Spring Trip to Utah

Here are a few pictures from our pit stop trip to Utah in between moves from Arizona to Maine. We were able to spend almost 3 weeks there and it was so nice to soak up some time with family before moving so far away. 

Maddie, Nathan, Davis, and cousin Harper at the Christus statue at Temple Square. Isaac was old enough to see "Music and the Spoken Word" in the actual conference center that morning so he wasn't with us. 

Grandpa Mike knows how to create a memorable afternoon. On two separate occasions he drove the grand kids to 7-11 in his tractor. It's something I'm sure they will never forget.

A unique view of the Salt Lake temple while visiting Grandpa Lynn at work. 

We had the best weather while in Utah and spent many many hours in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

Nater and his look alike taking in a view of the city on the top floor of the COB.

We spent a day at the Museum of Natural Curiosity with a bunch of cousins. The kids had a ball. 

A Pi party with the family on March 14th was a must. 

When aunt Sara babysits you, she gives you Fanta and doughnuts--all you can eat. We love Parker!

Did you know that Kneaders bakery marks down their sweets to half price every Saturday at 8pm? We stocked up two separate times on that screamin' deal. My dad is the most fun to go with because he buys just about one of everything. 

Sister Selfies. I'm pretty lucky to have them in my life. 

And just like that, our Utah time was up and we were off to the east coast.

Isaac's Baptism

Months before our move to Maine became a reality, Isaac decided he wanted to get baptized in Utah with his cousin Fischer. Timing ended up working out in such a way that we were able to get our home in Arizona packed up so that we could spend a few weeks in Utah before heading off to Maine. 

 We were able to celebrate this day with all of my siblings and all of Ryan's siblings, some of whom traveled a long way to support Isaac. It was a really special day.

 Isaac and Fischer. These two have such a great relationship. Bestie cousins for sure.

I love my niece's photo bomb in this pic. Here is Isaac with his Great Grandma Ruth.

I can't look at this photo without chuckling. And this was the best shot of several that were taken. 

There is something especially memorable about watching your own child make a choice that you know will bring him joy. I am so grateful for the gospel and for the opportunity that we have to follow in the footsteps of our Savior and make covenants that will help lead us back to our Heavenly Father.

Davis Reed @ 5 Years Old

Exploring the tide pools is one of Davis' favorite things to do. He collects all the shells he possibly can and then leaves them scattered all over our house. 

• Davis loves all things Pokemon, SlugTerra, and Agent Oso. He will go on and on about Pokemon characters and scenerios and, cross my heart, I do my best to act interested but I usually have no freaking idea what he's talking about.
• He has a tender heart. He will often mention to me throughout the day, with a little sadness in his voice, that he "misses Maddie." They have a really special relationship. If I'm being completely honest, I think that Davis is drawn to Maddie both because he loves her dearly and because he wants to make Isaac jealous. It usually works. The older boys, on the other hand,  have a much more tumultuous relationship. They can definitely be the best of friends (Davis idolizes Isaac), but also the worst of frenemies (both know how to push the other's buttons and do so all.the.time).
• I have mentioned before that Davis is my little sidekick. Since I didn't put him in preschool this year, we are pretty much together all day every day. While there are occasional moments of frustration, he is such a fun person to be around. If I want him to do anything all I have to say is, "Wanna race?" and he will go wherever I want him to go as long as he can beat me there. The thought of him going off to kindergarten in the fall fills me with the mixed emotions of anticipation of increased freedom and loneliness. But mostly loneliness. 
• He loves animals and science (shout out to Bill Nye the Science Guy!).
• He is talkative and friendly and loves to talk about random facts to anyone who will listen. He often gets attention from adults for using vocabulary words well beyond his age (and sometimes out of context) I think it's pretty adorable.
• He has a huge heart and a great willingness to share with others. He tells me multiple times a week how much he loves our family.
• Davis is a little boy with a lot of faith. We finished reading the Book of Mormon as a family and for weeks afterwards he would ask Heavenly Father every time he said his prayers, "Is the Book of Mormon true?" 
• I can't believe it's been over 5 years since this little man joined our family and in turn saved my life. I love him so very much. 

Making a wish.

Sunny Arizona

 I have a lot of catching up to do on this blog of ours but I'm going to back track later and just give a little ode to our short stint in the beautiful Arizona desert. There was a time a few months back when I didn't think I would ever make close friends there. And then I did. And then the amazing opportunity back east popped up and I had to say goodbye just as the southwest was starting to feel a little like home. I left a little piece of my heart there and I'll always be grateful for the friendships that we made during our few short months.

Our neighborhood was the stuff dreams are made of, I tell ya. I don't expect to ever find one quite like it again. They hardly exist anymore. Here are Maddie and her AZ bestie (and our next door neighbor) playing just hours before our flight.

Davey and his AZ bestie, who lived just a few houses down from us. 

Nater and Dave enjoying an after-school treat before our plane took off.

Our last week in Arizona, my neighbor, Tamara, planned a special snack for the kids for every day after school. She also watched my children, took all these photos so I would have visual reminders, and she drove us to the airport with a bag full of treats for the kids on the plane (which we almost missed because we lingered too long taking photos and saying goodbye). She was the neighbor I prayed I would find. 

Actually, all of these ladies were. Such great women with such great children. I was lucky to rub shoulders with them this past year. 

Monster cookies, just one of the delicious after-school snacks. 

The crazy neighborhood kids all together. We'll sure miss you, beautiful Gilbert, AZ.

Isaac's 8th Birthday Party

A few days before our big cross-country move, Isaac had a birthday party with some of his friends. Confession: it was his first real birthday party in his 8 years of life. Parties are not my forte. And truthfully I'm just glad that no one died on my watch during this party! But Isaac was so so happy, which made me happy, too. 

A Lego Pizza Party at the park.

Maddie loved being a part of it.

So did Davis.

And Nathan.

It was a Lego party with pizza and a treasure hunt. It was during the treasure hunt that the kids all went cray-cray.

My dear friend and neighbor, Banessa, was able to come and bring her two boys, both of whom became some of Davis and Isaac's closest friends.

The treasure hunt treasure was a box of helicopter toys that we played with in the field next to the park.

Isaac with his two AZ besties, Davey (R) and Eduardo (L). My friend Tamara put herself in charge of taking pictures and I am so grateful that she did because we wouldn't have any proof that this event took place if it hadn't been for her. After the party she handed me a flash drive with 70+ photos of the afternoon! I feel fortunate to have lived next door to such a wonderful friend and neighbor.

The besties again.

Play with your food!

Receiving Lego Mixels was a dream come true.

Happy birthday Isaac!