IDEA Museum

A while back, we ventured to the new (to us) IDEA museum in Mesa. We've been wanting to try it out and our buddies, the Frigards, had passes they graciously shared. The girls loved it and had a blast exploring their "Bug exhibits". But the most fun was had at the art area! We really enjoyed ourselves and will definitely return someday!

Watercolor pencil art with bugs!

 She worked on this project for quite awhile...

 ...meanwhile Ali made a lovely picture with the iPad programs!

 Voila! Finished product.

A little parting music before we go!

The Dahn Family Christmas Tree

It has been a past tradition for Brendon's family to head up north for a Christmas tree. This year we decided to follow in suite and build a new memory for our little family. I admit I was a little hesitant to cut down a tree for our own enjoyment...it's my inner tree hugger. But I remember my grandmother telling me about how the forest rangers clear the forest of some trees each year to avoid massive forest fires as we've seen in the past. So they employ the public, so to speak, to help by giving a small amount of permits to remove a tree from areas of overgrowth. So that made me feel *slightly* better. But I will say this- it was a great experience! Just being up in the woods with my husband and children, our lovely in-laws joining us for the excursion. It was cold, it was brisk, it was absolutely refreshing! To be so close to nature is a gift that I hope to give my kids more in the future. As we left with our beautiful tree atop the car, I told the girls that we must thank the forest for sharing this beautiful gift with us. They were both very serious and I can still hear their little voices from the backseat..."thank you for-west, for our perfect twee...we love you!"

 

 

Prepping in the car! Baby...it's COLD outside!

 Snuggle bunny.

 Lumberjacks!

 Laying out our plan for exploration...

 ...a little glove rearranging...

 ...and we're off!

 Ali's first choice! It's a little tall! lol

 Heading out!

 I was pleasantly surprised at Ali's willingness to go it alone.

 Well that didn't last long! "ca-wee me"

 Our perfect Christmas tree!

 Grandma and her girls, admiring our find!

 Family photo op

 These two weren't too interested in the campfire...too smoky.

 But the cold changed their minds!

 Eventually they ended up here and were much happier!

A job well done!

Mama's Little Soccer Player

This fall we enrolled Peyla in the youth soccer league to let her explore the world of team sports. She really enjoyed being a "soccer player" and did pretty well! She took her role as a teammate very seriously, always the first kid to get back on the field (no exaggeration), won the Sportsmanship medal and even scored a few goals this season. The best part of it all was watching her try something new and find her courage on the field! It was a fun few months, sitting on the sidelines!

 

Her first game, anxious to meet the coach!

Testing out the soccer cleats...

Jersey on...ready to practice!

Dribbling...

Practice goal! Score!

 That face!

 Finishing up the last game of the season.

 She's patiently waiting her turn to receive a medal.

Peyla Dahn! Soccer Player!

Decorating for Christmas!

It's that time of year again and the Dahn household was more than ready to decorate for Christmas! Even though it was almost 90 degrees that weekend, Brendon got up in the attic and made his plan for the decorations this year. We even added a few "friends"! The girls are at such a fun age to enjoy the lights and be great little helpers. They spent the evening (after the unveiling) running through the yard singing "daddy is the best daddy ever! we love our lights!"

 

Taking inventory...

organizing into piles...

Ali is a very serious helper!

Now check every bulb kiddies! lol

One of our new additions this year...Ali's beloved snow monster!

He's tall!

What's a snow monster without Rudolph?? He had to come home with us too.

This progression cracks me up. They were watching daddy drag stuff down from the attic.

Ramblings of an Un-Runner, Part I

So I've decided to run a half marathon...and I'm fully aware that "un-runner" is not technically a word. But it's what I am, a runner who really isn't. I know this blog is most often used for updates and stories of my girls, but this little personal journey I have taken seems to deserve some space too. Because when I do my training runs, there are countless random thoughts in my head that swirl about. I thought maybe writing them (typing?) down would give them a home. And somewhere for me to reflect upon after January 18th.

Why am I running? I ask myself that almost every time I lace my shoes. The short answer is for two reasons: for me and for those who cannot. All my life I've been a little inept in the athletic realm. I was the girl who sucked at tennis. And golf. And basketball (except for that one "Hail Mary" shot). I suppose I could have done better if I had found the grit to follow through. I was the girl who made every excuse not to dress out for PE. I'd get A's in most subjects and always be in danger of failing Phys Ed. Who fails Phys Ed?? To run a marathon (OK...half), is such a far-reaching physical goal for me that it almost makes it more attractive. Because from day one, I knew I could do it. There isn't anything I really feel like I *can't* do, it's just more that I *won't*. This goal was enticing because it was like an FU to the doubter in me. The little voice that likes to toy with me every now and again, talking me out of dreaming. Running became my way of slapping it in the face.

Which really takes me to the second, more important reason...for those who cannot. For Ronan Thompson. For Ty Louis Campbell. For Diem Brown. Google them...their stories of hope and bravery will change your perspective on life. For my grandfather Al. For my stepmother Diane. For the children who died at Sandy Hook. For the women and children being ravaged in every corner of this world, simply for being female. For the children that I have known through Crisis Nursery and the FCRB, who could probably run circles around me with their strength and resilience. These are all people who float in and out of my thoughts as my feet hit the pavement. I think of their stories and running 13 miles seems like a walk in the park. I would be shameless to quit now.

I might share some stories from "the road" as I update the blog. I will try to keep the rambling to a minimum. And I will probably share a musical reference with each entry...because really, music is the soundtrack to life! Every song I listen to as I run makes me feel something...determination, reflection, nostalgia, healing, sadness, joy...it's all there.

My first song that I start every run with (especially early morning runs):

https://soundcloud.com/andros-rodriguez/florence-the-machine-shake-it

Halloween 2014

With countless activities in the valley and with friends, the month of October flew by. But we sure enjoyed our Halloween with the girls! Any chance to decorate the house and act silly, the Dahn family is IN! 

 

 The pumpkin and owl make a reappearance, with daddy's little helper.

 

 Of course Peyla was her beloved Elsa this year. When I asked her why she loves Elsa...she says earnestly, "because she's blue and she's maaaaagical". A recipe for true love I suppose! Getting Ali to commit to a costume was much more challenging. Her personal choices ranged from: the Snow Monster (from Frozen), the big bad wolf, a purple witch, Ursula the Sea Witch, Pooh Bear (it's been done), a crocodile and finally the winner...Snow White. Whew! She made my head spin planning her costume.

Nothing like sharing the love on Halloween!