Matthew

I may have mentioned once or twice, or three thousand times, that Matt was coming home. 

With spring break behind us and the twins being kindergators, I was fortunate to have my mother-in-law come out to hold down the fort while I went home for the big homecoming. 

In scheduling my flight, I had the option to connect with Matt in Phoenix and be on his flight. You better believe I jumped on that opportunity. It was a surprise to him and truth be told, I have never been more nervous/anxious for anything in my whole life. 

When I got to the gate, they were getting ready to board. I spotted him!

If I even had half the nerves, I could have carried out one of the million plans I had in my head. 

 But you all know me. It's no surprise that plans were thrown out the window and I just walked right up to him. I stood next to him really closely and just waited. 

He first tried to scoot away from this crazy lady standing next to him. 

Then he realized that the crazy lady was his sister.

Then he shoved me. 

We hugged.

I cried.

Then we took a picture for all family members waiting on pins and needles for this very text:

 Then we boarded and got an hour and a half of uninterrupted bro/sis convo. 

It was glorious.

When we got into California, a few people were excited to see someone's face.

Matt's priorities haven't changed much. 

1. Family

2. Golf

3. Food

So after a round of golf, we all met at Taco Lita.

It may not look like much, but this here is the best been and cheese burrito in all the world.

Saturday evening was a fun little party with more food, family, and friends.

Anything cuter than cousins sneaking cookies? I think not.

Kristen's pretty set on sibling photos being taken in birth order. 

It takes more attempts than taking pictures of toddlers, I tell you.

But eventually, we get our act together.

And even the 'rental units clean up nicely.

Oh, and if you're wondering... it's 'Matthew' now. 

He's very grown up and mature.

Doggie party

From the first moment Drew knew that turning 3 was forthcoming, he has had his heart set on a doggie party. His guest list was very specific (including his nursery leader, and my friend who has no child younger than kindergarten) and the list of activities was set in stone: we would play pin the tail on the doggie and "duck, duck, doggie. It's like duck, duck, goose, but only you say 'doggie.' Hahahaha."

It was very small and so. much. fun. 

He really is the sweetest boy and was so grateful and appreciative of everything.

He noticed that the take-home gifts were little dogs with baggies of 'puppy chow' and when he found out that Janet and I had filled the bags with puppy chow, he said, "Oh, thank you mommy and Grandma for scooping the puppy chow and putting it in the bags. I love it!"

A good friend brought the guest of honor, Winston.

 He thought us singing to him was pretty awesome sauce.

Oh, how I love this boy of mine.

And for the boring stuff that no one cares about but I:

• He is very affectionate, tells everyone that he loves them, kisses the special ones, and likes to snuggle up and watch a movie (still Umizoomi)
• Gave up naps
• Is very aware of people's feelings and always wants everyone to be happy.
• His love for dogs is growing at an exponential rate, it seems. Toy stuffed dogs are his favorite toys and he carries them around and takes very good care of them.
• He has named our future dog Buster and tells everyone about him like he already exists.
• When you tell him something that he probably does already know, like "I love you" or "this dinner is good," he responds with "I know!" Like, in an "isn't it awesome?" way, not in a rude way.
• He asks, "why?" a lot. 
• He can be very encouraging. If we're running late and I seem flustered, he tells me, "It's okay, mom. I know you can do it."
• He loves the Frozen soundtrack.
• He's getting better at going to the gym. It helps when his best buddy, Maddox, is there and that at the end, he runs all the way to the cafe and picks out a treat- usually Sharkies.
• He replaces "sp" with "f." Donuts have frinkles on them, sometimes he fills his drink, etc.
• After his spontaneous hugs or kisses, he'll ask, "Do you know why I kissed you? ... Because I love you!"

Twins' jumpin' party

The twins really wanted to have their birthday party at one of those inflated-structure jumping places. A  place where I don't have to do ONE THING, but schedule the place and make sure people show up. You betcha, kiddos. Your wish is my command. It was quite a great party. Mostly kids from our ward, some from their classes at school. 

Both kids were animals on this thing, doing flips down it and all sorts of shenanigans. 

I don't know where they got that from. 

Weird. That must have been photoshopped.

 Back to the party...

(This isn't all the kids there- just the ones that fit in my 50mm frame). 

It's just too bad Drew didn't have ANY fun.

Poor kid. Always so serious.

Normally, I want would wait until their actual birthday to post this, but since on their actual birthday, I will be on a plane to California, here it is. And since it's not their actual birthday, I don't believe I have the proper right to wax strong on the craziness it is that my sweet little 4-pounders are now thriving kindergators. Or the fact that I couldn't possibly love them more. You'll just have to imagine it. 

But here's this: Happy birthday, my sweet ones. I love you.

Kite festival and some Project Updates

Attending a kite festival at an elementary school is very close to the most entertaining event on earth. A million kinders running around, guided by their helpless parents, trying to fly 50 cent kites (that they paid 5 bucks for to support the PE program). Luckily, the wind was terrific, so a lot of kites took flight. But a lot of kites found trees, fences, the ground, and spectators' heads. All in good fun. 

 Ethan must have been a kite whisperer in a previous life because he had his kite soaring almost the whole time. His gentle nature mixed with his speedy skills probably had something to do with it.

And now for some updates:

 THE HOUSE

Slowly, but surely, our dreams of building a house are coming to fruition. They have yet to break ground, but we're getting mighty close. I have been to the design- excuse me. DREW AND I have been to the design center a few times and we've made a lot of selections. Not only so many choices to chose from, but so many choices to make. Still loving every minute of it, though. One of the most fun projects I've ever been a part of. 

TEXAS IMMERSION 

Greg and I made our way to our first rodeo a couple weeks ago. Man oh man. The people watching was un-paralleled. I HAD to get some boots for the event, and can I say? Boots. are. comfy! (and expensive, but that's another story). Tim McGraw was icing on the cake. One of the greats.

FEATS OF STRENGTH

We traveled to Houston last weekend so that I can run another race. This, another half, was run in honor of a daughter of a dear friend of mine. She has Spina Bifida and we ran to raise money for the Spina Bifida Association. Always fun to hang out with our Houston friends, and once again, Julie was the ultimate running buddy. 

Too bad the weather didn't cooperate. 70 degrees, 100% humidity, and rain till about the half way mark. Ah, Houston. It's nice to know there's some things about that place I don't miss. Cause this girl right here, I definitely miss her.

And if you've ever complained that falling asleep in the car is too hard, you obviously haven't tried hard enough.

MARCH 2014

This month is officially the busiest month in the history of our lives, and we will never want it to end. March 1st kicked it off with the race in Houston, next week is spring break, Greg's mom comes Thursday, the twins' birthday party is the 15th, Drew's is the 18th, I leave the 19th (which is actually the twins' birthday) to see Matt get home from his mission, I get back that Sunday, the day which Greg leaves for the first of 3 consecutive "business trips" which will consist of skiing, hunting, and deep sea fishing. When this month ends, we will all be in denial that it's over. So someone, please anyone, come visit us in April to give us something to look forward to!!

Consider yourself updated.