More January Highlights

 Soccer Game

Brooks was able to go to the USA vs. Venezuela soccer game with his dad and brothers. Brooks had his camera out as usual and enjoyed taking pictures during the game.

Roadrunner Eats a Mouse

This roadrunner spends a lot of time in my parents yard. Brooks walked outside one day and saw him eating a mouse. 

Zoo with the Crandell Cousins

Our zoo pass has come in handy during the great weather. We have used it quite a few times already. This day, we went with the Crandell cousins and Grandma. These wagons look good in theory, but they aren't always the easiest to cart around the zoo. This day was no exception. Everyone wanted to pull the wagons instead of ride in them.

Crandell cousins (minus Jamison) 

Half Marathon

I ran my second half-marathon on January 28. I did London's Run in Queen Creek. My only goal was to beat my time from the my first marathon and I did just that. There was a point towards the end where I wasn't sure if I would make it in time, but I did it, even it was only by 40 seconds or so. This race was much different from the race I did in Seattle. My Washington race was on a cold, wet day and the race followed the edge of a lake. This race was on a hot, dry day on a dirt path through the middle of cotton fields. I think I prefer running in the cold.    

It sure was fun to see these cute faces cheering for me at the finish line. They wanted to run the race just like mom.

The Boys

Brooks took these two cute boys out for a day with daddy while I was at Kelsey's wedding shower. A day with dad isn't complete without a few pictures. Landon and Elliot are changing so much everyday. Sometimes I am still surprised at the depth of conversations they have with me and with each other. They are still the best of friends. When we check on them at night, they are almost always on the same bed laying right next to each other. When one of them is having a bad day or a bad moment the other one will often give in a little and be the peacemaker. I love it more and more every time I see it. They have a special bond with each other that is so fun to watch. At the beginning of February, they started preschool two days a week. They love it and I love it! I am able to get a little work done while they are branching out a bit. 

Landon has been progressing a lot the last few months. In November, he started to go to nursery by himself without having a major meltdown. This was BIG for all of us. I figured I would be going with him to school and church classes until he was 10, but I guess not. He adjusted to nursery just in time to start primary. I was worried about that transition for him, but that went better than expected as well. He has also made huge progress with his attachment issues in general. Over the summer, he struggled with me leaving his sight, but he is adjusting and doing so well now. I think the move was hard on all of us, especially him. He seems to enjoy preschool. After his first day, he excitedly said, "My teacher is nice!" I am glad he likes it. Landon still loves cars and almost any moving vehicle. He is still a picky eater and he is still working on potty training. He loves to have his back scratched and he loves to sleep with his blanket tucked tightly around him. He tells us that he likes it right under his chin. (I think he got this from me.) Landon still likes everything to be extreme. If he is hungry, he is "super, super" hungry. If he is fast on his bike, he is "super, super" fast. Landon has a big personality and makes us laugh everyday. He is also becoming more interested in our evening scripture study and prayer. He will sit and listen more than before and will remind us if we forget either thing.

Elliot is a sweet, sensitive boy. He apologizes instantly if he does anything wrong. If I even make a sound like I got hurt, he will quickly say, "Sorry!" I feel bad about it sometimes, but I think that is part of who he is. He is very observant of others around him and notices when others are hurt or are doing something they shouldn't be. I have to be careful how I discipline him because he is so sensitive. All he needs is a simple request not to do something and he really tries hard to remember and not do it again. He is still inquisitive as ever. During scripture study he constantly asks, "What does that mean?" Then we say, "What does what mean?" His response, "That thing you just said." He likes to ask questions just to ask sometimes. Elliot does not like to play by himself much. He is constantly begging Landon to go play with him. They both enjoy each other's company, but Elliot isn't quite as independent. He loves preschool too and comes home telling all about his day and what two sounds the letter "C" make. I love his interest in learning.

The next five pictures are some of my favorites because they show how close these two boys are. Landon decided to give Elliot a wet willy and he took it in stride. They are constantly giggling together and doing things to make each other laugh.

Natural History Museum

We got a pass to the Arizona Museum of Natural History and this was our first time going. Some of the museum isn't very kid friendly, but there are plenty of things for them to enjoy too. 

Checking out the beetles

Panning for gold - I remember doing this when I was a kid.

Dusting for dinosaur fossils

Elliot and Landon enjoyed the big puzzles. We did this pottery puzzle and a couple of dinosaur puzzles too.

I tried to get the kids to take a picture with one of the big dinosaurs, but they wouldn't get near them.

Checking out the T-Rex on the other side of the railing

There is an exploration room for kids which had lots of fun activities to try. Too bad this room closed a few minutes after we got there. We are definitely going there first next time we go.