The Color Run

Way back in September, a friend of mine asked me if I'd be interested in doing "The Color Run". I looked it up and thought sure! So five girls in my ward signed up as a team to the 5K that wasn't until January. I didn't train for it but I realized as I was doing the actual run that it wasn't necessary. The adrenaline rush as well as atmosphere was contagious. It was by far "the happiest run on the planet" as it states on our cool shirts.

The morning of the race gave us a complete surprise: rain! and lots and lots of it. It RARELY rains in Arizona and it had been raining for a good 24 hours prior and it wouldn't let up. We decided to embrace it and our color run turned into a watercolor run mixed with mud. It was a ton of fun.

 We were DRENCHED. These pictures are a little foggy because we had to cover our phones with a plastic bag so it wouldn't get ruined by the color they threw at us.

The starting line. We were given a packet of powdered color when we registered for the race. Some people used it before the race began and others kept it to use at the "Festival of Colors" at the end: AKA the biggest dance party ever.

Before our race began

 After we finished

The race was a 5K. At each "K" there was a booth and workers waiting to throw colored powder over everyone who passed. There were a total of 5 colors: red, blue, yellow, green and orange. It made it so much fun. I am so glad we ran it and I would totally do it again.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was extra special this year since we were with grandma! Owen worked hard on painting her a "love tree" and couldn't wait to give it to her.

 Working hard on his project!

 The finished product! She loved it :)

I got some gifts for the boys in the dollar section at Target and they were so excited to see them sitting at the table when we came downstairs to eat breakfast. Owen picked out a tie for Tyson and chose the brightest blue possible. :) I made my Valentine a "heart attack" box with tons of little hearts with messages of love on each one. I also put together a little movie night bag for the two of us.

 

 

My mom is the best and offered to watch the boys so we could go out. We went to dinner and shopped around for a little bit, just enjoying each others company.

Beach Day

 The first weekend we were in CA we had to get to the beach. Growing up in California, my parents took us to the beach weekly. We also camped at the beach quite often. Living just 45 minutes from the nearest beach was awesome. It is something that I miss tremendously and so I knew that since we'd be here in California for almost a month, we HAD to take advantage of the beach.

 For this trip, we decided to head south to Santa Monica. I love Santa Monica because just a block from the beach is an awesome outdoor shopping promenade and the pier is super fun with a Ferris Wheel, games, yummy food, and a fun atmosphere. There is also a farmer's market that runs throughout most of the year on the weekends. 

Rollerblading on the beach is quite possibly one of my most favorite things to do ever. Tyson got a nice jog in next to us and we later went down closer to the beach to continue our workout.

 The boys are for sure beach babies and I couldn't be more proud! If we go to residency here, I am for sure getting Owen into surf lessons. Or his Uncle Greg could teach him!

William S. Hart Park

So we are living in California right now. And to say we are loving it would be an understatement. Being home feels so so good. We have been trying to make the most of our stay by exploring my city and trying out new parks, petting zoos, and nature centers that are both free and fun for the kiddos. We are loving our time here with family and friends and our four weeks is going by way too fast.

We went to one of our favorite parks out here that has a hiking trail, a small petting zoo, buffalo, and a huge grassy area where we had a little picnic. Tyson was able to join us during his lunch break since his office is just a few blocks away from the park. And my mom played hookey from work and we were lucky to play with her all day.

Owen's Family Birthday Party

It was so special to spend Owen's birthday with both sides of the family. Owen is one loved and lucky little boy. The Sunday after his birthday, the Tidwell clan got together to celebrate little Owen. We had tacos (his favorite!) for dinner, a yummy homemade birthday cake, and some cupcakes to celebrate. Owen got to run around with all of his cousins and his favorite part was when everyone sang to him. During the song, he looked over at me with the biggest grin on his face and his little eyes were teary. Such a sweet moment I will never forget and always cherish. He kept telling me that all he wanted for his birthday was to be sang to. Love him so much.