tales from a far-land

Here is Aiden's annual interview with Mommy.  As you can tell, he really loves Spider-Man.  Some of his answers have changed and, yet, many have stayed the same.  His answers make me smile... What is your favorite color?  Red and blue. What is your favorite food to eat?  Chicken nuggets, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese. What is your favorite television show?  Transformers. Who is your favorite Superhero?  Spider-Man and Wolverine. Who is your best friend?  Oliver. Who is your teacher at school?  Ms. Fox. What is your favorite activity?  Play with my Legos. What is your favorite fruit?  Blueberries. What is your favorite toy?  Light Saber. What is your favorite outfit to wear?  Spider-Man shirt. What is your favorite game to play?  Uno. What is your favorite snack?  Doritos chips. What is your favorite animal?  Lion, Tiger and Shark. What is your favorite song?   Eye of the Tiger. What is ...

It has been over a year since I have interviewed Madilyn on her favorites.  I love how some of her answers change from year to year and some do not.  Here is this year's favorites and likes: What is your favorite color?  Blue, pink and purple. What is your favorite food to eat?  Spaghetti. What is your favorite television show?  Any Disney Princess show. Who is your favorite Princess?  Ariel because she swims like me. Who is your best friend?  Gretchen and Olivia. Who is your teacher at school? Mrs. DeMarsh at BASIS Phoenix Central What is your favorite activity?  Art projects and swimming. What is your favorite fruit?  Strawberries and bananas. What is your favorite toy?  My Barbies. What is your favorite outfit to wear?  Green flower dress. What is your favorite game to play?  Pie Face Game. What is your favorite snack?  Yogurt with granola. What is your favorite animal?  Cheetah. What is your favorit...

Last week, Aiden, through his soccer club team (ASA), had the opportunity to walk on the field with the Arizona United Soccer Club prior to their game.  After walking onto the field, the kids then stood with the adult players for the singing of the national anthem.  It was a pretty neat experience. After his on field performance, we watched the Arizona United play a little soccer.  Sadly, as the game didn't start until 7:30pm, we were only able to stay for a limited time.  But while we were there, Aiden was thoroughly engrossed in watching the game.  Maybe next time, we will be able to stay for the entire game. Aiden *loves* his coach, Tamera Walking out onto the field

August was a pretty busy month for the Farrell-Landers family.  Both of the kids started back to school at BASIS which means nights full of homework, spelling words and encouraged reading time. Our calendars are again consumed with our kids' activities.  Madilyn started a club swimming team called Swim Neptune and has afternoon practice Monday through Thursday.  Aiden started his club soccer team through Arizona Soccer Academy. We had the opportunity to visit with some of the Farrell clan.  Aunt Becky visited from Colorado which gave the rest of the Arizona Farrells an excuse to get together.  It was an overdue reunion and a good time watching all our kids play together in the pool. Our kids went back to religious school (this year at Temple Kol Ami) on Sunday mornings. And we tried to enjoy a family camping trip in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, but it was horribly rained out due to the annual monsoon weather.  This is the same monsoon...

Aiden's birthday celebration this year consisted of a pool party with many of his neighborhood and school friends.  Our pool happily accommodated more than a dozen kids and even some of the adults trying to cool down in the afternoon sun.  The kids had a blast!  They swam, played games, conducted water gun fights, and even participated in a diving contest.  Cupcakes were served as a little break from the water play.  Happy Birthday, Aiden!  We hope this year is full of fun, laughter and love! The birthday boy... Aiden and Madi Spider-Man Pose  Backyard is ready for the party ... Bryce Aiden and Brayden Brady and Aiden Keaton and Maelyn Maelyn The Aunts and Uncles Brayden Brooke Brady Aiden and his friends Madi and Brooke Presents Cupcakes Blowing out the candles Eyeing the yummy-goodness... Eating cupcakes A family pic...

Five years ago on August 11th, we welcomed our little man into the world and our lives were never the same. Instead of "firsts", Aiden brought us all of our "lasts".  And that is just as important.  Our little man is not so little anymore.  He is now a young man, a kindergartner.  He is smart, stubborn, funny, sporty, adventurous, affectionate, kind, creative, sensitive, energetic, and independent.  He still loves superheroes (especially Spider-Man).  He is our engineer, constantly building rockets and planes with his Legos.  He enjoys swimming and time spent at the beach.  His favorite food is still chicken nuggets and would have it for every meal if we allowed it.  He prefers vanilla over chocolate, which really baffles us.  He is a collector of rocks and Pokemon. Aiden, you continue to bring us much joy, love and smiles.  Stop growing up so fast!  This mommy wants to enjoy every "last" moment that she can. Aiden "Hangin...