18 Months Old

We joke that he knows math since he can solve problems like 1+1, 2x1, 4/2. The only number he knows is 2. * Has expanded his vocabulary. He can say cheese, shoes, bye, turtle, mom, dad, Elmo, juice, two, this, uh-oh * I've never seen him trip, fall, stumble, or hit his head as much as he's done over this last month. The funny thing is that it doesn't phase him at all. He doesn't cry, but rather shakes it off and continues with whatever he is doing. * Loves to throw his diapers in the trash. I think it's the only reason he lets me change his diaper now. * Tries to sing the chorus to "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5. It's hilarious. * Likes to give him Elmo kisses and then makes us give Elmo kisses too. * Probably seen every episode of Season 1 and 2 of Yo Gabba three or four times each. He's got his cousins trained and they turn it on whenever he is at their house. * Has to say hi to Chancho the turtle (hence turtle being one of his words) when we visit Kylies house. He tries to feed him by throwing things into his tank. * Is officially in nursery and I don't have to feel guilty that I leave him in there anymore. * He saw snow for the first time. Liked the feeling of it falling on his face, but didn't like walking in it. * Has become more of a momma's boy. * Has entered into the world of time outs. *

New Friend

Zander has a new friend and he's not letting him out of his sight. Brobee was supposed to be Christmas gift, but we were too excited and gave it to Zander early. We've found out that he's a good buddy to bring in the car, watch Yo Gabba Gabba with, and also makes a great pillow while we are watching tv.

Temple Lights

 The Mesa Temple grounds are beautifully decorated in Christmas lights every year. We always make a point of going as it gets us in the holiday spirit. It also takes me back to 2005 when Devin and I first started dating and we went to the see the temple lights with our Institute group. We ended up going off on our own and sat in this one spot by the reflection pool. It's this same spot where Devin proposed to me in September 2006. I tried to take a family picture at this spot, but Zander wasn't cooperating. He was too fascinated by the lights to sit still. Oh well. I'm glad that we could share this experience as a family and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

We went to cousin Maya's 4th birthday party today. Zander loved playing at the park and swinging on the swings with cousin Tage. The park had a duck pond so we sat in the grass and fed the ducks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving!

This year we went the nontraditional route and went out to eat. We still enjoyed all the regular Thanksgiving fix ins without having to cook or clean up. After our Thanksgiving lunch, we stuck with tradition and headed to the movies. Megan, Devin, Grandpa Reed, Dad, and I saw Tower Heist and the rest of the group, including Zander, saw Happy Feet 2. We spent the afternoon with the Powells, which I had another helping of Thanksgiving dinner and dessert.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year - our family, friends, health, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, jobs, house, education. This past weekend really made me realize what truly is important and to be thankful for each and every day.

Utah

Our mighty navigators, Devin & Geoff

 

 

After receiving some devastating news about our friends Mario and Kassidy, we decided to take a trip to Utah over this past weekend to spend some time with them. We were super excited to get the Kietas and Clawsons on board too. Three months ago, the Merinos moved to Utah to be closer to their families and we can all see what an inspired move that was. I'm glad that we could all get together to show Mario and Kass how much we love and support them through this battle.

While in Utah, we celebrated my 28th birthday, played games, did a session at the Salt Lake Temple, went shopping, squeezed in a little snowboarding, played in the snow, and shared lots of laughs. It was great to be with our friends again!

Celebrate

My birthday is on Thursday. Since we will be out of town this upcoming weekend, we've been celebrating this weekend. I went out with Devin and Zander on Saturday night. We went to dinner at Grimaldis and I did some birthday shopping. I finally got the cute brown boots that I've been searching every where for. Devin says I'm picky. I just had exactly what I wanted in my mind and didn't want to spend money on something I didn't love.

We celebrated with the Merrill crew during Sunday dinner. Mom & Dad spoiled me with a cute outfit and purse with handmade jewelry chains. Megan made me a coupon book which I thought was super thoughtful and useful. The coupons at my house have been stacking up and now I can organize and save money! For dessert, we had my favorite - chocolate cake. It even had "We Love Lucy" spelt out in M&Ms. This weekend was a great way to celebrate my birthday and I'm looking forward to spending the upcoming weekend with our good friends in Utah.