tales from a far-land

Day one in Rocky Point was a beach day.  In the morning, we enjoyed watching the sunrise and the tide drifting out to sea while sipping our coffee while sitting on the patio.  It was so joyous.  After breakfast, the kids played all day in the ocean and on the beach.  They searched for sea shells, played beach games and played in the sand. The adults read books, cutout pictures from magazines for our future vision boards, played beach games with the kids, took walks on the beach, and primarily relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful, breezy weather. The evening was filled with laughter, bourbon, storytelling while playing chicken foot dominoes. The sunrise as seen from our patio Madi enjoying the morning Paige and Mae Maelyn Morning selfie Beach Art The boys searching for sand dollars Burying themselves in the sand Madi with one of her shells Mae with a "unicorn horn" Beach games Silly Aiden Keaton Sand...

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, our family decided to spend five relaxing days on the beach in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.  The McClendons and the Raetz families joined us on this adventure.  We rented a four bedroom house located on the Las Conchas side of Rocky Point.  The house was literally feet away from the sand and ocean.  The kids and adults were in heaven listening to the ocean waves morning, day and night.   The rental also included the option for us to use an onsite cook.  Sonia was fantastic!  We just placed our order every night with her and she would go into town, purchase the food (which we would reimburse her for later) and then cook it for us dinner the next day.  It really relived the stress of having to cook dinner for ten people. Viva Mexico! On the road to Puerto Penasco Josh getting pulled over by the Ajo Police Crossing the border Madi and Mae during on the first night All o...

Here is Aiden's age six  interview with Mommy.  I love all of his answers.  He makes me laugh so much! What is your favorite color?  Red and black What is your favorite food to eat?  Chicken tenders What is your favorite television show?  All of Netflix Who is your favorite Superhero?  Wolverine  Who is your best friend?  Brayden Who is your teacher at school?  Ms. Turner (LET) at BASIS Phoenix Central What is your favorite activity?  Building/engineering in general -- with legos, with cardboard boxes, etc. What is your favorite fruit?  Cherries What is your favorite toy?  Nerf guns and legos What is your favorite outfit to wear?  Tuxedo (which Aiden actually calls a "taxedo") What is your favorite game to play?  Watch Your Mouth What is your favorite snack?  Kit Kat What is your favorite animal?  Panther What is your favorite song?  Shut Up and Dance with Me What is your favorite b...

It's a new year.  While reflecting over the year, I realized I haven't interviewed the kids in a long while.  So, I interviewed them.  I love how some of the answers haven't changed, but others have.  Here are Madilyn's age seven favorites and likes: What is your favorite color?  Blue What is your favorite food to eat?  Spaghetti-Os with meatballs What is your favorite television show?  YouTube Drama Who is your favorite Superhero?  Superwoman Who is your best friend?  Natalie Who is your teacher at school?  Ms. Patterson (Humanities) at BASIS Phoenix Central What is your favorite activity?  Art What is your favorite fruit?  Pineapple What is your favorite toy?  American Girl Doll and Baby Minnie What is your favorite outfit to wear?  Paint Dress What is your favorite game to play?  Candy Land Princess What is your favorite snack?  Trail Mix What is your favorite animal?  Dog What is yo...

As a new year starts, I enjoy reflecting on the previous year.  2017 was an amazing year!  Our year was full of traveling, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, fun times with friends and some bucket list adventures.  Let's hope 2018 is just as incredible.  We are truly blessed and look forward to new year full of things that have never been.    

Miss Mina turned one years old on December 28th.  I cannot believe how much she has grown in a year.  We celebrated Mina with a small gathering of family and friends.  The evening consisted of good conversation, a delicious dinner (homemade pasta - Mina's favorite), a Nothing Bundt Cake and presents.  We are so glad that we were able to share in Mina's special day.  Happy Birthday, little one!  We love you! Mina's Birthday Cake Mina Rose  Cousins!  Aiden with Mina  Madi with Mina  Family photo   Babu and Mina  Cake Time  Her first taste of pure sugar Presents!