First stop = Phoenix

Where do you go when you don't have much money and even less time for a family vacation? Phoenix in summer! This was the kids request since we had done it the previous year. Castles and Coasters had about 10 rides - 5 the twins would actually go on (over and over and over and over and over...you get the picture). Ryan's favorite was the log ride and a ride that shot you up and short distance then back down again. They all thought the park was awesome and we pretty much had the park all to ourselves - can you guess why? Hint - AUGUST in MESA...

Results!

After the picture of the green grapes stayed for so long, I figured I would have to put up the fruits of our labors. The sweetest little purple grapes ever! The kids had so much fun picking them and we were suprised by the harvest after less than one year!

Phoenix Children's Museum

Probably the kids favorite stop of the trip, the Children's Museum was three floors and all kid fun. We started with a giant climbing structure and a vacuum tube that would suck up and spit out scarves that would then fly through the air for the children to catch. It was fun to see them jet through the clear tubes and guess which opening they would come out of. There were painting rooms, bike rooms, fort building rooms, play kitchens, a giant noodle forest, ball room, and more. We stayed there for 7+ hours before we dragged the kids out. At least it was air condidtioned...

Sea Life Aquarium

This was MY choice of stops during our quick Phoenix vacation - the new Sea Life aquarium that just opened in the Arizona Mills Mall. I loved it and it was very interactive. Unfortunatly it was also our last vacation day so the kids were somewhat pooped. Still glad we went!

Found: One lizard minus tail

My disclaimer is this: I did not come upon the scene until the lizard was already in the bowl. I am assuming that the tail was harmed in the capture since the tail was present - but I do not support the maiming of said creatures.
We see lizards ALL THE TIME. Big, small, quick, lazy-- but this was quite a distinctly patterned one and so they decided to trap it and have a closer inspection. After an afternoon of observation I casually mentioned that his family might be missing him so they let him go. Later that evening I find the tail next to the fruit bowl. Charming.

First Day of School

My oldest started first grade today. He is a pro and I am not worried about him one little bit. I am surprised about how much quieter it is around the house with one less almost seven year old.

Just another day at the office

Life has been crazy and certain people have been gently reminding me to replace the picture of the green grapes at the top of my blog. Well, we are vacationing in Phoenix for a couple of days so I am not near my pictures, but spending time with my kids away from home has reminded me of a couple of things I meant to post about. Wyatt is the most desired playmate in our house, being the wonderful people pleaser that he is. It is especially hard to balance Mia's girly play with Ryan's intense battle mentality. However, never underestimate my Wyatt. He will tell Mia that he will play baby with her (per her request) - but she has to be the baby and he will be the dad. He tucks her in to bed and then runs off to "work" with Ryan. This involves heavy gunfire, light saber battles, and wrestling. Mia calls out to Wyatt, "Daddy, Baby is awake! Is it time to get out of bed?" Wyatt calls out, "No Baby! Daddy is at work! Go back to bed!". Hehehe.