Puzzled.

Ellie's usual summer wake up time: 6 something.
Ellie's wake up time time this morning: 8:15am.
Huh.
The only the thing different...

Danny set up her bed last night.

Dads are so fun.

Weekend Get Away

Sometimes you just need to get out and enjoy the great outdoors...



IF there's water involved

AND you have someone fun to go with.

AND you have someone to watch your little one. Thanks Steph:)

If you're interested,
Salamaze Jug near Roosevelt Lake is the place.

Do I Dare?

What do you do when you have some free time and start picking up free wireless again?

I guess you start bloggin'.

Yes I've got some catching up to do,
so here's us in a nutshell :

Ellie's first Christmas

Who says 5 months is to young to enjoy opening presents?


We're on to solids now

These look like green beans in a jar, which she no longer enjoys.
Her favorites now include:
-banana
-avocado
-steamed veggies (carrots, squash, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, etc)
-whole beans (black, pinto, kidney)
-pretty much anything she can eat on her own

Welcome to the Zoo

The giraffe was one of my favorites.
Ellie just thought it was a large, spotted tree.
We'll have to go again later.

Spring Break in Rocky Point


Ellie wasn't a fan of cold, salty ocean water,
but man could she shake a maraca.
This is a family tradition I hope will last through generations of grandkids.


We are now Snowboarders


Why? Because we love it.
AND Danny found a board, boots, bindings and goggles for me at a garage sale.
Total price $40.

Thanks Hubba.

Hello tooth #3


We've got 3 on the bottom and a few trying to make their way through on the top.
This makes for an emotional Ellie.


Oh, and we don't sit still much these days.


Which makes for fun surprises when you turn your back for just a second.


Well, it feels good to be back.

Here's to you Ellie

...and all your dimples.

Out-of-towners

We just got back from a trip to Utah to visit my sister and her family. It was a bit chilly, but Ellie seemed to enjoy it. So did her dad, since there's nothing like the freezing night air to get a cold little nose to nestle up on his shoulder. A great place to visit, but I think I'll keep Arizona my home.

Ashes.

That is all that is left of my old church building. Kind of a sad sight. Gone are the hymn books, the pianos, the pews, and the shelf with all of the singing supplies I made while I was a primary chorister. I hoped to someday come back and claim a few items. There goes that plan. Luckily everyone who lived close by is safe and sound. Everything else is replaceable.

Meet Betty.

Everyone knows Ellie,


but let me introduce Betty...


Shweaty Betty.

And now you know the story of how "Betty" came to be.