5K Fun

okay maybe it wasn't exactly fun. It was while I was running, in fact, that I actually confirmed to myself that I really do hate running. But after the race we had fun because we got all sorts of goodies and got to relax.

me, whit, and her sis-in-law. Me trying to act like I am having fun

Other things that we did last week include: Valentine's Dinner at the WigWam Resort, Doug got to go to the Suns vs. Jazz game (he had a blast even though the Jazz lost), I helped with the Blue and Gold Banquet for scouts, had a girl's night out at Olive Garden for Megan's birthday.

Children's Museum

I took Averi to the children's museum with her buddy Braxton on Thursday. It is always fun but this time was especially fun since she is a few months older than the last time. She (and Brax) had a blast running around exploring. They go to go pretend grocery shopping, race wooden cars, and even learn about dental care from the "tooth fairy" (a frizzy haired lady dressed up in tons of layers of crazy colored clothes and scary make-up). The kids all loved it and they all got to sit on their own little lilly pads. It was SOOO cute to watch Averi watching with a "what the heck is going on" look on her face.

Averi is still pretty obsessed with reading books and we are crossing our fingers it is a long-term habit! Here she is after she fell asleep reading in her crib. What a cutie!

Averi hates it when I mow the lawn (the noise scares her) but she loves it when I first get the lawn mower out and she gets to sit on it for a minute. She thinks it is a toy just for her...until I turn it on... then she cries/whines on the porch until I am done. :)

Visit from Aunt Molly

Doug's aunt Molly and uncle Gunnard came to town and paid us a visit on Wednesday night. They brought us some great heirlooms and a cute little valentine's teddy bear for Averi. They treated us to dinner at Macayos which was delicious as always!

Here is Averi enjoying her black beans and diluted sprite. Doesn't that sound delicious?

Science Center

Whitney and I took the kids to the Science Center last week. A lot of it was a little over their heads but they still had fun. Unfortunately it seems that Averi is returning to her head-stong and irrational days like she was a few months back. That should explain why she is one the floor crying in this picture. I love the look on Quin and Ezra's faces. They were both looking at me like "Are you going to do anything about your crazy kid?!"

Other things we have been up to include: Averi's friend Caleb's birthday party, Doug working at the bishops' storehouse Saturday, my friend Lindsay's baby shower, ward temple night, getting a new microwave installed (which we may not have even needed in the first place...rather not talk about it!), and playing in the park.

This is just a cute video I took of Averi and her friend Kylee looking for the cat under the couch.

Silly girl antics

Averi does thing lately when she is excited or hyper. She tenses up her whole body, hands in fists, neck strained, and gives the funniest grin. I actually got her to do it for the camera and I think it's pretty hilarious. But decide for yourself!

Averi loves music and always starts bobbing her head or shifting back and forth every time a song comes on. Here is a video of her getting her groove on.

New Years, etc.

For New Years Eve, we went to a brazillian dinner and samba dance that our friends the Taylors found out about. I was a little skeptical if I was going to have fun since I have no direct ties to Brazil but it ended up being really fun and Doug and I learned some new dance moves thanks so the random other couple at our table :)

On New Years Day we watched some football with friends (dont ask me who was playing or who won ;) Here are the kiddos playing during the game. Averi is giving Quin some tips on how to win with the DS.

Averi still LOVES books! Today after playing outside, she grabbed her favorite book and a blankie, and plopped right down on the floor and started studying. Averi will often get a book or flash cards, bring them over to me (or Doug...whoever is available at the moment) , and sit in my lap expecting to be read to. I love it!

Here is Averi thinking she is pretty cool trying on Doug's hat. She hates hats or bows and refuses to wear them but for some reason she thought Daddy's hat was pretty sweet.

The real Christmas

Doug, Averi, and I were able to go to Utah for a week over Christmas to see his family. We had such a great and relaxing time. It was great to catch up with family and friends and celebrate the holidays together.

The fam celebrating...

Averi opening gifts from Nammy and Papa

We went downtown to see temple square whish was gorgeous as always

Some of us went to Fat Cats to bowl, play games, and eat pizza. Even though Averi was tired, she LOVED the games with all their blinking lights and noises.

I had the opportunity to visit my friends Hillary and Rachael in SLC which was SO much fun as always.

Then later that night Doug and I drove down to Provo so that he could see his friend Dave and I could catch up with my friend Mikell. We both had a blast.

We were so excited to come home to warm weather but of course the week we get home Phoenix decides to have record low temperatures and snow for the first time in over a decade!