arizona girls

This was a big deal.  My baby girl went on a trip without me, or daddy, for five whole days.  She got on a plane (with auntie and Lucy), flew to Arizona, and had a marvelous time....all without me!  I missed my girl, but am grateful for the time she got to spend with nana, auntie, and Lucy.  I had a pretty great time with Noah while Ava was gone, but boy did he miss his sister.  I didn't realize how much those two played together and kept each other entertained.  Wow.  He talked.....a LOT.  It was a great few days with my little guy.

Meanwhile...in Arizona.....Ava the lizard hunter!


This is her sweet friend Lancey. They became fast friends on our last trip, and Ava was able to spend Sunday afternoon with her.
Apparently she was cold...in 90 degree weather.
Message to her brother!
1) Fierce Ava.  2) She never leaves home without Tiger. I wrote her a note to open each day she was there. 3) This little lady was busy! 4) Look at that face, she looks like her mama.
Park time!
Somebody didn't want to leave...

arizona

This was a tough trip for me to make.  I missed my mom something fierce and hated the idea of her being alone.  Going back to their home in Arizona, with the kids, without my papa being there to greet us...emotional.  The kids were good medicine for weary spirits.  They had adventures, rode papa's scooter (ok..that's my favorite thing to do too), went swimming, and to the FAIR!

They've been looking forward to this trip for quite some time.  Ava went one other time when Noah was little and stayed home with daddy.  She was all prepared to show him the ropes.

THE FAIR:
Listen carefully...that's my little man screaming his head off. Uncle Seth was so proud.


UNCLE SETH:
We also had a great visit with Seth at his house in Casa Grande.  I was super impressed with all the renovations and improvements he'd made to the house, see this post interior designs by seth.  Seth, mom, and the kids went for a hike while I stayed behind and worked out in his home gym.  Amazing.  I didn't think my achilles could handle a hike.  It was the best workout.

He also took us to the nearby community college pool for a swim.  Neither kid has even been on a diving board, to my knowledge, and there was one here.  Naturally, Noah thought he had this mastered just by saying so and being Noah.  There were a couple of college students working with their diving coach.  Noah watched from across the pool for a bit, then decided to give it a go....
The commentary from the diver in the background is priceless.  "Yeah!!!  Feel the burn!  That kids my hero!"

Ava gave it a go too, I was proud of her! She wasn't quite as bold as Noah...but then again I might call it crazy not bold.

interior designs by seth

I'm going to take a moment here to brag on my little brother.  During our visit to Arizona we spent an afternoon at his house, and got to see all his recent upgrades.  In a word...amazing.  I would live here.

Let's take the tour, shall we?

OFFICE: First, the floors. They are tile. Crazy. They look like hardwood and I love them. Second, that desk! Such a great desk, and no...you're eyes do not deceive you, that is in fact a sewing machine. Third, and saving the best for last, the shelving. He build the bookshelf and put the distressed wood panels behind it. Love it.

BATHROOM: I want this bathroom in my house. Love the dark grey grout with the subway tile. Are you sitting down? He built the sink stand/cabinet. What?!  True.

OUTSIDE: 1) Shed - Built it.  Move in ready for an Arnold.  2) Rings - Both a crazy hard workout as well as a fun toy for the kids.  Aaaalways thinkin.

DECOR: 1) Frame - I love this window frame.  2) Headboard - That's a reclaimed door. I love it too.  3) World Map - He had this up before but added the blue backboard.  Love it.  4) Rug - What can I say, I love it.

MASTER BEDROOM: Otherwise known as the coolest home gym I've had the privilege to work out in.
Healthy competition.

This cool uncle was prepared for these two. He bought Star Wars Angry Birds. Commence brain mushing.

cast off

My cast was scheduled to come off on July 3rd.  Since I was in Phoenix, and it was 110 degrees, I decided to call and see if I could have someone else take it off.  What I didn't specify was who would be taking it off.  *evil grin*

Kevin and Diane have been amazing to my family during this extremely difficult time.  I completely trust Kevin to remove my cast, despite his attempt to scare me off with the amount of tools he brought.  It became quite the spectacle.

arizona - bartlett reservoir

This turned out to be one of the funnest days we had while we were in Arizona.  We wanted to go somewhere new, and preferably with water, and with Seth.  Bartlett Reservoir = great time!
Once we hiked out to where we were going to eat lunch, Seth decided to take a look around (aka - needed to take a leak). There is no room for privacy with a 4 & 6 year old niece and nephew that love their uncle. Waaaaaait for us Uncle Seth!
The kids kept talking about going swimming. We finally told them to go for it! This was Ava's attempt...she actually thought she went fully under!
Beauty.
What would I do without this boy?  Love every little bit of him.

I love this face.

"spider bones"

Man chat.

These two...whenever they are around, adventure awaits.  I should address the hat.  Don't act like you didn't notice the novelty that is Ava's hat.  A really lovely neighbor to my parents, on our way out of the neighborhood, gave the kids bubbles, this hat, and Noah's sweet Geico sunglasses.  She pretty much wore it the entire day.
I think Ava's been watching the cooking channel at Gramma's house. For Tori, Rachel, Rosie, etc. you are welcome to have some, it's gluten free!

Hunting crayfish.

Follow me!

Great group of adventurers.

How do you top off a day of hiking, adventure, and "swimming?" Frozen yogurt! Froyo-yo. Yum. Gramma gave the kids some treat money to take Nana and Papa out for ice-cream. Don't worry...Papa got his later when the kids took him to McDonalds. They somehow talked him into sundaes AND playing on the toys. Sucker.