SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY

Now that summer is nearly officially here there are some to do’s…
1.  Take the girls to the lake.
2.  Camping.  New location. 
3.  Teach girls to swim. Lots of swimming.
4.  Fishing.
5.  Road trip.  I don’t know why but I have this itch to go on a family road trip.  Perhaps because I’m getting major vacation fever and its only a few days away.
6.  Boating with friends.
7.  Paint our house.  Look forward to the end result but dreading the process.  Perhaps we will hire a painter. 
8.  Picnic of some sort.  Will likely not be in town because of the heat but instead one of our travels.
9.  Target shooting with my boo.
I’m sure there is more that will be added to the list but this is what comes to mind right now.  Exciting times!

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

There has been so much to smile about lately.  Hearing my kids say “I love my life” is pretty dang cool too.  It seems to me that everyday I am more grateful for my family and my life than the day before.  To me that’s what life is about. 

This is Ava’s drawing of her Daddy.  Too cute!

Meet Shelby.  She’s my parents dog they had to say goodbye to.  She had cancer.  She was a great dog and had been apart of the family for 15 years.  She lived a great life and the memories of her are something to smile about.

Animating food.  Banana on the Left.  Peeled banana on the Right.  Adorable!

The girls have made a lot of new friends in the neighborhood and it makes me happy to see them interact.

The outfit Ava picked out the other day.  Never mind the frown.  She’s not a morning person.  She is in love with her cowgirl boots.  I will defiantly have to buy her a new pair as these are snug.

I noticed the other day Ava had mascara on.  Then she sat next to me on the couch and pulled this out of her purse.  How fast they grow. 

Memorial Weekend

What a weekend!  A time to be thankful to reflect on the blessings we have as Americans and a time to focus on our armed forces and the sacrifices they’ve made. We kicked off the weekend with watching Lone Survivor.  I believe every American should watch this movie! 
This weekend happened to also be one of the best I’ve had in a while.  Everything was perfect.  We spent time with friends we haven’t seen in awhile and time together as a family.  Shawn hung a mister system in the backyard to help us conquer our summer months.  We had lots of bbq, watermelon, and popsicles.  What could be better?!

The girls enjoyed some water time in the backyard. 








And some time at our community pool.  The girls did so good!  We were impressed and proud!

Mother’s Day

We started Mother’s Day with a delicious breakfast at Joes Farm Grill.  Shawn and I have been a few times for lunch but never for breakfast.  It was delicious!  We met my Mom, sister, step dad, my brother, his wife, and their two kids.  After we enjoyed our breakfast we walked through the gardens.  It was awesome we had a great time. 



After our afternoon nap we headed to my sis-in-laws house to celebrate the other special Moms in our life. 

We enjoyed my favorite Mexican food, the best sangria, and margaritas. 
I feel so lucky to be a Mom!  It truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  I heard a saying, not quite sure by who but, I love it! “While we try to teach our children all about life.  Our children teach us what life is all about.”  How true that is for me! 
Happy Mother’s Day!  We deserve to celebrate more days of thanking Moms!

TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE

When Shawn and I took our trip to Fossil Creek we passed the exit Tonto Natural Bridge and it sparked my interest ever since.  I planned a day trip and invited Shawn’s family to come along.  Originally our plan was to go last weekend but the weather forced us to reschedule.  I’m fortunate we were all able to get our schedules together to make the trip so awesome!  We started our day by meeting at The Coffee Shop.  It was delicious as always.  Then we were on our way…
But first a car selfie…

The drive was beautiful.  We were surprised how green nature looked as it seems we didn’t get much rain.  Then again I think we Arizonians say that every year. 

We finally arrived.









This was taken under the bridge looking up.  There was a small stream of water that fell from the top.  As the wind shifted it would come down on us like rain.  It was absolutely beautiful under the bridge.  So peaceful and the breeze was heavenly. 


The hike back up was more difficult than going down.  It was a workout for sure.  We decided to head to another trail to the waterfall.  I’m not sure if the path is always blocked but it didn’t really seem to be much of a “waterfall”.  None the less it was awesome and can’t believe its in Arizona. 

After that short hike we decided to head to lunch at THAT Brewery.  This was our second time going. 

After lunch the girls went outside to play and get some sunshine. 



pointing to that cute dog!

Peaceful drive home. 
We had such a great day!  Can’t wait until the next place we visit in this Amazing state.

ONCE

Well this weekend was certainly Something To Smile About!  We started our weekend by going to a Broadway show called Once.  I got the tickets from work and I'm not typically a fan of musicals.  However this show was awesome!  Its about a guy who trying to make it in the music industry.  He meets a girl and they fall in love through music.

After the show we stopped by Kona for happy hour and then headed home for bed.  Fantastic start to our weekend!