Recent Activities

Terra, Micah and I took our kids to the Children's Phoenix Museum last week. We had never been before and it was great. I would say for kids ages about 2 and up would really enjoy it. They had a lot of great stuff for kids to play with and do and run around. So if any of you have been thinking about going, it's definitely worth it. Take a sack lunch and enjoy.






A couple of Saturdays ago John came over and helped Matt with the fence that we've been working on. Jayden loves John and didn't want to leave his side. Luckily John is forgiving because Jayden drank his morning Coke. Thanks John for your help on the fence. Matt needed your help because my mind doesn't do good with things like that.

Getaway

Since Jayden has been born I think I have only spent a total of three nights away from him, and that was all at once back in December before Christmas. So before our baby girl comes, Matt and I wanted to take a trip without Jayden(even though we love him dearly). That didn't bother Jayden at all because he got to spend almost a week in Snowflake. He got to ride the tractor, work on cars, play in the nice weather, and be spoiled by Jeanie and my parents. I don't think he really missed us. Here are a few pictures from our trip to San Diego. Also, since Matt and I had to back out of our trip to Hawaii with Brett and Erica last year because of a family reunion, we went with them.
We didn't have amazing tanning weather like I had hoped, so no tan for Katie. The house we got to stay at was one block from the beach.


I hadn't been to Sea World since 3rd grade with my family and I was so excited to go. My favorite of course were the Dolphins. I literally had a grin on my face the entire time. On the video you can just hear Erica and I laughing and laughing. If I was an animal, I'd definitely want to be a dolphin.



Shamu was amazing too. Matt thought the whole show was a bit cheesy, but I still loved it. A little too much BELIEVE for him I guess.


Us with the Stingrays.

Beach after Sea World.

We got to do a session and some sealings at the San Diego temple one day. I hadn't been there since we went thru the Open House when I was 9 but it was just as beautiful as I remembered.

On the Walk of Fame there was BumbleBee and Matt had to get a picture with him. It was a pretty cool costume and the guy was really nice. Doesn't Matt look just like a little boy with that big grin on his face. It's so cute it almost makes me want to cry.


We had to see the Walk of Fame because Matt wanted to see Big Willie's shoe and hand print.

Then we stopped by the Los Angeles temple to walk around the grounds.

We had such a good time but I was definitely ready to come home and see my little boy. From the time we got home, until the time we picked Jayden up in Payson I was a nervous wreck. I literally made myself sick with nervousness. I was so scared that Jayden wouldn't want to come back with us, or that he wouldn't have missed us, or that he wouldn't remember who we were. Luckily everything was fine and he was glad to see us. He didn't cry when my parents drove away, but I did. I cried for about 15 minutes on the way back with him in the car. It was ridiculous. Matt kept telling me everything was fine, and I kept saying that six days was too long to go without him. It was great to getaway with my sweet Matt though and just have it be the two of us, well kind of(and baby girl).

He's 2

So yesterday was our sweet little boy's 2nd birthday. On Thursday we went to the zoo with Derek, Emily, and Kendra(I was so lame and forgot my camera in the car). Jayden loves being around them so much. It was a nice uncrowded day at the zoo and so it was very leisurely. Thanks so much Kendra for bringing your sweet kids and for the gift. Jayden loved it. Friday was pretty low key but I hope Jayden had fun. I took him to the splash park and he got to play and play.

Then for dinner we went to Barros because he loves pizza and he got to play some more.


Then it was home for cake and presents. Since our trip to Indiana I had been wanting to do a John Deere sort of theme. We kept his birthday small so a John Deere cake, and tractor were the stars. He loved his other presents though which always feels good. It's funny being a parent because you really don't want to spoil them because you know they don't need it, but then you just want to and sometimes can't help it. So I really tried hard this year to balance it all out. Thank you to those who called or sent gifts. It wasn't necessary but it was appreciated. I think he had a good birthday.




This is for my Sweet Jayden Monroe. Jayden you have made my life more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. I remember the day you came into the world with great fondness. It was so hard bringing you into this world, but we did it. Your Dad and Grandma Brimhall were there and they helped me get through it and kept me strong so you could come into this world and be healthy. I will never forget the feeling I got and still get when I think of that sweet experience. It was the most empowering moment I have ever felt. Even though you may not look like Daddy and me, you are ours. I remember that nose, and that head, and those funky little toes you have. You are our son and we love you more than anything. I still remember the words of your Dad's blessing. One thing I loved most is when he blessed you with a sweet spirit. I didn't realize it then, but that is so important. You have been the sweetest boy to us and to those around you. Just yesterday as we were walking and you were playing with Daddy a complete stranger made a comment on how infectious your laugh was. You have many gifts that I am so excited to see you share. You are so young but already are so caring and loving. You are one of my best friends and that is why I call you buddy. You were brought to a family who has a deep love of the gospel, and who has made many sacrifices in order to have the gospel in their life. Thank you for coming to our family and making us feel like the luckiest parents in the world. We love you so much. Happy 2nd Birthday.