Garden

We're unnaturally proud of our garden this year and are having fun seeing things thrive in the hot AZ sun. The grape vine that we planted last summer is producing for thr first time and in a few weeks all these grape bunches should be producing some fine flame red variety. Our corn and strawberries are going crazy, our pumpkin vine has overflowed and, of course, the zucchini has grown to gargantuan size. Yeah for gardens! We planted some blackberries and raspberry vines that won't produce until next year and plan to plant a tree when our backyard budget replenishes itself. The kids have a great time playing in our small backyard and the tramp still gets a lot of use. I just wish it weren't already so stinkin hot!

This is for the Birds

I got a beautiful bird feeder for mother's day and the kids had a blast setting it up and making sure that the feeder was filled, that the birds knew what to do (they placed two small stone bird statues I had other places under the feeder on the ground so that the birds knew that it was a bird place to be), and then laying in wait behind the pillars to wait for them. Frankly, it was hilarious. The birds found it all right and if I keep it filled they can go through 2 lbs of feed a day. (I fill it off and on)

Wardrobe is Everything

Mia loves her "morning shoes" - slippers that she got from Grandma and Gramps for Christmas and wears them around the house before she has to go out.
Wyatt loves Daddy's clothes and I couldn't keep him still for pictures. He was twirling around and falling on the ground and having a blast being the family clown. What a goof.

Just Ducky

We went to the Gila Valley Temple open house (one of two new temples that are going to be about two hours away from us - the same distance as our current Mesa location) and afterward took them to a pond to feed the ducks. It was beautiful weather and the ducks weren't too aggressive with the kids but loved fighting over morsels. We had a great time (and the temple was awesome too!).

Summer Buzz

I don't quite get those parents who let their 6 year olds have red mohawks, however Ryan did get his chance for a funky look, right in the middle of his yearly buzz and before I finished off the look.

Sleppy Mia Part Duex

More falling asleep in the family room - if we could only have a designated time and place for naps....
Oh wait, we do and you don't take advantage of it!!!!

The new member of the family

Don has been really lucky to be able to carpool in the last few years, but after 8 years of being a one car family we finally joined the ranks of the minivan crowd. We found a used Toyota Sienna from a broker in Tucson and decided that the price was right. It is only a year old, but used as a rental car vehicle so it has about 30K miles on it. The backs seat is one of those "fold and go" deals - which we love and there is an optional seat that unfolds and fits between the two middle captains chairs for and "8 seater" option. I was not in love with the color (Don has nicknamed it "Doublemint") but since I am in the car and don't really have to look at the outside too much (giant easter egg anyone?) I got over it. Super yeah for our children not having to elbow each other the whole trip!!