Window To Our World

Thank You, for all of your support and donations! We couldn't do it without you! We were able to raise $222 as a family. So that meant we met our goal of $200. The morning of the big event was pretty cold and windy but we bundled up and marched our 5 miles. We enjoyed the scenery and walking with some friends of ours, Tammy and Stephanie. When the wind died down it was pretty nice we just wished the wind would go away because that's what made it cooler.

Cassidy did pretty well on the way up. She rode in the stoller and we just kept her busy with yummy snacks and distractions. Then on the way back she sat on Daddy's shoulders. She was happy about that! At the last bridge to cross she walked through the finish line with Daddy. Of course if it was up to her, she would have walked the whole 5 miles. :) We were so happy to be a part of a wonderful event and to help out with a great organization that saves lives. We are already planning to sign up again next year.

Happy Belated Earth Day! (I meant to post this that day)

Derek found out the public bus system was going to be free to ride on Earth Day. So Cassidy and I decided to take the bus for a ride! The bus stop is right behind our house. Every day Cassidy is able to watch the "city bus" (what she calls it) drive by and pick people up, and now it's her chance to actually take a turn. As we were waiting for the bus Cassidy was just playing around in the dirt but as soon as I pointed out the bus coming around the corner, she jumped up and down and screamed. She kept saying "Come, City Bus, Come!" (With her hand stretched out) She was so excited! It's wonderful how excited our kids get over such little things. During the ride, Cassidy had a lot of fun looking out the big windows as we drove around.

We got off near the shopping center where the IMAX theater is. I know some of you are thinking that's not very far, but it was still an experience. We first went to Dicks sporting store and spent most of our time playing with the sports equipment, sitting in camping tents, riding bikes, going up and down the escalator, and checking out the gym equipment. In the picture above where Cassidy is sitting on the weight set, she's holding her arms up and saying "muscles!" with her deep voice. Just like her daddy taught her. It's one of our favorite stores. Then, we walked around the other stores near by like Best Buy and Wild Oats. While we were getting some fresh air and some exercise walking around we decided we were getting hungry so we had lunch at Leo's Pizzaria. It was delicious! Cassidy enjoyed the cheesy pizza and it hit the spot. After lunch, it was time to trek back to the bus stop. We didn't have to wait too long. Again, the bus ride was a hit and Cassidy couldn't contain her excitement. We had such a fun time together and we will never forget our magical ride with our "city bus."

This last week my parents and Abuelita (little grandma in Spanish) came to visit us from Arizona. We had a wonderful time together. Cassidy enjoyed waking up each morning and asking "Where Granpa Go?" And of course would ask next about Grandma and "Lita." It was fun for her to be able to have some extra attention and not only from her parents.

We were able to play games, watch movies, talk, eat out, watch Cassidy swim, attend The Dave Ramsey Show at the World Arena, enjoy General Conference, and just relax. One day Cassidy had all of us girls dress up with her hats and purses like we were going to go shopping. It was cute.




Cassidy received the Alvin & the Chipmunks DVD from Grandpa & Grandma and surprised us all at how interested and excited she was to watch this movie. None of us had seen it, and it seemed to have become Cassidy's favorite movie. She doesn't sit and watch movies, she will for a little while but then she will go play with her toys and come back later. Not with this movie! She was hooked from the beginning. Her new word now is Chipmunks. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!


The Dave Ramsey Show

I know we have mentioned Dave Ramsey before on our blog, but this time we had the chance to see him LIVE and to listen to his good advice on financial matters. He is such a motivational, entertaining, and humorous speaker. The "Total Money Makeover" class lasted for 5 hours with two 20 minute breaks. Let me tell ya though, it didn't seem like that long. It was so fun. Before we knew it, we only had one more hour to be taught. He teaches people to get out of debt and to be wise with our money. Of course, the Church has always taught us these things, but Dave gives us motivation and some tools on how to succeed. He lives his life with similar standards as the Church. It was a great opportunity to attend, and we enjoyed sharing the experience with my parents. We wish all of you could have been there with us. :)