To the beach!

We went to Cali for a couple of weeks at the end of June and I have hardly any pictures to show for it. We went to the beach, of course. We also went to Knott's, Legoland, the movies, the pool and played with the cousins. The weather was very mild (thank you!) and we were sad to leave, especially since it's 105 degrees now!

Flying with Papa

Baby Rachel is growing

Camping at the rim

We went camping up near Payson county over Memorial Day weekend. It was a beautiful spot and very secluded. The kids had a great time exploring. We were near a small pond and Megan caught a bunch of frogs. There were no restrooms or running water so that was a bit of an adventure but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Somehow I managed to get lost in the woods in the middle of the night but I managed to find my way back to camp after about 15 very long minutes.

Just because it made me laugh

Last Day of School

Mimi's Graduation

We went to California a couple weeks ago to see Mimi get her Master's Degree. We are all so very proud of her! What an accomplishment! Grandmothers can do just about anything!

Chicago!! Oprah!! Eclipse!!

A few weeks ago I heard that Oprah wanted Twilight fans to email her. So I did. And never heard back. But they did call Sarah and asked her if she wanted to come to Chicago (WITH A GUEST) and see a screening of Eclipse (a month and a half before it's released) and be an audience member for Oprah's Eclipse show. ARE YOU SERIOUS???!!! Sarah called me right after she got off the phone and when I could finally understand what she was telling me I was screaming too.

First shock, then disbelief, then crazy excitement when we realized that we might actually be able to pull this off even though it was only 10 days away.

After frantic calls to acquire babysitters, buy plane tickets, and reserve hotels we were on our way. I've never been to Chicago before. I loved it. I loved the tall buildings. I loved the wind. I loved all the tulips.

After we landed we checked into our hotel, got some food, and headed over to the theater to see Eclipse. We were on the very front row to the very left (but who cares? We're seeing Eclipse almost 2 months early)!! 5 minutes before the show was to start they had the front row stand and we were taken to the comfy seats in the balcony. Score!

The film was great, maybe the best one so far. I was really happy with it. After we left of course we couldn't sleep so we stayed up late talking about the movie and woke up 4 hours later to go to the Oprah show.

We couldn't bring any cameras into the studio. It was smaller than I thought it would be and there weren't any bad seats. We were behind the main seating in the center. Oprah came out and interviewed Rob, Kristen, Taylor and Dakota. I have to give it to Oprah. She knows what she's doing. There was so much going on and Oprah makes it look effortless. The interview was so much fun. We laughed a lot and smiled even more.

After the show we explored Chicago some more. We went to the Magnificent Mile and down to Lake Michigan. Then it was time to head to the airport. It was a quick trip and we packed in as much fun as humanly possible.

Our show airs Thursday, May 13th at 3pm on Oprah!! Maybe you'll see us in the audience. We're the screaming fans in the Twilight shirts. ;)




My first Chicago deep dish pizza. The crust was heavenly.



View from the top of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)



Inside a Plexiglas box at the top of the Willis Tower, notice that I didn't go very far out. It was unnerving to be able to look down that far.

Our very nice hotel room



View out our window in downtown Chicago



Cute baby Lizzy



A shot of us right before the Eclipse screening. We walked a mile to the theater and Chicago isn't called the windy city for nothing.

.

The theater where we saw Eclipse



Sarah and I after being in the audience for the Oprah/Eclipse Show



I loved all the tulips



I loved looking up at all the enormous buildings.

Millennium Park

Under the silver bean in Millennium Park



The big silver bean. They must wash it everyday b/c it was so shiny.



My favorite flower



Chicago River

MUSE

We've waited so long for this moment! My favorite band Muse came to Phoenix and it was incredible!!! Silversun Pickups opened and they sounded really great too. A few of Daniel's friends from work came with us. I can't wait to see them again...in September...in LA! Woo-hoo!

MUSE - The Resistance Tour

Lake Pleasant

My parents came for a visit and we went to Lake Pleasant for the day. It was a beautiful day and the water wasn't too cold for the brave at heart. The kids found a mud pit which was the highlight of the day for them.