Eventful weekend

This weekend was a fun time for our family. Saturday was the day we celebrated Brody's birthday.


We started out by seeing Toy Story 3. It was Brody's first time seeing a movie in theaters. The AMC theater by us has this wonderful type of screening called, "Sensory Friendly Showing". They only have them about once a month. Anyone can go to them but they are geared towards special needs children. For Brody it was the perfect way to see a movie. The lights are a up, the sound isn't as loud as normal and children are free to make noise, sing, dance and run around. It was a great environment for children like Brody. I thought at some point the big screen or some intense part of the movie would overwhelm him and cause a big tantrum. But he sat still in his seat for the first 25 minutes then ran around for a while and then watched the last 20 minutes (he moved to the front row for that last part - I guess he wanted to be close). We were joined by family which was nice to feel support cause I am sure it wasn't the ideal movie experience for them. It was such a cute movie but I am sure it would have been even better if I would have heard more. We might try another one some time just to see how he does having already experienced it.

Then onto lunch at our house with hamburgers and hot dogs. There were a few presents, singing happy birthday and then wheat and dairy free cupcakes. The best was seeing Brody's adorable, sweet face light up while everyone was surrounding him and singing Happy Birthday.

Sad to say the day was so busy with Jake and I were in crazy dealing with kids/playing host that we didn't get ONE picture of the birthday celebration.



Sunday after church we drove out to our friends who I used to nanny for - well I was a nanny first and then became a friend because I love that family. They live out in the pretty part of the desert in as far North Scottsdale as you can go (I actually drive through Fountain Hills to get there). I used to really enjoy the scenic drive surrounded by beautiful mountains for about a year and half. Glenn was on the road but we had dinner, swimming, playtime and chatting with Shannon and Gage. Gage was just under 2 years old when I started watching him and then I stopped watching him shortly after his 3rd birthday. He is 5 years old now and just as big as can be and he talks so grown up. Brody of course was overjoyed to swim. Ryan loved trying to walk around their nice house with greasy pizza! Jake and I really enjoyed being around Gage again. It was nice to catch up with Shannon cause the visit was long overdue there was lots to chat about.

It was such a nice Sunday evening especially cause it is about 10 degrees cooler where they live!!


Normally I would never post a picture with me looking like this cause, as you can see, I for some reason am having a "fat face" problem. Plus I am in a bathing suit and the dress to cover didn't end up covering that much. I realize my face has gotten fatter over the years but I know I don't look that bad. But I decided to sacrifice my pride to show off this cute picture with Gage and the miracle that is- Ryan looking at the camera.

Shannon and Gage
This picture is from February of 2007, the month after I started taking care of Gage. Gage is 23 months and Brody is 8 months!!


I am sad to not take care of Gage and see him a few days a week but I love that little boy as if he were my own. Jake and I were talking on the way home Sunday night (trying to talk over Ryan's screams) and we are both grateful for the chance I had to work while still being able to take Brody with me and earn an income. But more so Jake and I are grateful to have Shannon, Glenn and Gage in our lives...even if we don't see them all the time. Crazy how some people come into our lives and make such an impact.


All and all it was a lovely weekend for Brody and our family. We are blessed with a wonderful family and amazing friends!!