Last look at 2

The difference between two and three is so big. I snapped some pictures in the backyard just to capture the last few moments of Mason's two-ness.

eAsTeR 2011

Easter was super fun this year. Mason is getting old enough that he gets into the holiday spirit. He understands when I explain about traditions. He was old enough to do crafts and games. Here are some of the pictures:

He dyed eggs with Jackson and Jordan who came through town on their way to Arizona. It was perfect timing. I forgot to take pictures of Mason's Easter basket. I'm pretty sure I'm the coolest of all the lame mom's. I'm not such a fan of all the candy but still wanted Mason's basket to be fun. He got stickers and a PEZ dispenser. He got bunny shaped crackers, carrot sticks, and granola. He got a few eggs with coins in them since he loves money so much.

The next day we went to the park to meet the Easter Bunny. I purposefully waited until the crazy big public egg hunt was over. I wasn't sure what Mason would think of the Easter Bunny. He slowly walked over and then threw his arms around him and didn't let go. I snapped some pictures... waited... called for Mason... waited... got uncomfortable and detached him. It would have been so darling, except I don't know who is behind the bunny mask and it creeped me out. So now we know Mason really loves the Easter Bunny.

Later on Saturday we went to the Heaton's for an Easter Egg hunt. Lauren helped Mason and you can tell from the corner picture how much he adores her. Mom put money in certain eggs and Mason freaked out about finding cash in his eggs. He loved it. 

On Sunday we talked about what Easter means and how much Jesus loves us. I showed Mason some pictures of Jesus and the tomb. I glazed over the dying part and emphasized that Jesus was resurrected and still lives. Later Mason came up to me and asked with his big blue eyes shining, "Why did Jesus die?" I don't know how to explain that to such a little boy with such a big heart. 

That was totally AWESOME!

I wanted to include these pictures. These are from the park after meeting the Bunny. Mason asked to play on the tall slide. Though we play on slides often this one is pretty steep. He thought it was the best thing ever. Every time he landed he would burst out laughing and would squeal with joy. His delight could not be contained. Who needs Disney Land when you have a slide to play on? He was cracking up all the other parents, who must have thought he'd never been on a slide before. I don't think he closed his mouth the entire time.

Ready for spring

Farm fieldtrip

Mason never wants to leave preschool on Mondays so I try to have something fun for us to do afterward to help get him out the door and into the car. What's better than a field trip to a farm?

We were headed to Horse Alley to get a truck load of manure and while we were there we were given a personal tour of all the animals. We saw pigeons, goats, pigs, chickens, and horses. I really wish Mason had more opportunities to be a farm boy.

Glitter Party!

 One day my friend Lindsey and her mom Jane came over for a little visit. I was so enjoying spending time with these incredible people that I supervised Mason a little less than I should have. We came out of the den and found Mason... and this...

Glitter stuff. Everywhere. He found the bags of little buttons, confetti, shiny circles, googly eyes, and other small items that were specifically hidden from him. It was a huge mess. Oh, but his smile was even bigger. How can you scold a boy who is so intensely happy? Instead I declared it Glitter Party time and turned on some music while we danced around.

General conference and specific questions

 Last week I explained to Mason that instead of going to church we were going to stay home and watch General Conference.

We get to see the Prophet, said I.
What about Bishop?! he responded with concern.

If only it lasted longer...

I had a few fun activities for him to do. Jason prepared the traditional popcorn and apple slices. Mason lasted about 20 minutes. Then he proceeded to trash the basement. It was a disaster zone. I didn't think he was listening at all but then anytime he heard "Joseph Smith", "Holy Ghost", or other phrases he recognized he would look up from whatever he was doing and say "Hey, that guy said Holy Ghost". Every time the choir sang he'd ask if it was over.

Mason set up his animals to watch Conference.

 We had a chance to talk about heaven on Monday. He was carrying around an old prayer book that I bought because of it's neat appearance. Mason asked what the story was about and I said it was about Jesus.
He flipped through the pages asking in a sing song manner "Jesus, where are you?"
I told him that Jesus is in heaven waiting for him.
"Heaven?"
I explained to him that it's where God and Jesus and Angels are. It's also where his pet Nemo went when he died.
Mason thought about it and then asked in his clear halting voice "Where is heaven at?"
I told him it was up in the clouds and stars.
"Can I go there?"
"Yes, of course. If you are nice and obey then you can go to heaven someday and live with all your family forever."
"And Nate?"
Yes, Mason. Everyone.

"Any dream will do..."

 My favorite musical is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. So when I saw the Utah Shakespearean Festival's Playmakers were putting it on, we planned another Mommy/Son date. The Playmakers are jr actors 7-17 years old. I didn't expect the production to be anything spectacular, but it was really great. Those kids did a wonderful job and it was quite professional. I really appreciate that there are a few cultural events around town that are kid-friendly. Mason and I met up with my parents and when he grew tired of sitting with me he'd scramble onto the next lap.

Mr. Handsome outside the theater

After the play I took Mason to McDonalds to get a ice cream cone for him and a McFlurry for Jason. By the time we got home Mason was really beat. He handed over his half eaten cone, announced he was tired, put on his PJs, and flopped into bed.