Arizona 2015!

If you know Jeff, you know that he loves baseball. The Cubs (and the Diamondbacks) specifically. He used to go to Spring Training each year, and we have always said that at some point we'd take the boys down. Now that Jeff has successfully turned them both into HUGE Cardinals fans, and decided they needed to start appreciating baseball too (and see where the Cardinals play), so we headed to Arizona!

What a fun trip! It's a long drive, but we decided to spread it out a bit and see things on the way there and back to break it up and make the trip more fun.

First we drove to Kanab and spend time with Jeff's Grandpa and brother's family. Liam's in a bit of a "stranger danger" phase, so I was worried about how he might do. He hadn't seen Grandpa in a while, but he warmed right up. They loved playing in his yard, with his toys, and climbed right up on his lap and listened to him talk about Grandma (always one of the sweetest thing to hear - that's real love, folks). Liam also became quite fond of his strawberry waffle cookies :)!

Next we drove over to Page, where Jeff grew up. We showed the boys the Dam, the lake and took them out to Antelope Canyon. They are so beautiful - you have to take a tour now, but growing up Jeff and his friends would go out there all the time. Luckily he has a friend whose family owns one of the tour companies, and we got a private tour! Naturally the boys had more fun throwing sand! Before we left town we had to eat at RD's ... still delicious!!

Then we were on to Mesa. We stayed with my aunt and uncle who live down there, which is always fun. We spent time at ASU ... because (shocker!) they are ALL Sundevil's fans also and needed shirts/hats/pencils (we drew the line at the foam finger Liam kept trying to bite chunks out of). Are you getting confused at how many teams they love ... I know, it's hard for me to keep track of too!! 

We went to a Cubs game! It was SO HOT OUT! We wanted warm weather, but we weren't prepared for 90! The boys ate a hot dog, watched a couple of innings and then we went to the team shop to cool off. They were thrilled that they went to the game - they loved it! We didn't break it to them that they only made it through 4 innings - ha ha!

My aunt was so sweet and threw Landon a birthday party while we were there - I can't believe he is 5! There was a banner, pizza, cookie decorating, egg dying, an egg hunt and an ice cream cake ... and best of all presents! He was in five year old heaven!! 

On his actual birthday we went to the zoo. I'm not a huge zoo fan, normally, but the Phoenix Zoo was really, really fun! The boys loved the animals - Landon even rode a camel - twice! They had a splash pad and a carousel - both a huge hit. They loved the animals, and we fed the stingrays, which was so fun!

When Landon was riding the camel he found out his name was Isaac. He was so excited! He told the zoo worker leading him around the story of Abraham and Isaac and then sang him the Abraham verse from "Follow the Prophet." So sweet that boy!

That night Jeff and my cousin went to a Diamondbacks game and I tucked very, very tied kids into bed! 

Before leaving town we decided to tour the University of Phoenix Stadium (where the Cardinals play, of course!). The boys were in all their gear for the event! However, the tour itself was long, and pretty boring ... we didn't even get to see the Cardinal's locker room - just the visitors, or stand on the field (they pull the grass in and out). 

Then we were on to Las Vegas! 

We don't love the Las Vegas "strip" so we stayed out at Lake Las Vegas where it's a lot tamer. We went out for a big birthday breakfast (for me) and then played at the pool. That night we went down to Las Vegas for dinner and to see the Bellagio fountains and go to M&M world. 

Vegas provided us with the BEST vacation quotes from Landon. While walking around there were some girls off in the distance wearing not much more than feathers. Landon thought it was awesome ... he said, "Look at that! They must be chickens!"

Then as we were walking down to M&M world he saw some (also) scantily clad girls who had put on "bunny" ears ... no worries, innocent Landon said, "Look! It's Mickey and Minnie!"

Clearly he hasn't been to Disney Land. Ha ha!

The next day we went to Container Park. There are shops, restaurants and a huge playground in the middle, all made from recycled containers. It was fun and got out all the extra energy the boys had before we drove home! 

We had SUCH a great time! Jeff and I agreed that the best part was just being so disconnected from work and so focused on all being together and having fun. It's always hard to come home from such a fun time ... so on to planning the next trip!!

A Farewell to Primary (for now...)

A couple of Sundays ago the Primary Presidency I was serving in was released. It's funny ... being in any presidency is a lot of work, but I was so sad to know our time had come to a close! (I at least had the dignity to wait until I got in the car to cry, at which point I completely broke down.) 

I love being in Primary, and for more than 5-ish years most of my time has been spent in there. I love working with the children, and I love the people I have served with and gotten to be close friends with as a result.

But mostly? I'll miss Landon. 

I was in there when he was a newly-minted Sunbeam, and I've watched as he's grown into a very grown-up CTR 4. I love watching his face as he learns, and I LOVE listening to him sing (and I assure you ... it's noticeable!). It's so much fun to see him grow and build his testimony. He tries so, so hard to be reverent ... it would kill me each time I had to pick other kids for things because he was trying so hard. So I'd still pick him as much as I could. I love watching his little hand shoot up in the air to answer a question during sharing time.

We knew we were being released a week before it happened, and so (selfishly) I requested that he be the spotlight for the week. And I soaked up watching him beam up at the front of the room.

One day, he'll think he's much too grown up for Primary. He'll be ready to move on (understandably). But I had to record this, so we would both always remember how sweet this time was. How much I learned being around him and his friends. How much he loved being in Primary and learning about the gospel there. And when he is in Young Men's and beyond I hope he looks back on what he learned and uses that as his gospel foundation.

I know I'll still get to sub, and help with talks and such, but it isn't the same as being in there every week. So I'll keep my fingers crossed for a Primary calling when Liam gets to Primary, so I can enjoy watching both of them!

And now, I will happily serve in Young Women's, and get to know a cool group of girls, who I'm certain can teach me so much.

Cute Conversations

One of the joys of being a parent is listening to Landon & Liam have conversations when they think we aren't listening.

This morning they were in the bath and Landon showed Liam a birth mark on his leg. He said "Liam, look, this is my polka dot. Heavenly Father gave it to me ... that's how he made me!" 

Liam's response, "woooah, Landon!" with all the awe that only a little brother can have for something so cool.

I love listening to them and watching them become little friends!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I have served in Primary for a lot of years now. And I love it. I love seeing their testimonies grow and learning from their incredible spirits. Nothing has been more fun though, than being with Landon in Primary. He just tries so, so hard to be reverent and participate. And sing really loud! 

It is so obvious to me lately how many decisions he will face as he enters school and grows up more. The influence of peers is getting bigger and my urgency to protect him and prepare him more and more continues to grow. And then sometimes it hits me - the size of his faith already, and the conviction he has.

This morning I woke up with a headache. Truth be told, I went to bed with a headache and it was still there when I woke up. The pain was terrible, and it's been happening more lately. After getting the kids breakfast I had to go lay down on the couch again for a bit. I just didn't feel like I could function it was so bad.

Landon came over to me (after already stepping up and helping so much this morning) and said "Mom, I'm going to give you a blessing!" I love that he knew that's what I needed, and as the only "man" around it was up to him.

I explained that I loved that he wanted to but that he isn't old enough to hold the Priesthood. But that he could pray for me. So he declared, "Okay, then I'll pray." 

And proceeded to say a simple prayer completely focused on me feeling better and having the strength to get better (he actually used the word strength...). 

Tears filled my eyes. His faith was simple, pure and un-doubting. And it worked. Through tears I hugged him. Then I stood up and continued the day. My head still hurts faintly, but has turned into background pain, instead of migraine pain. And my heart is full.

I hope that his faith continues to grow. That it is challenged, and tested and comes out stronger for it. And that someday he is old enough and worthy that when the occasion presents itself that he can say "I can give you a blessing." 

Liam turns TWO!

Our itty-bitty is officially two! In some ways I can't believe it - wasn't he just being put in my arms?! and in other ways he's seemed two for ages. He is so cute and fun I don't know what we would do without him!

Birthday Boy!!

Some fun things about Liam:

• He's SO talkative. He didn't walk until he was 19 months, so we had to have him evaluated as a precaution. As part of it they realized that he is really advanced both in verbal ability and comprehension (in the 90+ percentile for both). 
• He LOVES music. He knows the lyrics to so many songs. His favorites are from Nursery and anything Taylor Swift sings. No matter how loud the radio is he will be shouting in the back seat "MORE LOUD MOMMY!" We love the rock n' roll side of him :).
• He started walking at 19 months and quickly moved to running ... however, he is still not as proficient at certain gross motor skills as most kids his age, but he's getting there.
• He loves anything to do with horses, and Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point. His sweet 2-year-old prayers typically focus predominately on Farm Country and the "pony rides."
• His other favorites are: his new bike, the Dinosaur Museum (or Pinosaur Museum as he calls it), the library and reading stories, and the aquarium.
• He's super sweet, but definitely has his spit-fire side of him too. He knows what he wants and isn't afraid to get it. 
• He has an amazing memory! He remembers everyone he meet's names and who their kids are by name. It's really impressive!
• He has a sweet tooth ... sometimes I think this kid could survive on junk food!
• His favorite movie is Frozen (which he will also call "his Olaf show") and can watch it endlessly ... and hearing him sing the songs at the top of his lungs might be the cutest thing ever. 
• He loves Landon, so much! And wants to do everything he does. He's also really, really good at pushing Landon's buttons as any little brother is :).
• He's a fan of Elmo - which is what he chose for his party.

We started the festivities the morning before his birthday when Grandma came up and took him to his favorite breakfast at McDonalds!

Thanksgiving Point has a Train Show they host every year, which always happens to fall the week of his birthday. He'd been asking about it for months (don't ask how he knew it was coming up?!) so on his birthday we headed over there first thing with grandpa and James. Little boy heaven! 

Then he sweet talked us in to Farm Country on our way out (these pics were from a different day we went to ride ponies!).

That night we went out to dinner and had a family party back at our house with Elmo cupcakes! He LOVED his presents - especially his new balance bike and helmet. He got on it immediately and could hardly be convinced to get off. 

The next couple of days he drug it everywhere I would let him. Luckily we've had unseasonably warm weather and he's gotten to ride several times. He's fearless - even when he falls he gets right back up. The one time he scraped his chin I went to comfort him and he hollered "I okay ... I do it!" Even if we ask if he wants help going fast (just to give him a little ride on it without him doing the work) he says the same thing "NO! I do it!" I love his determined little spirit.

He's still singing Happy Birthday to himself regularly! Love it!

Liam we love you so much buddy!! Thank you for being part of our family!!

A Year In Review: 2014

Here it is the middle of January and we've passed Thanksgiving, a myriad of holiday festivities, Christmas, New Years and my baby turning 2 and I'm just now getting around to writing about it? 

This past year was quite the year for us. I think we could sum it up in one word: busy! In mostly good ways, but in some not-so-great ways as well. Looking back I think we kept ourselves almost too busy, if that makes sense. 

We had a LOT of fun ... the kids birthdays, Jeff starting at Young Living, Landon playing soccer and graduating from Joy School, a trip to California and to Jackson Hole, and our little Liam learning to walk and run (and sing along to Taylor Swift ... it's beyond cute!). A lot of time on our new play set, throwing BBQs, buying bikes, and going to the local pools and museums.

Fall is when life seemed to trip ahead faster than we could keep our feet underneath us. Jeff and I took a trip to celebrate our ninth anniversary to San Francisco, work was busier for both of us than it's ever been in our entire marriage and then suddenly the holidays were upon us. 

We had a fun "pre-Thanksgiving" with Jeff's parents when they came in town to visit on a temple-break (they are missionaries in the Nauvoo Temple Mission), and met a super cute new nephew Bridger. 

Then we had Thanksgiving at my parents house - and saw Big Hero 6, which we thought was super cute. The boys LOVED Baymax (or as Liam says "AAAMAX!"). 

I love the Christmas season - it is always one of my favorite times of year. From decorating the house (is there anything as wonderful as a house fully decked out?!), to the sights and smells to the excitement and wonderment of watching kids experience it. 

Those smiles!!

One of the best parts of Christmas is the cards! I have an inexplicable love of holiday cards. I love putting time and thought into what we send out ... and I LOVE getting cards in the mail. This year's cards might be my all-time favorite though. (A shout out to my friends Kristen at Sage Digital Designs who did the design and Kelli Haub who was our photographer!!)

Front

Back

Landon was so fun this year - he really got it - both the religious reason we celebrate the season as well as the fun "Santa" parts. And his preschool Christmas program and the Primary Program were to-die-for cute. He loves to sing really, really loud. Really loud :)!

Right before his Preschool Show

Liam warmed up to Santa ... which shocked us, and was so cute in his excitement! He is starting to get it ... although his favorite character from the nativity is still the donkey (who, arguably, did play a very important role!). 

We had the opportunity to go to a lovely formal dinner party (it makes my heart happy to think of that night ... getting all dressed up to spend the evening with my main squeeze and dear friends), and had some friends over for a fun "kid-friendly" party. 

The best night of all though had to be the night just the four of us went to the Riverwoods in Provo. They have a fantastic Santa house (where you can take your own pic!), carriage rides, and beautiful lights. It wasn't busy and we got to just enjoy the magic of Christmas, and some pasta, as a family. It was wonderful!

Landon's first letter to Santa - written
completely by himself! So cute! He
asked if he is on the "nice" list!

Liam writing one too!

Santa!

Love them!

I look back on the whole "season" and it seems like a blur in some ways - we packed it with fun! I was surprised Jeff and I were able to squeeze in going to Temple Square on our special date, but true to form, he made it happen :).  

We've done this 10 years now ... 10!

This year, we started what I hope will be an annual tradition. On Christmas Eve morning we went to the Bishop's Storehouse and volunteered. The kids thought it was really fun, and I hope that each year we can spend time doing something that serves others to help remember Christ.

Santa's Little Helpers

Then we spent time at Grandma & Grandpas for dinner and stories and then back to our house to open our "Christmas Eve Box" (jammies, a movie, slippers and a new Christmas story - this year about Pete the Cat).

Christmas jammies from Grandma & Grandpa

Santa, mom & dad and
grandma & grandpa all came!

The best part?! Christmas morning we woke up to lovely snow and rosy cheeked children bursting with excitement!

My parents spent the night to spend Christmas morning at our house and we hosted dinner - the kids loved it! Liam got a little overwhelmed so we snuck a couple of presents into the other room and gave them to him later. Funny enough, Landon was the same way at this age, and spreading it out a bit helped. 

While Landon loved the toys he got, hands down his favorite present was his Cardinals jersey. There are major negotiations daily about whether or not he can wear it every day. Liam's favorite seems to be his puppy vet kit and his shopping cart from Grandma & Grandpa. Although he also got a jersey and seems to have already developed a love for football as well. How on earth that starts so young I don't know ... but boy, those two LOVE IT (which, I really think is super cute, and Jeff loves having people to watch games with!).

Christmas Morning excitement!

All decked out!

So cute!

New Years was spent with great friends eating Chinese food and ringing in the "New Year" around 9 pm ... but the kids were thrilled with their noisemakers and getting to stay up "so late!"

And now here we are ... 2015. I can feel it in my bones that it will be a different year. But good. And I'm excited! We have a little bitty who has already turned 2 this year ... but that simply must be its own post, celebrating the amazing person he is! 

Hope your holidays were wonderful ... and happy (belated!) New Year from the Terry Clan!

Happy New Year from the Terry's!

Halloween 2014

Happy Halloween!