tales from a far-land

Summer has officially arrived in Phoenix.  We had a nice little cool down, but this weekend we reached triple digit heat once again.  Last summer our kids had a little play pool to "swim" in to survive the summer heat.  We filled it once again this year, but the pool seemed a little too small for both of the kids.  Luckily, Sams Club had a larger pool that we purchased for the kids and they love it.  We inflated the pool up this weekend for the first time and the kids showed no hesitation.  They jumped right in with all of their toys and played for couple of hours -- no fights, limited crying and tons of giggles. 

For our anniversary, Josh and I started a tradition last year.  We decided to take the day off of work to go on an anniversary adventure.  We had so much fun last year that we decided we should continue the tradition every year.  So, this year, we dropped the kids off at preschool and headed up north for this year's anniversary day trip.  We began our day with breakfast in Anthem at a very good restaurant named Two Brothers Kitchen.   It was a great start to our day.  We then continued up to Flagstaff.  Our next stop was a hike titled Lava River Cave.   Lava River Cave is a mile long hike just north of Flagstaff in Coconino Forest near the San Francisco Peaks.  The most intriguing part about this particular hike is that you are completely in the dark the entire time.  To say the least, we were both very excited to try this hike.  After a little detour due to misdirections, we finally found the right dirt road that would lead ...

In the past two years, we have had an abundance of different animals that have visited our backyard.  Our regulars include coyotes, quail, bunnies, a woodpecker, roadrunners, and of course, a couple of scorpions that make their showing in our house. A Quail on the Playset A Visiting Coyote -- at our Fenceline Bunnies in our Yard   However, when springtime arrives, our backyard becomes more active like a little zoo.  We have a couple more visitors that like to make our backyard their home.  Plus, some of our regulars have babies and bring them to visit us as well. Baby Quails with their Mommy   About twice a year, we have a Mommy bird that lays an egg on one of our columns under our patio.  And then for about two months, she watches over her nest while we await the birth of her baby.  It is really amazing to watch the entire nature story unfold.   The Family Photo -- Baby bird born this week ...

In mid-April, our little munchkins were invited to a 'Lil Monkey birthday party for their friend, Brooke.  The party was held at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park .  What a terrific park for a two year olds birthday party.  This park is located in Scottsdale and has a variety of rides and playgrounds to keep the kids entertained.  As a group, we all rode on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad.  All of the kids (and adults) enjoyed this very much.  Sadly, we did not have time to go on the antique carousel or visit the model train museum -- maybe next time.  Either way, we enjoyed our first trip to the Railroad Park and Brooke's party. Aiden trying to catch bubbles   Miss Madi  Mr. Aiden  Miss Brooke and Mommy Stephanie  Some of the kids waiting to board the train  Brooke  Madi  Aiden Brother and Sister  Picnicing at the park

Our little man is growing up a little more and more every day.  Last month, Aiden graduated from his crib to a big boy bed.  We didn't *have* to move him into his new full-sized bed, but we just felt it was time to try it out.  So, we went out and purchased the conversion kit to turn the crib into a full-sized bed.  And guess what?  He loves his new bed.  As a matter of fact, in the mornings, when it is time to get dressed and ready for the day, he specifically rolls over so I cannot reach him to take him out of his bed.  He often would rather "read" books or play with his toys instead of getting out of bed.  He never acted this way in his crib.  Previously in the morning, he was ready to get out as soon as we walked into his room.  And now, he cries if we take him out of the bed.  We are so glad we followed our gut on this parenting decision.  However, it does make me a little sad because I know that my lit...

This year we celebrated Easter by hosting a brunch for our family and friends.  It was a beautiful spring morning and the weather was near perfect.  We are so blessed to be able to enjoy time with so many of the people we hold so dear to our hearts.  The kids received several baskets full of goodies and thoroughly enjoyed egg hunting this year.  They were so excited to fill their baskets full of the hidden eggs.  The bunny hid special sports eggs for Aiden and springtime eggs for Madi in addition to the dozen or so traditional  dyed eggs.  Throughout the entire hunt, Aiden pointed at each egg calling them "ball!".  And Madilyn was such a good big sister yelling at Aiden to get his eggs.  They were so adorable!  I think all of the spectators enjoyed watching the kids find their eggs -- especially, Grandpa Farrell.  He was so excited.  I think next year we should ask the Easter Bunny to hide eggs f...

Easter started a couple of days early for us this year.  We started our weekend of bunnies and eggs with an egg hunt at the kids' preschool.  All of the classes decorated baskets for the kids to use to collect eggs.  Grandma and Grandpa Farrell joined in the festivities this year.  At first, our kids were not quite in the mood to hunt for eggs and it took a while for each of them to warm up to the idea.  Doesn't she look happy? Madilyn's class minus her Grandma showing Aiden the candy However, once Aiden understood there was candy in the plastic eggs, he started to "race" other kids for eggs... And Madi was on the run until her basket broke more than once ... We continued the Easter festivities on Saturday when we had an egg dying party.  Madi and Aiden enjoyed decorating eggs with their friends.  The kids did a great job coloring, painting and stenciling their eggs for the Easter Bunny to h...