Arizona

Hi! I have a couple of partial posts written and several more in my head. But just wanted to quickly update on what's going on. A week ago today (Thursday) I left Arkansas and headed to Arizona. This week is the Boone Rednezvous--family reunion for my mother's side. It's been awesome to see dozens of family members. Especially my own immediate family. :) Happy Ruth.
During the day every day I come back to town (we camp out for the reunion--at a campground) and spend the day at the library studying for the bar exam. It's a lovely way to pass the hot hours--well, that's what I try to convince myself. :) Then enjoy morning and evening festivities, meals, firesides/devotionals, visiting, etc. A week from today I'll be all done with the bar exam. Hoorah! I cannot wait! (I'm taking it in Tucson, so I'll head down there this weekend then take it on Tuesday/Wednesday.)
More later, someday.

Johnny Boy

Lila's nephew, Johnny, lives next door. He usually comes over every day to play with Clarissa, so since she's been gone he's been kind of lonely. But it doesn't stop him from having fun. He's always on the move and thinking of things to do. 3 year old boy--definitely boy, through and through. And such a fabulous age: loving, curious, soaking in info... And he's adorable!! (Oh, and he's very well behaved because his mom is really an amazing parent; which is even more admirable because she basically a single mom right now--husband only home a few days every couple of months.) I love this kid. I want to kidnap him, but--as Lila reminded me--I don't have time for a child right now because I have to study. Plus I love his mom, so I guess I'll just enjoy playing with him when I get the chance.
Last night he was over and eventually he made it into my bedroom. I have the room of his grandma (when she's in town) and so there are pictures of the extended family all over the place. At one point, he spontaneously crawled over to the pictures (beside bed) and started telling me who they were: Tia Marta and her children, Tia Lila, Uncle Ram, Clari, etc., etc. (including his own dad and sisters). But my favorite part was when he got to his picture, "And that's Johnny Boy," he says. Completely matter-of-fact. I loved it! In fact, whenever I talk about it (to his mom, aunt, etc.) I do a little dance about it, because it was so stinkin' cute!
After that we just a great time playing. He's old enough and young enough to think it's awesome to do "This little pig went to market" and "Teddy bear walking 'round the garden" etc. over and over over.
Here're some pictures. He helped me put the scriptures (that he was crawling all over) into my carrier--so exciting to him. And then he was fascinated by that little bag, which was a perfect size for him. I took a quick shot. He informed that he didn't like the smiling one and needed to do another.

Here's his preference:

I eventually took him home. And when his mother told him to thank me for bringing him home, he instead hugged my legs and said, "I like you" with his adorable grin. I reached down and hugged him. "Again!" he demanded. And over and over until I told him I needed to talk to his mom. Later, I shook his hand and then he wanted that repeated. I finally realized what he was doing was just delaying me leaving, so I finally got out. But not before, while trying to keep hold of my hand, he said, "Pretty crown"--pointing to my ring, which kind of does look like a crown.
It's just constant cuteness with him!
And since I'm still working on these, here are a couple from this evening (actually, I'll leave one up top). He did a fabulous job making balls, rolling them and then throwing them onto the pan.

Can you tell I'm completely smitten with this boy?

If you couldn't already, you'd know by the huge grin I have whenever I think about him.