Playing Catch-up--Everett is Four!

I haven't sat down to blog for way too long. I have a lot of catching up to do, so let's see how far I can get!

Everett turned four this year.  We were in Utah for his birthday (that blog post is coming) and used that day to go to the Museum of Natural Curiosity.  This museum was in one word: phenomenal.  It was better than OMSI and the Children’s Museum combined, times 100. We went with Jamie, Amber, Jamie’s sister Ashley, and our friend from college, Becca.  We were there for 4 hours and we didn’t even see the entire thing. The boys stayed thoroughly entertained and it was like pulling teeth to go. Everett really felt so lucky to be able to spend his birthday that way!

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Everett's 21 Questions--Age 4

1. What is your favorite color? Orange
2. What is your favorite toy? My ninja knife and my ninja nunchuks.
3. What is your favorite fruit? Orange
4. What is your favorite TV show? Big Hero Six
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Mac n Cheese
6. What is your favorite outfit? My orange shirt and shorts
7. What is your favorite game? Sorry
8. What is your favorite snack? Fruit Snacks
9. What is your favorite animal? Cheetah
10. What is your favorite song? Phineas and Ferb theme song
11. What is your favorite book? Picture books
12. Who is your best friend? Anderson (Miller)
13. What is your favorite cereal? Honey Bunches of Oats
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Playing outside
15. What is your favorite drink? milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? my Reed
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cold cereal
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Aebelskiver
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Cowboy
21. What is your favorite thing to do inside? Play with Tyler's ninja turtle costume

It was really hard for you to come up with these answers this time. You are so concerned about being right that you hesitate to say anything at all :) We love you Bud!

Claire Turned 30!

At the end of February, I got to fly (kid-free) to the Phoenix Valley for four days to celebrate Claire's 30th with her! Me being there was (part of) her birthday gift from her husband. I'm so spoiled!

It was so. much. fun. The trip was filled with delicious food, visiting the temple, shopping, hiking, and hanging out with her adorable kiddos. I think I gained 7 pounds in those 4 days, since we ate out practically every single meal. (Was it 9 times in 4 days, Claire?)

It was so great to be able to do a session with Claire, in the new Phoenix temple. We have been to the temple a couples times together, but hadn't been able to do a session together before. Glad we got to check that off of our bucket list!

For Claire's actual birthday, we went to dinner at the Melting Pot with 4 of her closest friends. We ate and hung out and ate some more and chatted for three solid hours. It was great!

We played soccer in the backyard with the kids. I got to go for a quick run in the warm Arizona air, and experience a Phoenix rainstorm. I got to know Claire's husband a little bit better, as his work schedule wasn't nearly as chaotic this time. He coaches the young men's basketball team, and we got to go watch the 16-17 year olds compete against their father's. It was so fun to watch!

It was so great to be able to spend those four days with Claire and her family. I am grateful that I was able to go, and make so many memories with Claire, Bruce, and their three adorable children (with #4 on the way!) Thanks, Bruce, for making it possible. And thanks Claire, for turning 30 and allowing me to celebrate it with you. It was the perfect weekend!

The sunset on my flight in. It was amazing! 

Beebs and I at Donutsville

Claire and I at the Phoenix Temple

Beebs, Sunshine and I at Chik-Fil-A. It was my first time there, and it was delicious!

Happy 30th Birthday Claire!

We went on a hike and could see the whole valley from the top of the hill we climbed. I love this picture of Bruce pointing out the helicopter to Man Cub. 

Beebs and I almost to the top!

Claire and me! I love this girl so much! 

For dessert one night we had this phenomenal creation. Brownies, ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel sauce, sprinkled with cinnamon toast crunch. It was incredible.

As soon as it started to rain, Beebs grabbed her boots and ran outside. She would have played out there all day if we let her. Unfortunately we had to get going, but it was so fun watching her enjoy the rain like that! 

Forest Park Hike

Back in January, Sean and I had a rare couple hours with only Maverick. We decided to go on a hike through Forest Park. It was quick, but beautiful. There was this "haunted house" along the trail and it was fun to explore! 

Mattresses on the Stairs

We were bored one day and put the mattresses on the stairs. It provided hours and hours of entertainment for everyone involved. We have done this several times since. So much fun to be had, and it's a great lesson in team work!

Jackson's Baptism

This post is way past due and way out of order, but I wanted to get it posted so it could go into our book.

In November, we had the opportunity to drive down to Glide to spend the day with the Grahams. Jackson got baptized! It was so fun to be able to be there for him on his special day. Steph gave a beautiful talk and the spirit was so strong. I am so grateful for the example that Jackson set for Brayden, who is getting baptized in June.