A Walk Down Memory Lane

Since I already admitted going home for my 10-year reunion...everyone knows I am officially old. :)

We kicked off the weekend with a home game against our intercity rivals, Edmond North. 

We had a great turn out for the game and I was fortunate enough to spend most of the game catching with a few families from my home ward that I haven't seen in 8-9 years. It was such a surprise that they were there and I enjoyed catching up with them on the news of the folks I grew up with. 

Saturday morning we met up for a BBQ and tour of our high school.

The BBQ was a great time for folks to show off babies and talk in smaller groups. After that we caravaned over to the high school. One of our classmates is now a coach and photography teacher, so we got the grand tour of the many additions that have been made since we left. 

Randomly, one of my very favorite teachers was at the school that day with the academic team and several of us got to spend a few minutes with him. He is retiring next year and the meeting was such a serendipitous surprise!

The main event for the reunion was an evening at a local brewery. We provided drinks, food, music and it seems everyone had a blast.

Catching up with dear friend and fellow pom teammate, Sarah Reed.

Checking in classmates and collecting the dollars!

Thank you to my high school bestie, Hanna and her hubby for all their help behind the scenes at the registration table and such. Love you guys!

Where to start. For the man who has loved and supported me through a challenging year of planning and stressing. And then being the perfect mix of cool and social as I ran around trying to catch up with everyone. So grateful this is the man I was able to leave with at the end of the night!

Random of FYI: My outfit for the night was a huge hit since I unknowingly sported the colors of Oklahoma's relatively new NBA team, the Thunder. Cole was quick to correct everyone that we are true Mavericks fans. Its been too long since I've been home! :)

Adventures in Texas: Rangers Ballpark

My ten-year high school reunion proved to be the perfect motivator to get us to Dallas for a good, long visit. 

One of our "must-dos" each trip is a night at the ball park with the family. Wes and Stacy generous secure the tickets and supply us with as much fun (i.e. unhealthy) food as our consciences and waistlines will allow. 

It was a close game but in the end, the Rangers couldn't pull it out. Regardless, we had a wonderful evening!

Crew is obviously thrilled to be at the park and watching the his favorite players "Josh" and "Napoli"

Crew playing along while I try to document the evening. :)

Can't get enough of his Rangers; Me loving his mini-me jersey.

No game is complete without a hot dog, right?

My hot date for the evening.

Mimi and Crew sneaking out in the 8th inning.

I love to see the {Brigham City} Temple

Crew has always showed a big interest in our LDS Temples. My first memory of this was him pointing to photo of the Dallas temple in our living room and asking his usual, "What's that?" I guess when you reply that a temple is a special place and it's Jesus' house, and its where Mommy and Daddy got married, something is bound to stick with your kid. 

After a temple wedding for my brother this summer the interest grew, albeit awkwardly, as Crew demanded to ask everyone if 1) they were married and 2) if they had been married in the temple.

Labor Day presented a wonderful opportunity to take Crew to the Brigham City and see inside. (The temple is newly constructed and visitors are welcome to attend open houses prior to dedication.)

We were nothing short of surprised when we arrived to find the line for the tour wrapped entirely around the building and winded through the building's parking garage. We found the silver lining and spent 2.5 hours snapping pics and searching for slivers of shade on the grounds. 

Once inside we wound through waiting areas, instruction rooms and sealing (wedding) rooms. As usual, the workmanship was beautiful and the place had such a sweet spirit. After waiting in a noisy parking garage for several minutes, the reverence and spirit of this special place washed over me the minute we came through the doors. This hot and almost-frustrated mommy really needed that moment of calm. 

Waiting to go inside with our booties on, Crew apparently thought it was too noisy

Crew's reaction inside the temple was more than I could have hoped, especially for his age. As we entered the baptismal font area, he immediately informed the room, "Jesus was baptized in the water." While trying to muffle our giggles to that, he moved right on to telling us about the "cows" (the baptism font sits on 12 oxen). 

He loved the art work depicting scenes from the scriptures, church history and even local peach farms. I had no idea he knew so much about the First Vision, but without fail, he identified Joseph Smith as we passed by. Our ward nursery leaders deserve major brownie points for that one. 

Upon entering the Celestial Room, he leaned his entire body back (literally a 90 degree angle) to get a perfect view of the beautiful chandelier. He stayed totally silent as we walked through and as we were leaving, he turned to me and whispered, "Jesus has a pretty house." Be still my heart. I love that boy.

The tour was quick but we really enjoyed the special time we had together as a family.

Utah Fan Day

We love our Utes and faithfully cheer them on at each home game; however, this was our first year making it out to the school's annual Fan Day.

After a week of nursing a sick lil boy, we were more than ready for a day out of the house. Although judging by this photo you might question Crew's enthusiasm.

The Crimson Club did a great job. Each of the sports teams set up a tent with activities for families and fans. We kicked soccer balls, drove golf balls and did our best to hold on to those giant tennis rackets. After a week of being sick, we passed on the bounce houses but made up for any loses with plenty of free popcorn, snow cones and drinks.

Again, Crew has little to no interest in our picture taking, but we had to at least give it a shot. Crew and Cole had a blast on the field. Starting at the 10 yard line, both my boys ran in for numerous, spectacular pretend "touchdowns." It was hilarious to watch.

Crew especially loved throwing balls at the baseball tent dunk tank.

IMG 0640 from Maura Lansford on Vimeo.

All in all, a perfect way to kick off the athletic season!

Keeping Summer, Social

Our most recent Relief Society activity was a Summer Social. We battled triple digit temperatures that day, but our ladies were troopers. Those who joined us enjoyed a great meal of mini Philly cheese steak sandwiches, refreshing salads and yummy Paces Dairy Ann Popsicles. 

After enjoying our meal, we all played a few rounds of an icebreaker game. Each Popsicle corresponded with a funny get-to-know-you question. I learned so many new (random) things about the sisters at my table.

Thanks to my committee for the all the help with food, decor and set up. Another great activity!