ostrich festival

ever heard on an ostrich festival?

i hadn't either.

turns out it is a lot like a fair...only instead of a rodeo, they do ostrich races.

 Camden and I crawled in and got seats right next to the action.

it was awesome!

 after the races, we rode some rides and took our sleepy travelers back to the hotel.

breaking up spring

we take full advantage of Ryan's teaching schedule.

life is a little crazy from November to March (basketball season), and spring break is the perfect time to unwind and rejuvenate. and we did just that.

our week began with a night at the cabin, and a quick stop in St George for some sweets at Judd's candy store.

 we stopped in Vegas for some pizza at Grimauldi's...

Ryan, Charles and Camden went to the LMU vs. Gonzaga basketball game, while Turner, Annie and I did some birthday shopping!

 then we made the long drive to Phoenix.

our hotel was conveniently located within walking distance of a dunkin donuts, so we just had to have donuts for breakfast most mornings. (did I mention this was a Judd trip?)

Ryan and I love watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and have adapted a little tradition on vacations where we research restaurants in the area based on the show.

hasn't led us astray yet!

this time we had delicious fish tacos at Los Taquitos.

 then off to our first (or many) baseball games!

the world baseball classic:

USA vs. Canada

Camden impressed all the fans outside the stadium while we waited for the game to start.

he has a serious swing.

 slathering on sunscreen, basking in the sweet sunshine, and cheering on the US of A...

birthday week

growing up, my mom always made our birthdays a really big deal.

streamers adorned the kitchen, she made each of us a special cake, our choice of meals, and the day was completely ours. 

i always felt to loved.

now, since my mom doesn't live close enough to carry on the tradition, I luckily have amazing friends and family that make me feel just as loved!

the night before my birthday, Annie took me out for a kick-off celebration!

we went to lunch at the grand america--

 and had some delicious dessert...high society right there.

 after our dinner, I went to the Relief Society activity "Favorite Things".

my friends, Christine & Nina had a lot to do with the event. the activities and entertainment were so much fun, and the decorations (courtesy of Nina) were fantastic!

on my actual birthday, I spent the morning getting pampered, 

then got to have lunch (sans children) with Brecca! 

20 birthdays together...madness eh?

 after lunch I cam home to the sweetest surprise.

a clean house, streamers (not quite pegs nels style, but she'd be proud), and gifts that were hidden by Camden.

his favorite game to play right now is "hotter and colder", so he got a kick out of helping me find the hidden gifts.

 after the kiddos went to bed, Ryan and I got to go out on a birthday date to one of my favorite restaurants (the Dodo)

I got to ring in year 26 with sweet gestures, cards, and calls from friends and family and spend the day with people most near and dear to my heart.

what a great tradition!

bubbles, rico suave, and favorite things

there's nothing like a lazy morning filled with mischief and bubbles.

am I right?

 blasting off to the moon.

(his exact words)

I wish I could have the imagination and care free ways of a 3 year old...

 don't worry, Camden is rico suave.

we were shopping with my mom, and Camden insisted on wearing his sunglasses.

next thing I know, he is standing on the pillar, mimicking the mannequins. pose and all.

love this kid. he's a lady killer. and a great shopping buddy.

 one of our very favorite things is play dates with these hoodlums.

this one involved a morning of cooking, followed by rewards at the sweet tooth fairy.

 cupcakes, diet coke, and your bff-- 

a perfect play date :)

roller coaster of emotions

this week totally played with our emotions!

we were all over the place... here are just a few examples

Ryan's basketball team was a true cinderella story! they won 2 games to even get into the state tournament (none of which they were favored) and THEN beat the number one seed to advance. we were flabbergasted. and so proud of the coach :)

 spending Laura's last day together.

we met for pedicures and lunch, then she was set apart as a missionary!

 the morning Laura left for the MTC, we had a french inspired breakfast, and bid farewell to one of our favorite people. we'll sure miss her-- but we are so happy to see her go.

Camden wants to serve his mission in Paris, too. he is even saving his pennies...

getting ready to head down to Cedar City for the basketball state tournament.

me and my buddies.

on the way down, (around Scipio) Camden spotted a large radio tower of some sort, he immediately shouted out "mommy! mommy! look, the Eiffel tower! we are in Paris! Laura Lee is here" he was SO excited...I didn't have the heart to correct him.

 in between games, we got to stop and see grandma and grandpa Judd.

Turner loved grandpa Judd. he even said "ampa" for the first time!

 (Ryan's team lost their first game, and made it to over time in their second--then lost by 3, but his team played really well, and he was so proud of them. what lucky boys to have him as a coach. win or lose, he loves those kids and is the best role model)

my baby is growing up. sigh. it's inevitable.

but, i do love his little personality! he sits on his knees and plays with his toys, exploring each piece with full curiosity... kills me. 

 Camden was lucky enough to go to the Jazz game with Papa Judd.

Daddy painted his face, and I made him a sign...and let me tell you, he was excited!

Especially when he got up on the Jumbo tron-- 

this week was a crazy one-- chock full of events and emotions.

some hard, most good, and all memorable.

last night

last night, around 3:00 am, I woke up to the sound of Turner crying.

I went in his room to check and see why he was awake, and it seems there was no reason.

I don't think anything was really wrong. In fact, now that I think of it, I think he was crying for me. not crying for his mama, but crying for my benefit...

after I picked him up, we sat in the rocker, and I sang softly to him. he didn't immediately fall back asleep, but just remained still. he laid his head on my chest as I stroked his cheek. 

time stood still. 

It was so quiet and peaceful.

just me and my little babe. 

I have struggled the past few weeks. no reason in particular, but I have just felt "off".

overwhelmed. 

and time and time again, small things (like last night) have happened. 

I am grateful for this time in my life, for these sweet boys, and the lessons I continue to learn.

I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to grow, learn, and explore.

I'm grateful for the ability and opportunity to serve others.

and I'm extremely grateful for being awakened at 3:00 am, sometimes it sucks, but nights like last night remind me why I'm blessed.

feeling it

feeling the love...and the sickness.

Valentine's day had all sorts of plans.

involving a heart themed breakfast with friends, cookies for neighbors, a painting for daddy, dinner that was all pink and red...you know, a day straight from pinterest. 

then we ALL got sick with some freak nasty cold, and Turner got RSV.

so, all Valentine's plans were cancelled, and we sat at home--cuddled up with movies, trying to will our bodies to recover.

however, Ryan being Ryan, he put together a cute little scavenger hunt for us to do while he was at work...

it was perfect (especially for Camden)-- and we ended up playing with Camden's gift (a buzz and zurg nerf gun set) all afternoon.

 in our jammies, of course

before our whole house became sick, we did get some Valentine's pictures snapped--

and sent cards to family.

Happy Valentine's Day

getting us through

winters are long.

and when you have two rambunctious little boys, the house seems to shrink as the day goes on.

so, we try to do our best to get out (and stay sane)...

playdates with friends.

whether it's McDonald's or a friendly mall playplace, we need some diet coke and girl talk just as much as they need a place to run and burn some of that energy! 

 spending as much time as we can with this girl.

before Paris gets her for the next 1 1/2 years...

 visits (and gifts) from grandma & grandpa Nelson.

Idaho is too far away! we love when we get to see them, even just for a day.

 Jazz games.

they may not be doing so hot, but we are not fair weather fans!

Go Jazz, go!

lots and lots of baths.

bath time saves me. these little guys take the longest baths, and LOVE it!

plus, who doesn't love little baby bums?

scenes from the week

cookie baking.

trying to kill sickness with fun!

 hanging out with these hoodlums.

2 girls + 2 boys= besties for life.

there really is never a dull moment :)

 a birthday dinner for one of our favorite people, at one of our favorite restaurants!

(Laura Lee and Ekamai)

 Feeling Valentine'sy over here...

inspired by love.

 wishing for spring.

hoping for warm weather.

sigh.

soon little buddies, soon.