Landen's First Protest

On Sunday, January 25th we took a trip down to the Arizona Capitol Building to protest proposed budget cuts to K-12 education. As teachers we are on the front lines of education and firmly believe that the budget cuts (that have now become reality) will have a devastating effect on education as we know it. According to recent polls Arizona ranks 51st in per-student spending, and now with a $300 million dollar "trim" to our 08-09 school budgets we face third-world status. As parents we felt it was important for Landen to witness firsthand people coming together to fight for a cause they believe in. We made an adventure out of it by taking the new light rail (Arizona's first mass transit system!) to downtown and then hiking a mile and a half to the Capitol building. Over 1,500 people showed up for the protest led by Dr. Nines, the superintendent of the Florence school district. Although the budget cuts were still made, we made the effort to make our voices heard and we hope Landen took away a good lesson from it.

Landen's 10th Birthday

Landen turned the big 1-0 and January 24th and we had a big party in the park to celebrate! My family, Ryan's family, and all of Landen's little friends had a blast playing football, smashing a pinata to pieces, and eating cupcakes. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed themselves. Everyone went all out on his presents and some of the highlights were a Tomlinson jersey from his mommy, Cardinal's gear from Grandma Suzy, and $30 of individually rolled bills in a big box from Aunt Carrie. Happy birthday Landen!

Landen's First Football Team

This year Landen played tackle football for the first time with the Palamino's. The season was a lot of hard work (for him and us!) with lots of practices and traveling to games. The season started out rough and Landen didn't know if he wanted to continue, but by the end he was happy that he stuck with it. On Saturday the team celebrated by heading off to Amazing Jake's (a WAY too crazy pizza/game place) and going hog wild with food, games, and awards. Ryan and I were exhausted when we left! Next year it's on to Junior Pee Wee's!

Landen's Christmas Wish List

1. Skateboard
2. Pajamas
3. Nerf guns
4. Target gift card
5. Bike helmet
6. Football jerseys in kid's size medium
7. Jeans in size 8
8. Sweatshirts in size medium
9. Star Wars: Clone Wars DVD
10. Cologne

Landen's a Football Player!

Landen is a football player! This year Landen started his first year of football in Pop Warner. His team is called the Palominos and this is their first year together. Landen has been working so hard at practices and games and so far they are 2-2 this season!