weekend (and into the next week as I travel to AZ to visit my parents). I started the party with a fun date with Jonas on Thursday (March 1). He took me to the Provo Beach Resort (ok...I really took him but it's not usually a place we go on our weekly adventures so it was a little more special). We played arcades, mini bowling, croquet, climbed around the Mega Playground, rode the carousel, etc. I love hearing him laugh and seeing him smile. His joy brings me joy so it was a perfect date.

The next day, (Friday, March 2nd) Jeff and I went out on our usual date, and I got to pick what we did and where we ate. That is actually not unusual at all, but this time I didn't have to feel guilty about making him watch a chick flick (Forever My Girl) or eating somewhere he wouldn't put in his top 3 choices. It's the little things that make a birthday weekend great. Haha! (Sorry...no pictures) Saturday (March 3rd) I took the morning off. I left Jeff at home with the boys while I went to get a pedicure, do a little shopping, and enjoyed a quiet, kid-free lunch. Nothing says birthday like a little personal pampering, retail therapy, and good food!

Sunday (March 4th) was just a normal day, but Monday (March 5)...my actual birthday...the celebrations continued. Traditionally, Jeff takes me to lunch at the Communal in downtown Provo then we walk to the Provo Bakery to pick up my lemon birthday cake. This year we had to change things up a bit because the Communal isn't open on Mondays so we went to the next best place, the Black Sheep Cafe. They seriously have one of the most delicious burgers I've ever had! Black Sheep Cafe serves Native American cuisine with a Southwest flair. Growing up in AZ, this is comfort food. Their burger is served on Indian Fry bread with some southwestern spices. It is soooo good! Jeff and Jonas met me at the restaurant with several dozen roses. Jonas also promptly told me that he picked out a card for me and that it sings. I guess he isn't quite to the stage to keep secrets for surprises. I loved the card even more knowing that he had a hand in picking it out. After we ate, we walked to the Provo Bakery to get my yummy cake! Luckily we didn't have to come up with an alternative to Provo Bakery! Their cakes are seriously so good!!

That evening, Jeff and the boys made my traditional birthday dinner ("fried" chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans). I have eaten this since I was a kid. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I like traditions. I like knowing what to expect or I just really like chicken and mashed potatoes. Who knows? But this has always been my go-to birthday dinner. Afterwards, we indulged in the yummy lemon cake (that could feed an army!). It was the perfect way to end the day...and start the next year of life! (Thanks to my in-laws and Scott for joining in the celebration!)

Bring on 39!!

Danny's orchestra concert

Tonight Danny had another orchestra concert. It has really been rewarding to witness his growth over the past two years. It is fun to hear him practice and actually take ownership of his progress. I love music. I played the flute from 5th grade until my senior year. Some of my fondest school memories come from being in band and symphony orchestra. I am a firm believer in the benefit of music on a child's cognitive development. I told Danny that by learning how to read and play music, he has essentially learned another language that is truly universal. I am really proud of his dedication because it isn't easy, but he's finding out that it's worth it!