21 Months

Is eating a lot better this month. He was such a picky eater before and at times, wouldn't eat anything. Hopefully this means a growth spurt for the little legs. Favorite foods include tacos, spaghetti, bean burritos, salad, corn, & granola bars. * We chopped his hair off. Semi regret it since we miss the curls, although I'll see pictures where he looks like a little rag-a-muffin and I'm so glad we cut it. * Switched from his crib to a toddler bed. *New words include "bubbles" "bike" and my new favorite "oh geeze". I say this all the time and I guess it's rubbing off on him. He says it when he's frustrated or concentrating hard on something. * He's a fearless climber. He attempts climbing up the ladders at the park. Every now and then we hear an "oh geeze" come out of his mouth. * Got his first pair of Adidas and Toms. * Has become emotionally attached to the IPad. I think we need to schedule an intervention. Favorite IPad app is Wall of Sound. Zander's got some good taste in music! We've noticed his favorite artists includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, ColdPlay, Maroon 5, and Bruno Mars. * Absolutely adores his cousins. Love seeing them all together. *

 Zander is super clumsy. He is constantly tripping over his own feet, falling down, or bumping his head. He is a resilient little guy though. He wasn't so lucky yesterday. He tripped over the door ledge and smacked into the tile at his Aunty Kylie's house. At first glance there was a little blood from his nose, but when I got closer noticed that it was getting worse and it was actually his mouth bleeding. He busted his lip open and it was huge! He got to eat two popsicles to help with the swelling and it's looking a bit better today.

Happy 5 Years!

How It All Began

Back where it all began. Institute parties at my house.

Hiking Picacho Peak the day after we found out that we liked each other.

Celebrating my 22nd birthday with cosmic bowling.

New Years Eve Party in 2005

Our booth at Bahama Bucks. We carved our names into the wood.

Valentine's Dance for Institute.

At Magic Mountain. We took a rode trip to California with our friends.

Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon.

Since we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary, I thought it would be a great idea to talk about how we met and started dating. After I graduated college, I moved to Casa Grande where I started working and lived in a new house that Mum & Al bought. It was in the middle of nowhere, but I was lucky enough to have a friend from NAU who was from there. She filled me on the Institute program which met each Tuesday night and had fun activities afterwards. I was definitely excited to start meeting people and adjusting to life after school. The activities were great, although everyone seemed to be fresh out of high school. I knew I wasn't about to date a premie (what we called premissionaries in college) so I'd have to travel into Mesa to attend the singles ward. I attended the singles ward each week with Lisa and eventually more and more people started coming with us. They had break the fast each fast Sunday, family home evening on Mondays, and their own ward activities. In October 2005, I traveled to England with Mum and Al to visit my brother Svend. The night I came back, I went to Institute and saw a new face. It was Devin. He didn't stay for the activity, but he definitely made an impression. He had just returned home from his mission in the Philippines. While on his mission, his family moved from Orlando Florida to Coolidge Arizona to be closer to family. The following week our institute (well 4 of us) went to see the Arizona Mormon Choir's presentation of Joseph Smith the Prophet. Devin drove up to Mesa with Lisa and I and afterwards we went to Bahama Bucks for shaved ice. It was a great evening and I knew this was the boy that I wanted to date. I sneakily devised a plan to hang out with him more by having Institute parties at my house. I used the excuse that we all needed to get to know each other. After the first party, we did start hanging out with everyone more often. BJ, Justin, Beth, Soleil, Lisa, Devin, and I were hanging out every weekend. I definitely thought I was putting myself out there and showing that I was interested, but I felt that he didn't feel the same. I was honestly ready to give up as I felt that we were entering the "friend zone". During one of Institute parties, Devin brought one of his friends (who shall remain nameless). Now his friend was putting on the moves so I thought why not. I spent the evening chatting with him, even going in the back yard to chat in private. Later that night Devin and I had a conversation about dating and how girls should ask guys out. I agreed and even talked about how I had asked several guys on date. Devin then asked why I hadn't asked him out on a date yet. Smooth move huh? Little did I know that the whole time we knew each other that he was flirting with me. Obviously our flirting skills are not that good because we were both oblivious. We went out on our first official date on my birthday. He ordered me roses which were delivered to my work and surprised me by taking me to one of my favorite restaurants, Oregano's, for dinner. We ended the night by sitting under the stars and talking. From that point on, we were inseparable. 9 months later we were engaged and then 6 months after that we were sealed in the temple.

Who knew Yo Gabba Gabba could produce a range of emotions? Love the face in the middle!

Happy Valentine's Day

I dreaded Valentine's Day before I was married. It was only a reminder that I was dating anyone. In fact, Devin was my first official Valentine. Our first Valentine's together was in 2006. I made him dinner at my house and we exchanged gifts. I got him a Fossil watch and he bought us tickets to see Mamma Mia. I had been dying to see the Broadway show so I was so excited! Skip forward to 2007 and I received my temple endowments in the Mesa Arizona Temple. A special night knowing in a few days that I would sealed to my sweetheart for eternity. In 2008, we were celebrating Valentine's Day in Paris France. The city of love! It was more like the frigid city when we visited, but very romantic. This Valentine's Day was just as special with my two loves. Nothing fancy, but spending quality time together. We visited Nan and Popsie after work and then went out for Chinese food.

Sunday Best

Freestone Park

We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday together as a family at Freestone Park. Devin and Zander fed the ducks, although Zander was more interested in eating the bread himself. We took a train ride around the park and Zander rode the carousel, ferris wheel, and jet ski ride. It only affirmed what we've been thinking for a while now - Zander is ready for Disneyland.  

We spent the weekend with our friends in Show Low. It was great to get away and enjoy the snow up in the mountains. The guys went snowboarding and the learned the consequences of eating Indian Tacos at the lodge. Us girls relaxed at the house with the babies and enjoyed long afternoon naps and playing Rummikub. Zander loved seeing Grandma Judi and playing with Bristol and Alice.