The Beamans: 2014

For my mom's 50th birthday, Tyson had the idea that we should take a family trip. When suggested it, we jumped on the idea and talked him into finally going to Disneyland. Not only was it T.J.'s first time to Disneyland, it was also Tyson's. T.J. was mesmerized from the second we entered the gates. It was so magical seeing Disneyland through his eyes. Because it was his first time, we made sure his first ride was "Small World." T.J. loved it and was hooked on the rides. He loved them all but some of his favorites were the "Tea Cups" and the mater ride at California Adventure. He was so excited that he was tall enough to ride it. He went on it over and over again. He was definitely a thrill seeker since his two favorite rides were spinning ones that made you dizzy.

Prior to this trip, T.J. didn't really care about Mickey Mouse but once we got home, it became his favorite show and he would watch it every day. After this trip, the Disney bug hit T.J. and Tyson and it was the start of many Disney trips to come. We thought this was the perfect way to celebrate my mom turning 50.

This year, was the start of T.J. channeling his inner GQ model. He always knows how to strike a pose and could pull off any outfit.

T.J. wasn't a fan of the Easter Bunny either but who can blame him, a life size bunny is a little frightening. I can't help but laugh looking back at these photos.

Me and T.J. on Easter

This year, T.J. was able to go camping for the first time. The ward did a Father and Son's camp out. Within minutes of being there, T.J. biffed it on the rocks and scratched himself up pretty good but he took it like a champ and cried for a minute but got over it soon. On this trip, T.J. met his best friend who he is still friends with...Clark Goodrich. It is so cute to see them together. Most kids this age don't quite understand friends and how to play with each other but not these two. They are inseparable.

This summer we had a lot of fun. In June, my team went to cheer camp where they got all 1st place trophies, Won Camp Champ, we took home Top Banana, and we had 10 UCA All Stars! It was such a huge accomplishment and I was so proud of them and excited for the year ahead. Also in June, Tyson and I prepared for growing our family and made the move to a mini van. I never thought in a million years that I would own a mini van but by do I love it and don't think I could go back to not having one. It is so convenient and we love it!

In our neighborhood, each year they have a fun event called "Taylorsville Dayzz." It is a carnival that has lots of fun games and rides. They also have fireworks, live entertainment, and fireworks. T.J. was tall enough this year to ride the rides and was brave enough to go on the rides by himself! He is such a dare devil!

Also this summer, Tyson's parents came to visit us. It was a lot of fun as always to have them here. T.J. loves his grandparents. While they were here this time, we went on a hike to cecret lake. While they were here, Tyson and I also had our 5 year anniversary! The time seems to fly by but it is fun to see all that we have experienced together.

This year for T.J.'s birthday he turned 2. While we were in Disneyland, T.J. developed a love for Jake and the Neverland Pirates so we used that as our theme for his party. It turned out great and everyone had a great time. T.J. loved "walking the plank" and playing with his friends.

T.J. has always been such a social bug and loves to learn. I wanted to find a preschool or something similar for him so that he could continue to learn and socialize with other kids. I couldn't find anything like that so I started a "Tot School/Play Group" with parents in the neighborhood. It was so much fun and T.J. loved it! We each held a class at our house once a month where we hosted activities to help the kids learn their letters, numbers, and colors.

First Day of Tot School

T.J.'s cousin Ava, Aunt Rachele, and Uncle Scott came to visit in September. Scott was running in a 100 mile race. This was the first time we got to meet Ava and it was so fun to see them. T.J. loved Ava! While they were here, Ava turned 1! She had a puppy party that was a blast! Rachele's friend Clarissa even made balloon animals which T.J. thought was pretty cool. We enjoyed being about to celebrate Ava's birthday with her and to see the Kunz family. We love our cousins!

My amazing husband turned 30 this year! Tyson does not like attention drawn to him, so what did I do? I decorated his car at work so he had to drive home and let everyone know that he was 30. I thought it was a great idea...Tyson, not so much...opps! He was a little embarrassed but 30 is a big deal and I thought it should be celebrated! Happy Birthday Tyson! We love you and want you to know we appreciate you and wanted to acknowledge you. XOXO

For Halloween, we decided to make use of the Jake Costume we bought for T.J.'s birthday and we were all characters from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." I was "Izzy", T.J. was "Jake" and Tyson was "Cubby." We enjoy dressing up as a family. It makes Halloween a lot more fun. T.J. loves Halloween and was so polite to always say "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You"

For Christmas, T.J. did a lot better with Santa. He actually liked him! I think it clicked that Santa brings you presents if you are a good boy. T.J. wanted those presents and decided that he wouldn't cry this time because he didn't want Santa to think he was naughty. Although, Santa would have never thought that. T.J. is such a sweet boy an so obedient. He would have made the nice list no matter what.

For the holiday, we went to Houston to visit Tyson's family. T.J. had been potty trained for about a month when we went and he did a great job and only had 1 accident which is impressive being out of your normal routine. Aunt Hollie had a lot of fun activities planned for us. She took us boating and T.J. loved it! I though that he might be a little afraid but he wasn't. He was excited to do everything!

It was a lot of fun being with Tyson's family. This was the first time we had all been together in a couple years and a lot of grandkids had been added since. T.J. loves his cousins and it was fun having them all together to play.