Arizona Oasis

My dad and I ventured up north for a day to hike down into Fossil Springs. It's a 4 mile hike descent with a gorgeous view of the Mogollon Rim. There is a gradual vegetation change as you near the springs and you know when you are there...beautiful oasis, so lush and green!.. An incredible reward after a long 2000 ft. hike down.

Girls' night!

The other night I got together for dinner with some old and new friends. We had a blast. Part of what I miss about teaching is hanging out with the girls I used to work with. They are so much fun!! Thanks for the fun night, ladies!

You might like this...

The Wackness (rated R) starring Josh Peck and Ben Kingsley

I went to the Camelview (the only place where it is playing) to see The Wackness. It is set in Manhattan in the summer of 1994. It's kind of a coming-of-age movie about a guy who just graduated high school and sells pot on the streets of NY. One of his customers is his therapist (Ben Kingsley). I wasn't sure about it at first, but as the movie progressed it really grew on me. Ben Kingsley is great in it. Mary-Kate Olson makes a guest cameo (woo-hoo) and yes, she is just as weird on screen as off. Josh Peck stars in it and I kept thinking, "Wow, this kid is a really good actor. But, I don't remember seeing him in anything else before." So, when I got home I googled his name and found out that he is "Josh" from Drake and Josh. This is a gigantic "ICK!!" The reason?...he is partially nude in the movie. Now I am a little creeped out by it. I liked The Wackness, but am not sure I can ever watch it again without fast forwarding through those couple of scenes!

relax...

this is what i SHOULD do while my kids are away for the the next seven days...

but, instead I will be doing this...

re-painting my bedroom

hiking

catching up on oil paintings

decorate elle's room

cake recipe taste-testing

running, running, running

tennis

painting bathroom cabinets

a few camelview movies

boy/girl friend date nights

...relaxing is just so terribly over-rated!

New and Improved...

He doesn't love it...

Oh well!

No more squeals while i comb it out!

So worth the grouchy face!

Bye, Bye

I can't take it anymore. The time has come. Max must bid farewell to this do. Check us out tomorrow for the results!

You need to see this...

A couple of weeks ago, I had a little time alone and went to the Camelview theater in Scottsdale. I like to go there and just pick a movie on the spot. All of their movies are more of the independent, only released to a few theaters type. I saw a poster with Colin Firth and Helen Hunt and I knew that was the one. The movie was Then She Found Me. I loved it. It's a little hard to find, but when it comes out on video, you have to see it!

Party Princess...

For Elle's 3rd birthday, all she wanted was a pink princess party. And...that's what she got, complete with a pink cake, princess crowns and wands, and a few of her favorite princess friends!

July 8

I can't believe it has been 3 years since my little girl was born. With her deep blue eyes and flirty giggle she could wrap you around her finger from day one. She has mastered her skills and can get anything she wants from the males in her life. Her Grandpa and older brother, Max, are the biggest suckers of all! Right now, all she wants is pink. Pink clothes, pink toys, pink treats!

The girl loves pink!

Happy Birthday, elle! We love you so much! Nobody makes our hearts melt or makes us giggle as much as you do!

A week in review...

The monsoons are here! Yay, it's the best part of summer in AZ!



Staying cool indoors with art projects!



Maggie...yes, she is still here. But, the other g.pig has passed on.

Elle decided to dress Maggie in her princess underwear.