Our Beloved Sedona

Before we moved from Phoenix, Jase and I got to visit Sedona one last time on Feb. 27th. I signed us up for a Sedona Pines Timeshare presentation from 11-12:30pm. We'd dropped the boys off with Papa for the weekend previously so it was just Jase and I. We enjoyed the presentation (and pigged out on freshly baked cookies), but really just wanted the free gifts (cash, gas money, a trip, and movie tickets). While we were there, we swore we wouldn't leave Arizona without another taste of our favorite roast beef sandwich at our favorite Korean restaurant. We enjoyed walking the streets, the beautiful view, the food, and our ice-creams.

Although it was a quick jaunt, we enjoyed every minute and were grateful for Gary and Kallie allowing us that opportunity. We will miss Sedona with its fresh air and beautiful red rock. Perhaps one day we'll get to see her again. The best part of Arizona.

Farewell Pool Party

In February, 2011 Jason began submitting resumes both in Arizona and Utah in order to find a new job. He had been working for Open Tech, but felt it was time for a change. To our surprise, he received quite a few interviews rather quickly due to his previous connections from Novell and in Utah. Thanks to Zeb Reeves he received an offer from Blue Coat, a software security company in Draper, UT.

We then planned a "going away" pool party for friends and family in Phoenix. It was nice to see Becky and her boys, Shane and Mandy's family, Bryon and the kids, and Robert, Asher's habilitator and family friend. The boys had a great time swimming and later we watched a movie together in the theater room. We also had dinner twice with Gary and Kallie (BBQ-yum!) and then again with Allen and Amy at Sweet Tomatoes. It was difficult planning a move so quickly after only 6 months, but it came together well and we got it all done. We were going back to Utah. Yeah!

The New Job

Jase accepted a new position as a software developer on Feb. 17th, 2011. He works directly under Roger Harrison and with a team of amazing guys. Zeb also works there in a different department, so they get to see each other once in a while. Overall, Jase is really enjoying his job. He loves walking to and from work, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the top-notch people he has met there. He especially takes pride in knowing that his job matters as Blue Coat seeks to create a safe haven on the Internet for businesses, kids and adults alike. 

Our Favorite Spot

For 6 months we lived with Bryon and his family in Phoenix, AZ (at "1010" as Ashy would say!). Our favorite place in the Parkside Townhome community was definitely the community center. There we enjoyed access to a great gym, large community room and theater and, of course, the pool/spa!! We often would spend hours there on the weekends or enjoy an early breakfast by the pool. Before we moved, we invited Chloe over to swim. She was Jonah's best friend when we lived in Veramonte (Surprise, AZ).

When it was time to leave, Ashy would always get out of the pool and want to cuddle in his towel on the big chair. Although it was always a struggle to get the kiddos to walk back home, it was such an adorable sight! The kids' second favorite place was the parking lot. Breonna and Tabby were always super kind and would take the boys out to ride scooters all over the complex. Good times!

The Triplets

This was the first (and only!) time I let the three boys take a bath together. It all started out innocently enough...until the water fight began. Ash was serious about that cup and before I knew it water was flying everywhere! So, just before I had to call for disaster control, I decided to end "bathy time" and then proceeded to use up all my clean towels to restore my floor from wet to dry. But aren't they cute!!!

New Year's Eve Continued

So we spent the rest of New Year's Eve calmly pigging out on pizza, drinking sparkling cider, playing the Wii, and putting together Asher's "other" train from Papa (Gary). It was electric and very cool. Ashy adored that one too (is it possible for him NOT to adore a train?!). Happy New Year's!

Running Back...

We became so absorbed in the Discovery farm animal area that we almost forgot to see the countdown--the whole reason for the trip! "Run!" I cried lest my perfectly planned outing become ruined. The kids used it as an opportunity to get warm again (sorry!) and I tried to work off all the cocoas I'd been downing. It turned out that we barely, barely made it. They were counting as we were running to the pavillion. So, I guess we sort of missed it because we were puffing so hard we couldn't count too...shoot! Oh well, at least we tried.

It was around this time that I lost Asher. That's right. Not my proudest moment. He was wanting to go play in the "tree house" and Jonah and I needed to get in line for the cidar (which was right next to the treehouse slide). So, I told Ash we'd be right back, we (sort of) cut in line to go more quickly, and by the time we got back (like 5 minutes tops!) Ash was gone.

I immediately began my search with Jonah to find him and, after a few very tense minutes, found him with a zoo worker crying for me. I have to say I was impressed that he found an adult AND a zoo worker to boot (good instincts Ash!), but felt really dumb for leaving him. Apparently he panicked when he couldn't see me and took off in pursuit. Well, we quickly departed after that episode and I have to say that I couldn't have been happier. Maybe zoos are overrated. I keep trying to like zoos, but I don't think they like me back. Did I mention it was cold?

Don't Forget the Animals!

We were so busy getting warm and eating that we almost forgot to see some animals while we were at the Zoo (ok, I promise I'll stop talking about how cold it was. But it was!). Luckily we discovered the Little People Discovery Farm.

You Know It's Cold When...

Visiting the dryers in the bathroom becomes the highlight of the zoo trip!

Saved By The Coca

Quite literally, I'm not kidding! Although I had to pay upwards of $4 a cup it was worth it. The children were quiet. I had peace. And I was able to convince them to smile for a few more shots. Yeah!

More Zoo Activities

Boy--it really looks like we're having a fun time, doesn't it! My, we're good. No, in retrospect it was pretty fun...but just way too cold!

New Year's Eve

I was in full "find a fun activity for the family" mode when I discovered that the Phoenix Zoo had a Noon Year's Eve snow activity for kids. It was sponsored by Disney radio and was going to have pictures, music, entertainment, apple/sparkling cider/cookies, a countdown, SNOW, carosel...the works!! I couldn't resist. So, even though Jase was feeling under-the-weather and wouldn't be able to go with us, I struck out on my own with the two children---fearless!

Well, as soon as we exited the car I knew I had bitten off more than I could chew. It was cold. I mean COLD! And we were going to play in the snow? What! Ok, I hadn't thought this through. But I put on my happy face and guided the children into the park nonetheless :*) After Ash fell down once on the snow he was pretty much done. And Jonah didn't last much longer. But I was determined to make it to noon-the countdown-the whole reason for coming!

Mesa Temple

A Christmas season in Arizona wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Mesa Temple, right? It was such a pleasant evening that we just couldn't resist. And Jase was such an incredible sport because he had just recently had back surgery wherein a stimulator device was implanted beneath his skin to help distract and manage his chronic pain. So he was still recovering from that whole ordeal. But I had house fever and needed to go somewhere badly...so he accommodated. Isn't he amazing?! Yeah, I think so too!

Another Milestone

Asher's scooter. I just had to dedicate a blog post to this one. Because he'd seen all the cousins riding scooters ever since we moved in with Bryon (the last 2 months) Asher decided that it was time for him to join in on the fun. And join in he did! Tabby and Breonna were so patient and loving with him...showing him over and over how to ride his scooter, taking him over to the park, riding up and down the sidewalk with him, just going above and beyond to include him. I will forever be grateful to my nieces for the kindness and love they showed to Jonah and Asher. They're truly amazing kids (Jr. too!).

I was so proud of Ash for trying something new that was difficult for him. And, before long, he was riding like an old pro--he knew it too! He'd cruise all over the parking lot mimicking Jonah in every way and even perfecting his "flamingo move"--lifting one leg to a right angle and balancing perfectly on the other. What a pro. You go Ash!