Three Degrees of Burns: 2007

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Christmas is in the Air!!


We went to see Santa at the mall this week and Brandon was elated! He practiced what he was going to say to him and was able to communicate effectively his desire for a cat! He was a little nervous (as you can tell in the photo), but he was very brave. He was extremely confused when we left empty handed. He apparently thought he was supposed to get his cat right then and there!
We went to the Phoenix Zoo for family night to see the "Zoo Lights". We went with Sean's mom and Sean's sister and her family. Brandon had cute cousins to play with and Sean and I had good company as well. It was a blast! There was so much to see and fun Christmas music playing the whole way through. One of the first things to see is this large tree completely covered in blue lights. It was truly a spectacle! Look for Brandon standing on the rock in front of the tree.


Brandon has always loved alligators and enjoyed the lighted alligators, too!



This photo below does not do the spiders any justice. They were so cool!! They had the large spiders up in the trees and one spider is about to eat a bug stuck in the web. I really thought of Lizzie and how much she would have enjoyed this little scene.



This rattle snake's tail changed to make it seem like it was rattling.


Some animals were still awake when we were wondering around. I guess this Zebra got used to his peace after dark, so he was snacking right next to the viewer area. He immediately ran off after the flash went off right in his face. Sorry, Zebra!


This is a video of the light show on the bridge. The lights corresponded to the song and was really fun for everyone. We will definitely be back to "Zoo Lights" next year. It was an impressive display.




Sunday, December 16, 2007

Temple Lights

Tonight, we went to the Mesa temple to look at the lights. It was great to hear an A Capella group while gazing at the palm trees decorated in brilliant lights of all colors. Brandon's favorite was a light fountain that looked like water was actually coming down. Brandon saw it and excitedly asked, "Mommy, can I jump in it?" He's such an adventurous kid. He loved the lights, but was not pleased by the string of lights creating restrictions on where he could go. He asked if we could "open the gate" and go touch the lights. He was a bit disappointed in my answer.
My favorite was the display of lights floating on the pond in front of the Visitor's Center. It was really beautiful. I am still partial to the lights at the Salt Lake Temple, but at least my toes and ears weren't freezing! After the lights we went back to Sean's mom's house for hot chocolate and muffins. It was a great way to end the night.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Arizona Winter

I'm really getting used to the Arizona winter weather. I don't miss scraping off my windows, having to wear shoes and socks daily, or getting the bottom of my pants wet from dragging in the snow. I'm finally adjusting and able to get into the spirit of Christmas, even though it's not snowing. I think I like the warm winters! It is nice, however, to visit the snow.
Sean is starting to get really busy at work and I'm preparing to take my finals next week. This has definitely not been my best semester. It has been one of the easiest and I guess I got lazy. I guess I'll find out in a few weeks when my grades post.

Here are a couple of photos we took the other night, including a shot that Brandon took. He loves all of the Christmas decorations around, especially the lights. It's so great to get into Christmas with him; it makes the commercial aspect of the holiday more fun. Oh, and here's our elf dance!!!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Look out, Brighton!

My brand new snowboard is finally here! It is a super nice, state of the art board. It has something called magnetraction. It's a new design in the shape of the board that provides more control and ability to carve through rough conditions. I also have brand new Burton bindings that are a new design with a strap over the toe of the boot instead of over the laces. Along with my new dual boa boots that Sean got me last year, I have an entirely new setup! It's all top of the line stuff and the best part is, we didn't pay a single penny out of our pockets to get it.

Sean and I ordered our boards at the same time, but Sean got his board a few weeks ago. My board took longer because it was so new that they hadn't even made them yet.


I put my boots on and strapped in last night. I know it sounds crazy, but I was amazed at the difference! The technology has changed so much since I got my equipment years ago. We're really looking forward to our annual January Utah trip. We're also excited because Brandon is old enough to go with us this year!
All of you season pass holders and Utah residents, get your equipment ready!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Happy Halloween!

Brandon chose his costume very carefully this year. We looked online for a couple of weeks and after wanting to be a police officer and pirate, he finally settled on being a "bone dude". That's what he called the skeleton costume we found. He was really excited about putting on his costume and to get the face paint on. That is, until he saw himself in the mirror. He was really upset and said he didn't like the the face paint. I asked him if he wanted me to take it off, and he said no. He told me he was sad because no one would know who he was. I assured him that people would know. He remained a bit embarrassed about it all until we got to the church and he saw other kids in costumes. Apparently I never communicated to him that everyone dresses up for Halloween! We went to Sean's sister's trunk-or-treat (our old ward) on Saturday and our own ward's trunk-or-treat last night. He was much more laid back about the second one. Brandon loved the carnival at our ward's trunk-or-treat and didn't want to stop playing the bean bag toss to get candy. He would take his three throws and then quickly get back in line to take another turn. He has quite the little throwing arm and even knocked the clown face down once. He definitely impressed all the dads around.



He really started getting into his character and scaring everyone in sight. He's such a fun kid! We're already starting the countdown until next Halloween. I hope next Halloween I'll see some pictures of Bree and Audrey in costumes! I'm glad everyone had a great holiday!!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

A Boy and His Cars


For those of you who don't know, Sean won a huge contest at his last company wide meeting. He got $1000 to spend at Zumiez, a new long board, an expensive watch, a backpack with speakers built into the straps, gift cards to local stores (like the movie theater), and a few other little nick knacks. I am so proud of all of his accomplishments! He's great and decided to spend most of his Zumiez money on me! What a great husband. He got me a top of the line snowboard and some amazing bindings. With the new snowboard boots he got for me for free last year, I have a completely new setup.

Sean also got himself a new snowboard and took his bindings off of his old board. The old board left Brandon a little boy's dream. Brandon stuck one end of the snowboard under our entertainment center, creating a little ramp for his cars. This kid spends hours everyday just playing cars, so this was a new adventure for his toys. He now makes them fly off the ramp and crash on the other side. Sean was impressed by his ingenuity in creating the ramp.

I hope you enjoyed my favorite song from the new Jimmy Eat World album while reading this blog. These guys are from Mesa, so I get to like them even more now.

Friday, September 7, 2007

We Love Grandma and Baseball

















It has been really fun being able to live by Sean's mom and spend time with her. She's really bright and a wonderful conversationalist. I love talking to her about politics, TV shows, and the local grocery store sales. We were having dinner at our apartment on Tuesday and Sean discovered that she's never been to a professional baseball game. He immediately bought tickets and we went the next night. It was another solid victory for the D-Backs. They win every time we go to the game!
















It was fun to be out and Brandon and Sean always look super cute in their matching hats. Brandon has really bonded with his grandma and loves having her over for dinner or going to play at her house. We love living so close to her (less than one mile away) and definitely enjoy sharing outings like this!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

FORE!!








Sean bought Brandon some real golf clubs last week. When I'm in school, they get to have a lot of one on one time, so they have been going to the driving range. Brandon loves play golf and to be outside, but his favorite part is hanging out with Dad. These are just some shots of the boys messing around at our apartment complex. Check out the video of Brandon hitting with his driver; it's really cute!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Me Too!


Thanks for tagging me Bree and for retagging me Audrey! I hope you enjoy a little extra info about me.
Jobs I have had:
Babysitter
Dry cleaning clerk
Assistant manager at Journeys Kidz
Movies I never get sick of:
Hot Rod (even though I've only seen it once)
Big Fish
The Wedding Singer
Anchorman
Places I've called home:
Wilton, Connecticut
Englewood, Colorado
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Sandy, Utah
Provo, Utah
Orem, Utah
Saint George, Utah
Mesa, Arizona
Favorite TV shows:
The Soup
Diagnosis X
American Idol
Hannity and Colmes (even though I don't have Fox news anymore)
Saturday Night Live
Favorite vacation spots:
California (great way to cool off in the summer)
Hawaii
Utah (I miss the snow)
Favorite websites:
asu.edu It's interesting to find out what research is getting published from professors at my school.
Half.com I will never buy from or sell to ASU's bookstore again!
yahoo.com (news, email, weather)
all of your blogs!
Places I'd rather be:
On a mountain top with fresh powder on a clear day
On the beach
On a date with Sean
Would you bungee jump?
Absolutely!
What's you're favorite cereal?
I love Reese's Puffs. Brandon's not the only one!
What color pants, shirt, and shoes are you wearing?
I have a white shirt, grey capri's, and no shoes. I love Target's end of summer sales, because I can wear summer atire year round here!
What's the last thing you ate?
Reese's Puffs! I need to go to the store.
What are you listening to right now?
My playlist on iTunes featuring Cut Copy, Fischerspooner, and Jimmy Eat World. I love naptime!
Who is the last person you talked to on the phone?
Sean. He called me on his way to work.
Eye color?
Hazel.
Scary or happy endings?
Happy! I really don't like scary movies and I'm with Audrey. I don't like watching Lost at night.
Summer or winter?
Winter. The summers are awful in Arizona, but the winters are nice. I can visit Utah to snowboard and then come home to 70 degree weather!
What's the farthest you've been from home?
Hawaii.
Do you like the person who tagged you?
Yes! Bree is so down to earth and engaging and Audrey is extremely personable and giving. I love them both.
I tag:
Kristy Stoner
Jill Burns
Joel
I look forward to your responses!

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Swimming at the Trump's




During our visit to Utah, Joel and Julie invited us to Julie's parents house to swim and for some lunch. After a few setbacks like a swimsuit for me, floaties for Brandon and goggles for Grace, we made our way to Centerville. The Trumps have a beautiful home and pool with a slide and diving board. The water was nice and the lunch Julie made was tasty. Brandon was nervous about the slide at first, but after going down with me and a few successful solo attempts, he didn't want to do anything else. Grace was comical with her underwater tricks, Lizzie impressed us with her all around athletic ability, and Amanda made friends quickly with some of Julie's siblings. I was able to get to know Julie's siblings a little bit as we were playing in the pool. Ryan was shocked to find out that I am the baby of my family, as he is in his, and that Joel is my older brother. However, Megan and he seemed to understand when I told them that Joel used to tease me when we were younger. Overall, the day was great and the company was greater. Thanks for a wonderful day!

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Pioneer Day Parade



On the 24th of July in Utah, there is the Pioneer Day Parade in downtown Salt Lake. We joined my parents, Joel and his family, and Audrey and her kids for the morning. The highlight of the parade for me was President Hinckley in a convertible. He fronted the parade and waved to everyone with a large grin on his face. There were many people in the parade who walked along the side and shook people's hands. Toward the end, Brandon finally got up the courage to shake some of the clown's hands and thoroughly enjoyed the tall clown. It was fun to see all of the stake floats and the high school marching bands. It was sunny and it got a little hot, but the kids stayed cool under the umbrellas with large watermelon popsicles courtesy of my sister Audrey. Overall, it was a great way to start the day and get into the spirit of the holiday.
Later that night, my whole family got together for dinner and fireworks. It was the first time that all of my siblings had been together in a couple of years. It was great to be with everyone and for all of the cousins to play together.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

California Dreamin'






We spent the last week in California and what a great trip it was! We stayed at Audrey's house where we were joined by Joel and Julie and my parents. It was great to spend time with everyone in a layed back environment. We were excited to get out of the heat as their highs were our lows.


On our way we stopped to see the large dinosaurs. Brandon was timid and a little scared in the beginning, but he wanted to climb up the large T-rex's back by the end. Sean and Brandon went inside the T-rex into a little museum with displays about the dinosaur extinction theories. Brandon saw a volcano model that showed lava covering dinosaur bones. He called them "sticky" bones and talked about them for the entire afternoon.

We went to Zuma, a beach in Malibu. Brandon was afraid of the waves and spent the afternoon digging in the sand. Joel and Sean spent a lot of time body surfing the waves. Audrey, Julie and I were brave enough to give it a try. We found it difficult to swim out to the where the boys were because the waves would bring us back in. Then, one by one, we were thrown to the ocean floor swallowing mouthfuls of seawater. Not exactly what I call fun, but Joel and Sean enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the non-Californians were not real wise about sunscreen and we all got sunburned.


Some of us visited the Ronald Reagan Library on the Fourth. They had crafts, a patriotic band, and historical characters walking around. We all ended the evening by watching fireworks from the park in Audrey's neighborhood.


The next day, we went to a kids museum which was much smaller than the description mentioned. It was fun for the kids to touch the starfish and also play in a small restraunt. Amanda ran the restraunt and, as Joel puts it, she stopped a mock robbery.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Go Diamondbacks!

I now know that baseball is a cool sport! I had never been to a professional baseball game, just the Salt Lake Buzz back in the day. It is actually really exciting and entertaining, which came as a surprise after the Buzz. A co-worker of Sean's father is a season ticket holder and gave us their tickets for two nights. Sean took Brandon and Isaac (the foster child we mentor) the first night so that I could study for finals. Then Sean, Brandon and I went and had a blast.

The Diamondbacks won both times and Eric Byrnes had home runs both games. He plays outfield right in from of where our seats were. His nickname is "Byrnesy" (pronounced Burnsy) and Brandon thought that was really cool.
Our seats were on the front row benches. Very cool!

Saturday, July 7, 2007

WELCOME!



Welcome to our blog! We're very excited to keep in touch with everyone. We've been in California this week, so Audrey is teaching me how to blog in style. We've really enjoyed actually going outside for hours at a time instead of minutes. Check back soon for pictures from our California vacation.