Spring Break

In AZ, our kids go to school almost year round. They have about an 8 week summer and then 2 weeks for fall break in October and 2 weeks for spring break in March. At first I thought it was too much to have that time off during the year, but have actually enjoyed the breaks very much. Not only is school off, sports, music and any other activity is also put on hold for a couple of weeks.

This year, we spent the bulk of our break in Utah! I had not been "home" in over a year so it was REALLY nice to visit. The boys had a fantastic time. They especially enjoyed all their time with Ampa.

Ampa took them to the Dinosaur Museum, Hill Air Force Base, a visit to Granny C's, several park trips and played with them endlessly. He is so good with them and said he loved every minute he had with the boys. I am so thankful for my dad--they adore him :).

My dad INSISTED on taking them to the Dinosaur Museum and the Air Force base alone. He claims they act differently when I am not around (I am sure "differently" could be defined as crazy, insane, out of control--you take your pic :).) Nonetheless, he wanted to do it, so after some hesistation, I let him. They made it back unharmed and in one piece so I couldn't ask for more than that. The only war wound was when Seth plowed over Logan with the stroller leaving a goose egg on his little forehead.

While in Utah, I also got to see some of my longest and best friends! I could talk for hours to these girls and never run out of things to say (which is what we did!) We also got our kids together to play and that was a lot of fun. It is crazy to think that I have been friends with these two as high school cheerleaders, through college roommates, weddings and 3 kids each (Lins due with her third in Sept.) We have been through so much together and I love them with all my heart!

Although we had lots of events going on, the main reason for going to Utah was to attend Dane's baby blessing in Logan.

Ben gave him a wonderful blessing and I was glad we could be there for it. I can't believe Dane is already 6 weeks--wow, time flies! Here are some darling pics Lalani took of Dane for his upcoming baby announcement (so cute!):

On the way to and from my dad's house, we stopped in Cedar. We only got to see Matt's fam for what seems like a minute, but it was still great to hug them all and visit for a little bit. It was a fabulous trip!

10 months

My little Trent is not so little anymore :(. Especially when I look at my new nephew, Dane, Trent looks like a toddler. He is at the best stage, though, where he learns, grows and changes everyday! He brings so much joy to our house, I forgot the difference a baby can make in a home. He is the center of it all and we just love him to pieces.
I missed his 9 month post because of the move, but he was also too sick to have a well check then anyway. Trent has had a rough month with a double ear infection and RSV. The poor little guy hardly complained. I had to give him Albuterol breathing treatments and everything--not fun with a curious, grabby baby.

So, at 10 months here are his stats:

Weight: 18lbs 4oz

Length: 28in

He has started to "army crawl" across the floor. He pulls himself with his little arms and pushes with his feet. Wade did the exact same thing. He eats Cheerios and we have started to give him tastes of real food (most of which he loves!) Another funny thing he does is watch TV.

Trent, particularly, enjoys "Curious George." He will sit there and actually watch it like he knows what is going on--it is so cute to see his little body sitting on the ground watching a show--love it!

This past month, Trent also got his first haircut. He didn't like the cutting process too much (what baby does?), but Matt did it fast enough where it wasn't too bad.

He also got his third tooth! He is out of the typical tooth order (he should be getting his top 2 in before another on the bottom), but I think the only people who know or care about "tooth order" are dentists and their wives. :)

We are enjoying every stage he gives us and love him with all our hearts! Only 2 months from a year--where has the time gone?

Unwelcome Housewarming Gifts

We are in our new house. It is larger than our other home in every way it could be. We are on a street that is a little more safe from traffic due to the gate. We got to stay in our beloved ward and neighborhood. We are, even, a little closer to Wade's school. Sounds pretty perfect, right? It was perfect until...I saw a HUGE (4in) live scorpion walking down my hall...aka my worst nightmare!!!
I have always been scared of spiders, who isn't? When Matt and I moved to Arizona, I knew that scorpions lived here. The thought of ever seeing a scorpion made me shudder, but as the years went on, I NEVER had to live that thought. That is right, we have lived here almost 6 years and I had never even seen a scorpion until this house.

How could I be so lucky? My luck has run out and I feel like these disgusting things are making up for lost time. Now I have seen over 100 scorpions--alive and dead. Thankfully, I have only seen that 1 live one inside the house. The rest have been outside.

The reason for the scorpions is that our home sat vacant on the market for over a year before we bought it. There was no pest control and no one walking around inside except for the occasional potential buyer. It made our house seem like a warmer (and better) version of outside.

These repulsive and terrifying creatures have changed part of my life. I refuse to walk around the house at night without shoes on, I have had literal nightmares about them and I am uncomfortable to sit or get into anything that hasn't been thoroughly checked. I have even found myself driving along the street or walking around stores feeling relieved I don't have to worry about a scorpion for a minute because I am not at my house.

Don't get me wrong, I love my new house and it does get better with each passing day that remains (live and inside) scorpion free. We have a good friend taking care of our pest control and it is doing the trick (I have seen lots of dead ones outside.) We have also adapted nightly "black light checks" into our routine.

For whatever reason, scorpions literally glow when a black light (ultraviolet light) is shined on them in the night. It has been my only saving grace and has left me with a little peace when I can shine the light around my kids' rooms and know there isn't a scorpion hiding out somewhere close to them.

Last night ended with some wonderful news--Matt and Wade could not find ONE single scorpion in or outside our entire house with the black light! I couldn't be more ecstatic! They even checked a wall that separates our property from the neighbors (where they have seen up to 30 in one night) and couldn't find them there either.

I hope we are making some serious headway here. I hope the inside scorpion sighting from a couple of weeks ago was my last. Keep your fingers crossed for me. (please!)