tales from a far-land

Going to a spring training game during spring break has become an annual tradition.  Unfortunately, Kathleen's favorite team, the Dodgers, were not playing at home while she was visiting Arizona.  So, this year, we decided to check out the Padres and the Cubs at the Peoria Sports Complex. The day started with donuts for the kids with Aunt Kathleen while I had a client appointment. Afterwards, we headed over to the game.  We enjoyed ballpark food and beers.  The kids each received a gift from Aunt Kathleen -- a ball cap for Madi and baseball Legos for Aiden.  Thank you, Aunt Kathleen!  Our biggest complaint would be the weather.  It was a really warm day! Even a little too warm for me.  Luckily, the ballpark had a splash pad for the kids to enjoy, but it still didn't allow us to stay too much longer than the fifth or six inning.  Overall, we all still had a great time.  Maybe next year, the weather will be a little more accommodating. Aiden's donut -- it was bigger than

In March, to celebrate Brandon's birthday, we enjoyed an adult night out downtown.  The evening consisted of happy hour at Forno 301 , a painting party at The Painters Lounge and a dinner at Durants . Since Kathleen King was in town visiting, she joined in the fun.  One of the best moments of the evening involved Josh trying to obtain more paint for his canvas.  However, instead of pumping paint onto his plate, the paint shot out of the paint dispenser and onto his arm/shirt and created a "bloody" masterpiece on someone else's canvas.  He wore the red paint with pride for the rest of the night.  The paint never did come out of that shirt.  What an amusing and memorable night! Kathleen and I Josh and his painted mess The guys painting The gals painting Our final creations

While the kids were on spring break, we decided to visit the new Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale. It opened last fall and we had been wanted to check it out.  It was a pretty fun excursion.  My favorite exhibit were the penguins.  Next time, we may have to splurge and do the penguin interaction program so I can feed and touch the penguins.  We were able to watch some people interact with the penguins and it looked really fun. We also had the opportunity to watch a sloth maneuver all around its enclosure.  We all felt that she was by no means slow as they are stereotyped to be.  She was truly mesmerizing to watch.  We probably could have stood there all day. The kids favorite exhibit was the sharks because who doesn't love sharks.  While we were there, the sharks were being trained and were rewarded with food.  It was cool to watch. It was a fun adventure for our spring breakers. Madi posing outside of the aquarium Watching sea creatures Time for a little colori

Happy St. Patrick's Day from my little leprechauns!  We hope that all of your troubles are less.   And your blessings be more.  And nothing but happiness comes through your door. Aiden Madilyn So adorable! One with Harley

BASIS Phoenix Central celebrates the end of each academic period with an awards ceremony.  Period four ended in the middle of March.  So, the following week, both of our kids were presented with their 90s Club pin for achieving a 90% or better average in their course work.   We are so proud of how much they are learning and growing as students.  I am always amazed at how much their little brains can comprehend and retain.  And the best part is that they love school.  Each day they are excited to tell us about their day and what new things they are learning or discovering.  Let's hope that quest for knowledge and academic excellence continues for many, many years to come! Aiden accepting his 90s Club pin Aiden with his pin Aiden and Townes Aiden, Benjamin, Townes, Miles, Aeneas, Avi Madi accepting her 90s Club pin Madi with her pin Olivia, Madi and Natalie Lauren, Mayla, Olivia and Madi

Purim is one of the most fun and joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar.  It celebrates the story of Esther and how she saved the Jewish people from persecution and extermination in Persia.  This year, we celebrated Purim at our local Jewish Community Center's carnival.  They had rides, games, snow cones, jump houses, petting zoo, and crafts.  The kids had an amazing time.  The weather was a little warm, but it never deterred the kids from enjoying themselves.  We even splurged and purchased some hamantaschen (traditional Purim cookies) to take home for dessert.   Chag  Purim  Sameach! Madi and Charlotte on the swings Addison and Aiden on the swings Charlotte Addison Aiden Obstacle time.... The Goldstar Darlings

Last month, Madilyn celebrated her seventh birthday with her friends.  Madi wanted to host a painting party.  So, we hired a company called  Your Art Party  to teach and instruct Madilyn and her friends at our house.  They were awesome!  They brought all of the supplies -- chairs, tables, paint, paint brushes, canvas.  They then set up the paint studio and tear it down afterwards.  And, after all of that, they teach the kids to all paint the same painting.  They were so good with the kids.  Very encouraging and supportive. Madilyn wanted to paint a dog, so all of the kids painted their own masterpiece to take home with them.  It was one of the coolest parties we have ever thrown. Everyone had such a good time.  Happy Birthday, Madi! The Birthday Girl in her Painting Dress Madi and Olivia The paint canvases Madi's Party Attendees Jamie and Jen Madi painting Aiden and Keaton painting The adults chilling Madilyn, Natalie and Addison Painting