Keeping Up With The Cassitys

I still have to pinch myself that it's mid-February and 80 plus degrees outside. Growing up and living most of my life in a climate with 4 seasons, SW Florida is a massive change and one I am more than happy to welcome! It was 12 degrees yesterday at our property in Utah. Washington was also in the teens and had a major snowfall. I am not jealous. Not even a little.   Sunday we took a family outing to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. About an hour drive, we set the kids up with their favorite shows on iPads and handed them McDonald's hash browns, before making our way to this peaceful spot. True to form, I overdressed the babies and myself. My jacket was off after 10 minutes, and I kept handing the kids a cold drink to stay hydrated. Also, how am I cold at 72 degrees, but sweltering at 85? I confuse myself. Lincoln was in H E A V E N! I've never seen him run and run like that... and in the right direction, too! He seemed just as happy as we were to be breathing in the fresh air...

Mid-February in SW Florida. RUFFin it. (See what I did there?)  

"The joy in motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times, but amid the challenges there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction." - M. Russell Ballard

My sweet, sweet boy. Three years ago, I climbed into bed around 8:30pm, exhausted and ready for sleep when my water began leaking. You had other plans. It was time for you to be here in our arms! Preston happened to be near our home in Murray, so he grabbed big sister Kate for the night. Then Dad and I headed to the hospital to prepare to welcome you into the world and into our big, beautiful family. It was just after 3 am when it was time to push. The hospital was quiet. Our room dimmed. And there was an overwhelming feeling of calm and peace and love. So much LOVE. Our little miracle was finally here! Your tranquil, content nature as an infant has continued as you've ventured into toddlerhood. You love your Mommy and Daddy so much. You love tickles and affection. To say you are obsessed with books may be an understatement. And I love it so much! Your favorite movies are Monsters Inc, Monsters University, Toy Story, Cars, Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. I cannot forget to mention t...

  (Our 3 seconds of fame on TV) When we moved to Florida, we felt pretty lucky to have 3 different NFL teams to choose from. Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We went with the Bucs and I think we chose well. After an especially strange football season (Covid Craziness), Tampa Bay dominated in the playoffs and won the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl, which coincidentally was to be held in their home stadium. They were not only the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium, but the first to win it! The Bucs, who went in as underdogs, beat the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 at Raymond James Stadium, and we were there to witness it! In a stadium that typically holds 60,000 fans, there were approximately 21,000 in attendance, due to Covid restrictions. Masks were worn and seats were spaced, using cardboard cutouts of people to give the illusion of a much fuller stadium. I love live sports! There's nothing quite like the energy y...