Our Ball Player

Baseball. America's favorite pastime? For me, not so much. But I am pleased to say that baseball is growing on me a little. This is a good thing since Gavin is in love with the game. Gavin started baseball season in late March and ended in early June. Here's my list of memorable moments and highlights from the season.

-Gavin's relief to have the manly team color of black. Last year's team color was purple and it was a bitter pill for him to swallow.

- Gavin's games served the dual purpose of providing Ashlyn with some much needed outdoor time and social interaction with other children. I think we might have a natural born cheerleader on our hands. She loved going to his games and cheering him on.

-The sweet sound of the bat connecting with the ball.

- The look on Gavin's face, his arms raised in triumph and his team mates excitement when he hit the first home run of the season. Priceless.

-The crusty old Grandpa who came to every game and would say things to the players like, "Why dontcha hit the ball as hard as you hit the plate!" or "Does that kid of yours ever not have his head in the clouds?" Keep in mind these were 4-8 year old boys. Is it wrong that I found these comments funny?

-When Gavin nailed the pitching machine while batting. The coach did the funniest ninja move trying to avoid the ball.

-Watching all the players run the bases and slide into home plate after the game was over. There was no doubt that each one was imagining themselves scoring a winning home run.

-Landon learning to clap as a result of Gavin's games.

-When I said to Gavin, "Great job in the outfield!" Chris and Gavin both looked at me like I was hopeless and simultaneously said, I/He was in the infield.

-Coach Wilson saving me and my camera from Gavin's foul ball. In my efforts to get a shot of Gavin batting, I decided to stand right outside the dugout on the field. Gavin's coach was standing about two feet closer to the plate than I. He reached out and caught the ball which was traveling in a straight line for my face/camera. His coach was so pleased with himself that I thought he might burst with pride.

Landon's Birthday Celebration

We decided to celebrate Landon's 1st birthday with his 1st trip to the Zoo. I was surprised when he tried to touch this peacock. He's been a little timid and easily frightened lately. We got a membership so this was the first of what I am sure will be many trips to the Tucson Zoo!

Look at that face! The elephants were the first animals we saw and he seemed to find them distasteful. He would not look at them! Chris would face him toward them and he would immediately turn away.

Hard to believe that just one year ago he was in my tummy!

Here he is enjoying watching the monkeys.

Landon and his crew.

I guess this giraffe is tired of having her picture taken. As soon as I snapped this shot she stuck her tongue out at me! Or maybe she is just cheeky. =)

Then we headed home to open presents.

He loves the little bear/driver that came with this dump truck. He carries it around with him everywhere.

He also loves his train as does Ashlyn.

He also got this ball popper toy that he is scared to death of. Even if he is across the room and someone turns it on he starts screaming. Hopefully he will start to enjoy it as he gets older. After that we went out to eat at Red Robin's.

Then it was cake time. I loved his cake! I was upset because for some reason he is out of focus in all of the cake shots I took.

He liked the ice cream more than the cake. Just more proof that he is the Chris Clone.

Landon's Stats at One Year

Landon had his well baby check up today.

Weight: 22 lbs. 15 oz. (50%)

Height: 31 inches (90%)

Head: 50 1/2 cm (Off the charts!)

Poor kid is built like a q-tip. Giant head on top of a long, skinny body! His pediatrician has referred him for a CT scan. I am pretty sure it is just a familial trait but better safe than sorry.

Landon is 1!!!

Our Landon is 1 year old! The time has gone by much too quickly for me. I think we will keep him. We are blessed to have this little guy in our family.

Under this table has become a favorite spot for him.

That is until he gets stuck. Help!!! I've fallen and I can't get out!

Look closely and you will see his first tooth! Hopefully the rest will quickly follow.

In the past month he has started walking. Though he still prefers crawling. He can stand up without holding on to anything but usually will just stand for awhile before sitting back down without taking any steps.

Here he is enjoying a piece of black licorice. I once read that a liking for black licorice is inherited. Most people do not like it but I do and my Dad does also. Could this be the first proof of a gene from me?!?!

This boy LOVES his food! Eating is his #1 past time. His all time favorite snack is whole grain Ritz crackers. He is wild for them! He also loves ice cream. He has an uncanny knack for knowing when someone is eating it. The other day while we were at Gavin's baseball game, a lady was eating nachos behind us. He wanted them sooo bad! He was going crazy trying to get her attention and get some. I finally bought him a churro which he enjoyed greatly. The only food he has refused to eat so far is broccoli.

Gila Valley Temple Open House

Gila Valley Temple

Yesterday we traveled to Gila Valley for the open house. It was about a three hour drive each way but worth every mile! I had been looking forward to taking the kids to this event for the past several months. (Once a temple is dedicated only endowed members are able to go inside.) It is not everyday that you get to get this kind of opportunity!

I couldn't help but feel a little pride in the organization skills and service that have gone into this event. One thing that can never be denied is that the Mormons are very well organized! I felt so grateful to the many members who put such time and love into this event. There were even volunteers who placed booties over your shoes (the purpose being to keep the carpets and floors clean) so you wouldn't have to bend over and do it yourself. Something you greatly appreciate when you are wearing a dress and the wind is blowing like mad. =) This was the first temple open house I had ever been to and I was very impressed! I am truly thankful for the blessing of temples. The peace that can be found within its walls is the most relaxing and comforting thing I have ever experienced.

A BIG added bonus was that my dear friend, Joni (pronounced like Johnny) lives in Gila Valley! I first met Joni back in 1998 while we were stationed in Hawaii. I was assigned to be her visiting teacher. We were pregnant with our first babies together. Her son Wyatt was born just a few weeks before Whitney. She was the first person to ever babysit Whitney. And Whitney's third or fourth favorite person in the world for her first 1 1/2 years of life. It had been about 4 years since I had last seen her so this visit was long overdue.

Joni is a kindred spirit. I have a fantasy where I like to think about populating a town with all of my favorite people. Joni would definitely be one of those people!

Here are the kids in their Easter outfits, that I have still not gotten around to taking photos of them in. It was not an ideal time for taking photos. The sun was too bright and the wind was blowing hard. Gavin's expression makes me laugh because he is trying so hard to keep his eyes open.

Ashlyn kept trying to get into roped off areas and touched everything she could get her hands on. She entertained our group with her loud exclamations of delight. She was always the first one into a new area and was not shy about pushing her way to the front.

While we were in the temple Landon was uncharacteristically quiet and still. He just kept looking around at everything with big eyes.

A Treasure of a Treasurer!

Whitney hit the campaign trail last week. She decided to run for student body treasurer for the next school year. A total of four kids were running for treasurer. On Friday they gave their speeches and voted. The results were to be announced today. I was a nervous wreck all day long! I called the school several times to hear the results. They waited till the end of the day to make the announcements! I had to wait for Whitney to come home to hear the exciting news that she won!!!! She is very excited. I know she will be a great treasurer!

Wit's New Hairdo

On Saturday I took Whitney to get her hair trimmed. She decided she was ready for a change!