Tiger's Quest Book Signing

Since I'm an avid reader, my friend Danielle told me about a book called "Tiger's Curse" that she loved. I devoured it and we both waited impatiently for the second book to come out. The author, Colleen Houck, had a book signing close to our house so we decided to go. It was small and personal which I loved. We were able to ask questions and she told us fun little tidbits about the series. Danielle even won an ARC for the next book which won't be published until December. It was SO good. We brought our oldest girls along with us. Megan is halfway through the book and really enjoying it. If I can't go to India I can't think of a better way to get there than through an amazing story.



Megan made a shirt that said, "Radishes Rock" and the author had a pic taken to put on her blog. Radishes you say? Gotta read the book.


Megan getting her book signed.


Danielle (with the ARC...oooohhhhh), Gabi (won an audio book), and Megan

Pismo Beach

A couple weeks ago we went to Pismo Beach to go camping. We happily left our 115 degree weather for the 65 degree temperatures in Pismo. It was overcast, windy, and pretty cold. Apparently, we've become wimps. My kids will normally go into the water no matter what the temperature but it was too cold even for them. It was nice camping right by the water though.

This vacation was quite an adventure. Aaron has lots of fun sand toys (it pays to be related to the right people ;) and we all helped hauling them up. Everyone got stuck in the sand multiple times. I was pleasantly surprised to see that people were constantly stopping to help tow other people out of the sand.

The kids loved playing in the sand with their cousins and friends. They didn't seem to care that there was sand in their food, their bedding, their ears...you get the picture. But we did have great company and great food!

Megan's 5th Grade Celebration

My baby is going to middle school! Aaahhh! My kids are growing up so fast. Megan is going to middle school and Mallory is going into kindergarten. I sense that I'm entering a new and very special period of our lives that I need to really enjoy and savor. It's so nice that there are no more diapers, high chairs, and impossible to buckle car seats. We also haven't hit the boy-crazy, hours on the phone, mom-is-embarrassing part yet either. While I have this time that they still listen, still let me hug them in public, and still think I'm their favorite person in the world, I think I better enjoy it to the fullest.

Mallory Preschool Graduations

The Limburg School of Hard Knocks
My preschool kids. I had a great group and we had such a fun year. I can't believe they're all going to kindergarten in the fall.


Ahwatukee Preschool Graduation
On the days I wasn't teaching preschool, Mallory attended this preschool so that I could volunteer in my kid's classes and have some time of my own. She loved it.

The Money Guy

The other day Daniel was watching a Civil War documentary and a picture of Abraham Lincoln came up on the screen. Mallory looks at the TV and proclaims, "Hey, it's the money guy."

We got a kick out of that.

Connor's Music Performance

The last week of school Connor had his music performance. The only time he's smiling is when he's dancing with a girl....hmmmm.

Mother's Day

I wanted to do something fun and girly for my mom, for Mother's Day. We had a fun and frilly luncheon with all "chick food": Chicken salad sandwiches, strawberry and spinach salad, and a strawberry tart. I love you mom!

Daddy, Daughter Time

Just a couple of cute pictures I couldn't resist taking. Daniel is a very entertaining story teller. He has many different accents in his arsenal that he often uses. Mallory doesn't always appreciate it as much as the rest of us. "Daddy please...just talk normal." Hahahaha!!!

Easter Sunday

Yep, that's my leg


Kids searching for eggs

iPad 2

In December, Daniel got a bonus and wanted to get an iPad. He heard rumors about the iPad2 and decided to wait...somewhat impatiently...for the new one to come out. About 3 weeks ago he finally received it. I haven't been allowed to touch it yet.

We're having some problems with his iPhone now...apparently it's jealous and acting out a bit.


The look of delight as I captured the glorious moment.

Pat's Run

Pat Tillman turned down a $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers in 2002. He died in Afghanistan in 2004. What an amazing man! Every year Pat's Run is held at the Sun Devil Stadium. The run is 4.2 miles because Pat's number was 42. We got to run up the ramp and through the tunnel to the stadium and the race finished on the 42 yard line. It was pretty inspiring. We were there along with 28,000 people. Wow!


me, Kati, Stephanie, Ann, LaDawn and Danielle

Megan and Mallory's Birthday

During our spring break we had a family birthday party for Megan and Mallory. They got some fun stuff but being able to play with their cousins was the best present of all.





Just look at those cute boys!

Legoland

I've heard a few people say they don't think Legoland is that great, but we love it. We've been there 3 times and still haven't been on all the rides. For most of the day it was just the three kiddos and me. It is so easy to travel with them now: they're old enough to listen and not wander off, no diapers, they can all feed themselves. Life is pretty good!

Later in the day Sarah and her 4 kids met up with us. Hanging out with the cousins made it tons more fun!