HAPPY DAD'S DAY

Hailey picked out her own special outfit to help Jona celebrate Father's Day. Ain't she somethin'? "But mooooom, there's pink here and here (skirt and small flower on shirt), purple here and here (shirt and small flower on skirt), and blue here and here (socks and stitching on skirt)." She really does have so much in common with her daddy.

Happy Father's Day Jona- we are so lucky to have you!

Happy Father's Day Daddy/Grampy- wish we were there to give you big hugs and bake you something chocolate!

Happy Father's Day Tony/Papa- so glad Jona and the kids got to spend some fun time with you, so sorry about the plague!

Splish Splash

Splash pad season is upon us once again in Arizona. Daily temperatures are reaching the 100's with a couple of oh-so-enjoyable 110's this past week. And while the "dry heat" has nothing on Miami's steam bath, 100 degrees is hot no matter how you slice it. So Phoenix hits the splash pads. Located in most parks, sprinklers and fountains and puddles keep kids happy and parents happier.

Parker and Hailey always start off unsure. Which is strange for Hailey the daredevil water lover, but not for my cautious little guy.

And then she remembers that every kid enjoys a good water enema.

Man my boys are cute!

"Hailey, smile for a picture!" Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model, no doubt!

Standing on the sprinklers is always a most entertaining pursuit. Yep, the water does indeed keep coming out, over and over and over again.

Parker's hair has taken on a life of its own. Especially when air dried by the wind. Crazy haired man and I love it!

Ghetto Gangsta P Diddy.

She is a dancing queen!

Hailey took a dance class this past semester on the ASU campus. It was called a Ballet class, but I'm not sure how much ballet they actually learned. She loved it- surprise surprise- and leared all kinds of new moves! Hailey is the blonde in the light blue leotard. Her BFF Zoe is the brunette in the purple leotard...these girls really are entirely too cute.

The Grand Canyon

These need no narration...

Grammy, Grampy, & the Grand Canyon

We always love a visit from Grammy and Grampy. They were here for almost two weeks in April and it was awesome!

Backyard fun is the best.

I mentioned Rawhide Western Town in the last post. So, so, so hot. Parker had a thing for the lasso.

Now ladies and gentlemen if you look out the right side of the horse drawn carriage you will see dirt and perhaps even some rocks. Look closely and you might even catch a glimpse of a cactus.

We took a trip to Williams, AZ and from there we climbed aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. But we started the day with a classic cowboy show...fake guns, bad jokes and a couple of horses. Can't beat that first thing in the morning.

The train was great! We had a ridiculously knowledgeable tour guide named Morgan...she knew more about the railway, the Arizona desert, and the Grand Canyon than would've thought possible.

And then we arrived at the Canyon. I will post those pics on their own, they require no narration. But let me just say, it was amazing. It was awe inspiring. It made me cry.

Oh, and did I mention, it was COLD! So cold in fact that we spent most of our time there in the snow. THE SNOW!!!

Clearly the view proved too much for Parker.

Poor little guy. But seriously, this picture is hysterical!

We had a great lunch and then wandered around...IN THE SNOW!

We had to snuggle to stay warm.

Then we hiked back down to the train. Hailey's shoes were soaked to the core and yet she was eating ice cream.

But on the train ride back to Williams, we were robbed by cowboys!!!

Parker gave up all his money, mainly because he was terrified of the cowboys!

On our way back to Phoenix we stopped in Sedona for lunch with a view. Hailey grabbed the camera and took some great shots. I love this one in particular.

We wandered a little bit. And then...

we climbed back in the rented minivan and conked out. Can you see her drool?

Update #4 done...check.

Oooo Baby the Bradys

In April, my friend Dionne Brady and her lovely family came to town. My parents were also here and we all had a great time! We met on Saturday at the Phoenix Zoo. We love the zoo, but good golly was it HOOOOTTTT!

I miss Dionne so much, especially in the middle of the night at work when I need her to make me laugh at random stupidity. I think we are both pretty hot mamas, but man does she make me look WHITE! Ebony and ivory, come together in perfect harmony...I dare you not to sing that all day.
Joy, her oldest and Parker's life long love, took an instant liking to Grampy and his cool wheels.

Hailey loves Joy and Dionne, always has.

Say cheeeese Brady family...can you guess who doesn't belong in this picture?

(Left to Right: MY CHILD, Joy, Dionne, Miss Lottie aka Grandma Brady, and JJ)

It really was so incredibly hot. Parker kicked Joy out of Grampy's lap and passed out cold.

Sunday we met at Rawhide Western Town. It was terribly tacky, hot, and yet fun :)

This just might be our Christmas card.

It all proved too much for Baby Jayson. Yes his binkie is indeed propping his head up. And yes, we have no idea how long he was asleep before we noticed.

Dionne and Joy decided, to make it all legal finally. The kids are so proud.

Miss you girl!

Update #3 done...check.

Kristy and Kiley Come to Town

A few days before our Bisbee trip, Kristy, one of my BFFs, came to town and brought with her the beautiful Miss Kiley. Oh, and her husband too...sorry Nick!

Kiley is of course gorgeous...was there every any question?!

I mean, with all these good looking people around its a wonder we could do anything but stare at ourselves all day long?!

Hailey established herself as not only the oldest, but also a wonderful mother figure.

Mmmmm, thank you Mama Hailey.

It was a wonderful visit. I loved seeing Spadely, and it was a neat change for us to have girl time together while being moms together. Such a gift. Kiley is a doll, but she was not a fan of Jona. Cried every time he entered the room, which is NOT something he is used to. Luckily, in Bisbee Jenna adopted him as her own and spent most of the time in his arms or his lap or fighting over him with Parker. It was good for his self esteem!

Update #2 done...check.