Flagstaff Getaway

 Last weekend, I took the kids up to Flagstaff for a last minute getaway before school starts.

As we drove up into the mountains and I watched the car thermometer slowly decrease in degrees, I became little girl giddy.

Going from 115° to 75° will do that to you.

We immediately stopped at NAU to take in a Cardinals training practice. The Cards put on a good show for fans, but this crew of mine is definitely more of the basketball kind.

We took in a movie (the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid is really cute), went on a hike, visited the Deer Farm in Williams, and ate at some pretty cute and tasty restaurants, including our new favorite-
Ni Marco's Pizzeria in downtown Flag. We also made more than a couple of stops at Flagstaff's Sweet Shoppe & Nut House for fudge and caramel apples.

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday today to my beautiful, kind-hearted Elle.

I

love

you.

♥

For her big day, Elle invited some of her sweet friends out for a movie and lunch.

A Boy's Dream

 My two boys got to spend the last 5 days in the Prescott Pines at the Suns Basketball Camp. The camp is led by former ASU basketball coach, Bill Frieder. Each day the boys were coached through drills and played in tournaments.

There was some fun down time when they could let loose and play ping pong, pool, and mini golf. Their highlights were visits from the Gorilla and hanging with big names like Mark West, Tim Kempton, and Eddie Johnson.

Calvin brought home the League Champions Award and Max brought home the Lay-up Award.

Shooters

So, as  far as what I love watching my kids do,

basketball tops my list.

Every summer, we spend hours a day at the high school gym

where they sharpen their skills on the courts.

This year, Elle is the only girl in her group.

Today, she won a game of speed against the boys and

as we walked out of the gym, she said,

"Mom, one of the boys made fun of another boy and said, 'Ha, ha a girl who doesn't

know how to play basketball beat you!'"

So, I asked Elle, "What did you say?"

She smiled and explained, "I told him, 'What are you laughing at? I beat you, too!'

THAT'S MY GIRL!

My Little Cub

Calvin is spending a few days this summer at Cub Scout Day Camp.

Each night, he stumbles into the house around 11pm

with a huge smile on his face.

When I ask how it was, he exclaims,

"Mom, it was AMAZING!"

Swimming, bb guns, water balloon fights, bows & arrows...

What more could an 8 yr old boy want?

Strange Things That Make Me Smile

When I was a kid

we kept a little potted aloe vera plant in our bathroom at home.

My mom used it for everything that ailed us-

sunburns, cuts, burns, you name it.

My mom would take a knife, cut off a slice and rub away our pain.

This week, I bought my first aloe vera plant.

Seeing it sitting on the bathroom counter makes me smile.

Another reminder of Mom.

My Summer Favorites

A couple of months back, I came across some candles at Target (I'm a sucker for anything delicious smelling) and I couldn't resist. Each time I walk into my house I look forward to lighting my vintage looking, "Happiness" candle. It makes me... well, happy.

I thought I'd list a few more of the things that are making me happy this summer.

It's the little things in life, right?

Downeast Basics Cropped Cap Sleeve Tee

I layer these under everything and because they are cropped, they don't make me hot. 

Vanilla Fields

I have worn this inexpensive perfume since high school. I still love it!

Nike Women's Running Shorts

R&F Anti-Age Hand Regimen

Makes my hand look years younger!

Happiness Yuzu & Lime Aromatherapy Candle from Target

Smells amazing!

Hard Boiled Eggs

Organic, cage-free, & so full of goodness!

Brooks Cascadia Trail Running Shoes

So comfortable and cushioned...just the way I like 'em!

Coco Reef Swimwear

The first well-made & supportive suits I've owned!

Green Matcha Tea

Full of antioxidants and inhibits cancer growth!

It's Summer Time

Summer is here.

The last day of school was bittersweet. It always is.

Friends moving away, another year over, and the realization that, yes, my kids are growing up.

My proudest moment of the day was watching my fearless 11 yr. old sing a solo in the school talent show. Pretty amazing.

I'm so thrilled to spend the summer months with these special kiddos.

Max- Talent Show Performance