Family In the Valley

Christian and I were recently reflecting how lucky we are to be going to school in AZ. We got in some other places (Chicago, Philadelphia) which would have been cool cultural experiences but we are SO happy to be in Arizona. Only a day's drive to Utah and half that amount to go to Southern CA where next year it looks like we'll have both my twin uncles and their families living as well as Christian's sister Sarah and her husband Christian! And right here in the valley is my uncle Brian and his wife Stephanie and their four adorable kids. We're blessed with their hospitality and chances to share dinners and birthday parties with them. I feel so at home eating and playing games at their house and Claire has a blast playing with the kids. Last weekend we went to share my cousin Audrey's baptism with her. It was a very sweet experience, where I felt the spirit witness to me the special significance of baptism. My grandparents were also in town which was fun.

  

The birthday girl with her family after the baptism

 The Gilbert Temple is looking beautiful! I can't wait to experience the finished interior hopefully within a year's time. This temple is about an hour away but the Phoenix Temple which is also in progress will be less than ten minutes away from us!

We're lovin the Valley of the Sun (well at least until we start melting mid-summer :)

April

A lot of fun stuff has happened this month:

First up, Easter:

Her egg hunt at playgroup was followed by the massive hunt at Midwestern (below):

Claire got out-toddled by two and three year olds in this sea of eggs. They were swept away as we walked through the field. Thankfully some nice little boys shared some with her. She didn't care one way or another :)

With her Easter loot

Now off to Utah!

Dan grew like a foot since Dave left. Love my bros.

Brother Dave is back from Mexico! Sadly I missed the reunion shown above. I was going to fly back on the same flight from PHX to SLC and surprise him on the plane but he missed his first flight out of Mexico and ended up flying directly to SLC to arrive two hours before me. Bummer. But all that melted away when I saw him and gave him a hug. I love him so much. It was so special to get to talk and bond after two long years (and of course update him on all the cool viral videos he missed. I think this one was his favorite).

  First time sportin pig tails

 Matt prepared her for future siblings by teasing like a big brother

 She loved the kitty Missy and would chase her around the house shrieking, "Hiiiii Keeee!". Thankfully Missy was patient with her pats, hugs, and pokes.

Watchin cartoons with Uncle Matt

We went to St. George after picking up Dave to enjoy slightly warmer weather (still a bit chilly and we got stuck  in a snow storm on our way back to Utah County). We also went down to see Sam who had to get back to SUU for school.

Claire was able to reunite with her dearly betrothed, Andrew Sybrowsky (see their first date here). They are way too cute together.

Hang gliding

Two weekends ago Christian redeemed his favorite Christmas gift from me - a hang gliding flight! Finally timing and weather were right on so we drove over an hour to Maricopa, AZ and Christian took flight (with an instructor of course). He thinks it would be even more fun to fly jumping off a cliff or ridge and somewhere with prettier scenery, but his 2,000 ft. altitude flight fulfilled his curiosity (I think..). The instructor even threw in some drops and spins but couldn't scare Christian. I'm the worrier and so honestly I'd be happy if he doesn't make this a hobby, but he doesn't think he will - he was just happy to have the experience. Actually being there and seeing the professional experience of the instructor it made me less worried and made it look pretty fun! Glad he could enjoy it and glad he made it down safely. 

The ultra light tow plane pulled them up and then released at 2,000 ft. They glided back down. The total flight was about 10-15 minutes. 

Tiny dots up in the air

Back down on the ground.

Success!

Two weeks

It started out with two years, now it's down to two weeks. He left before Claire was even conceived and now he'll get to meet his almost 15 mo. old niece. For him the return home is conflicting, bittersweet I'm sure. I've never served a mission but I assume that his life and identity right now is as a missionary. Now he has to go back home and and transition his current self into that former world. 

He works hard, and has his personal bar set very high. He has immersed himself in this selfless work - asking that our emails to him avoid "Can't wait to see you! Miss you! Wish you were here!" That's a sign to me that he feels what he is doing right now is the most important thing in the world and with time waning, he can't waste a minute feeling distracted or homesick. 

I am grateful for his selfless service and growth. There are very few opportunities in the world where impulsive young men can develop such discipline, personal refinement and practice such selfless service for two whole years while developing a deep love for a people and culture. I am grateful David chose to use this time in his life to touch souls and affect the eternities.

David has come a long way from the terrorizing little brother he once was  - trying to survive his bossy, easily-reactive big sister :) I'm so grateful this strong young man is my brother and since he's not reading this I have to say- I can't wait to see him!!!!!!!!!!!!

Duck Pond

Last Friday we enjoyed an evening at the park where Claire was free to roam and wear her little legs out. She is definitely a toddler now and likes to go where she chooses.

Makin her daddy proud

Runnin free after a bath

Last room...for now

So the major decorating is settling down now. Our room is finished and it feels nice. In the last few years I haven't put much effort into making our room feel complete and coordinated but it really does make a difference! It feels good just to hang out there. Also, it gets really nice natural light during the day (although the lighting isn't too great in these pics) and there's space for the keyboard that was donated to me, so I spend more time in my room than I have in a while.

Although it's far from ideal (the paint color isn't our favorite but was freshly done before we moved in and would be a significant project so we're working with it for now) I think it's good to jump in and try developing new skills - like decorating. It can only get better from here.

I made the sign above the bed (here's the inspiration) and the headboard (used this and this for the how-to) and pillows (tutorials here and here). The bedside trinkets and tables are Goodwill/Savers finds.

No-sew curtains! I know I can't get away with no-sew stuff forever. I need to work those skills

Made the silhouettes using this technique and the star using this.

We have a toddler now!!! Crazy.

Showing off her newly developed praying skills - folding her arms at any mention of "pray" "fold arms" or "Heavenly Father"