World Wildlife Zoo Visit

I got to have the van Friday while Bill was at work so the boys and I thought we would go do something. The World Wildlife Zoo just opened their new aquirium so we thought we would check it out. After very expensive tickets we started to explore the zoo. The aquirium was great and the kiddos just loved it. Benjamin really loved the penguins and Matthew just loved being able to touch the stingrays and crabs. The rest of the zoo was pretty much the same, still different and the kids loved it. We took a ride on the zoo train there, it was a blast. If you haven't seen it, it goes through the animals areas...well some of the animals anyways. We went in with the different kinds of deers, ostrich, and many other kinds that I don't know what they are. The conductor had to fix something along the way so he stopped right in the middle of the field where all the animals were...kind of cool and scary all at the same time. They all thought they were getting fed so they just huddled all around us. We also went on the skycap that is a ski lift that goes over lots of different animals. It was nice too, other than Matthew loosing his shoe in the one mean animals area where they won't go in to recover it. Remind you these are Matthew's new shoes that I just loved.

Anyways, we got to see the baby white lions and we got to hear the singing dogs sing. They also have a house there now that houses whatever babies they have...there was a couple of different babies in there. Anyways, what a great facility, one of the largest breeding facilities of endagered species in the world. I understand that is why their costs are so high, but I think it was a bit much. On a good note, the boys love it and Benjamin was not happy to have to go to the "old" zoo when we went to see the Komodo Dragon they just got. Hope you enjoy the pictures though and thanks for looking.

Halloween

Oh I just love taking the kiddos out and seeing them so excited about trick or treating. We had a busy weekend but it was all well worth it. Saturday we had a wonderful visit with Great Grandma Wina, the kids just love visiting her. We then got home and got the house ready for visitors. We had a nice dinner with La Canasta's great green chili burritos and some sides. We finished it up with Bill's birthday cake. We headed over to Estrella Park for trick or treating with all the kiddos. On the five minute ride over Matthew fell asleep and was asleep for almost half the time we were out too. People still gave him candy while he was passed out in the stroller, it was really cute. One house scared Justice pretty good too, it was great!
Okay, Justice was Blade, Benjamin was Buzz Lightyear, Matthew was a Dragon, Anna was a pink leopard, Andrew was a monkey and Julia was a beautiful princess. Even Trisha and Papa Bill dressed up...she was a witch and papa was in his cowboy outfit. Bill drew a curley q on Ben's chin for his outfit and he was so proud of it. He would go up and tell everyone, "look at my curley q." It was so funny, Matthew wasn't too happy with his outfit unless he was sitting in his car seat because it gave him something to rest his head on. We all had a good time and as always, I was just excited to see the kiddos have so much fun together.

Heritage Days in Buckeye

The boys and I adventured to the Heritage Days while Bill and Justice went to another shoot on Saturday. I should mention that Justice took 8th place and Bill took 21st. Very proud how well Justice did...let me remind you it is 8th place out of all the guys...not just kids. Anyways, the boys and I had a great time at the Heritage Days. We got in there and the boys made corn, a bee magnet and Benjamin roped a cow! They also had a petting zoo sort of thing there that the boys just loved. Benjamin finally got to pet a guinea pig, he loved it...he just kept looking at his face to see if his popped out like the one on Bedtime Stories. We watched a little of the Lil Miss and Lil Mister competition with the kiddos. They were just so cute and adorable. We then went on a very long hay ride, I think the guy was waiting for more people to give a ride to...so we just kept riding around until enough people were waiting. It was fun though and he drove us to every single corner of the event. The ride eventually put Matthew to sleep and along the way we saw a kid tractor pull, so Ben went and showed them how to ride a tractor. He did good, he even got a blue ribbon for it. We then sat and watched the tractor pulls for a while, I was surprised that Benjamin really enjoyed watching it.

They had tons of tractors that looked brand new to very old looking. They also had all kinds of water pumps, grinders and other machines that all ran off of gas that they used in the old days. It was pretty neat, they even let the kids work some of the hand operated ones. We went back the next day with the other two boys and the they got make butter out of cream. Justice also tried his hand in roping a cow...got his on the first try too. They dived for nickels in a pile of cotton too. We had fun but was disappointed there wasn't much there on Sunday. Hope you all enjoy the pictures though.

Our New Family Member Rosco

We were on our way home from the store when we saw a couple of kids sitting on the corner with some doggies. We thought it would be nice to stop and let the kids look. Well, on our way home Bill said that if wanted to get one we could. These dogs were part sheep dog and another one was something else. They are just muts, but they are just too cute. Ours was so cute and just a sweetheart. I loved his colors and just wanted to take him home. So we are just wanting to share photos with you all of our new little puppy Rosco. Bill came up with the very cute name and we are happy to have him. He is very exhausted right now so when he gets done sleeping I will take more pictures of him for you all.

Susan G Komen 5K 2009

Well again this year we wanted to show our support for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. This time I was lucky to have Bill come along with Kristen and I. Before the race day Bill and I started to run together and I have to say it was really nice. The race is so much more than just raising money for breast cancer research, it is a time to remember my sister. I think about her always and wish she was still here with us. The event is such a wonderful atmosphere and so wonderful to attend but the greatest part is I feel so close to Laura everytime I go.

I am so proud that all three of us did so well. I think we did our best time this year!! Every year we just keep getting better. I didn't bring the camera because I didn't want to run with it but Bank of America had a photo spot to take pictures afterwards...so here it is. It is very pink, which I just love.

Happy Birthday Justice

Well I just can't believe the kiddo is already 12 years old. I can remember the first time I met Justice, he was in his little Wrangler jeans and nice button up shirt and cowboy hat. He was just the cutest and sweetest kid I ever met. I thought Bill was in trouble, Justice just stole my heart. Justice joined the world on October 8 and still tries to make it a better place every day.

Yesterday we picked up Justice and was trying to decide where to eat. Everything kind of worked out great. We walked into Peter Piper Pizza and asked Justice to find a seat. He walked right past the table with his Papa and Grandma and Aunt Trisha and Uncle Chris, Anna and Andrew. We had to stop him and say "how about this table Justice." It was funny. He got a lot of nice stuff...CFDA membership, shirts, pocket watch, art supplies, CBFD shirt and DVD's. I forgot to get a picture of the cake without the candles but you can kind of see what it looks like. I think he had a good time and enjoyed spending time with this family. Just think two more years and he will be in high school, four more years and he will be getting his driver's permit and six more years he will going to college. That is so crazy to think about, I don't worry though...Justice is a great kid and will be just fine. Happy Birthday Kiddo and we love YOU!!

Everybody at the little get together. We had a good time.

Justice opening up his Cowboy Fast Draw Association membership. It is neat because he gets a real badge and a card with his Eagle Eye name on it.

This is handsome little Andrew, Trish and Chris's newest edition. He is such a cutie pie...he was all smiles until I got over there with the camera. He is such a cutie though.

Yah for Justice

We are very proud that Justice made the Student of the Month in his class. We attended a ceremony on Friday where they gave him his ceremony. We arrived to see Justice and a couple of other kids setting up the PA system. The principal explained that the usual person wasn't there and that she saw Justice and knew he could get the job done. One of the many great traits about Justice. He has a big heart and is always willing to help. He is just getting so big and growing up so fast. He is doing great in school still and is a great kiddo.

He still struggles with a his sentence structure and handwriting but he is improving. He is improving tremendously with his shooting at the Cowboy Fast Draw. This last Saturday he was matched up with his dad in the first round and took him down. He has also learned to keep score and work the microphone at the shoots as well.

We are very proud of him for this great award and wanted to share our pride with the rest of you all. These pictures were nicely done by Danielle for me.

Good job Justice, keep up the great work kiddo!

Danielle and David's Visit

It has been a great couple of days visiting with Danielle and David, my niece and her husband from Georgia. I just wish they never had to leave, but this morning I dropped them off at the airport.

They came in on Thursday and we were just too excited!! I felt bad that they both ended up sick the whole time they were here with a cold. It didn't stop them though from exploring Phoenix. Friday we took them to Uncle Charlie's house to let David and Bill practice shooting for the Cowboy Fast Draw shoot on Saturday. Saturday we took off to the shoot early and boy was it hot! We hit record highs almost everyday they were here. Bill took 20th place, David took 13th and Justice took 16th I think. They all did really good and I got some really good pictures of Danielle. I am not used to having someone around that can get into taking pictures of me and the boys so I took advantage of Danielle's great eye for picture taking. They all came out really nice.

Sunday we all just took it easy and hung out around the house and got some chores done. Grandpa Dave and Terry came over and got to visit as well. Monday the boys and I took them to the Phoenix Zoo. Again, it was hotter than ever out and they were such great sports and walked the entire thing with us. Danielle got some great shots of the animals and other things around the area.

Their time here went by way too fast and I am so sad to see them go. I treasure every minute I get to spend with them. I wish somehow we could live closer and be able to visit more often. That is okay though, hopefully one day we will be able to move closer to each other. I want to thank you guys for coming out and visiting. Benjamin already keeps asking where you are Danielle. I also appreciate all the help you gave us with the housework and watching the kiddos. Thanks for also being good sports with the Korean restaurant, green chili burritos and I want a rematch at Scrabble David. Love you both so very much and can't wait until we can visit again.

Happy Birthday Benjamin

Today is actually Ben's birthday, so this morning I once again told him Happy Birthday. He wanted to know where his birthday cake was? I told him he already one and that is it...he wants another one. He is just too funny!

Benjamin being my first child, I was so anxious to see what he looked like after carrying him for nine months. Child birth went well and he was a healthy 7lb 10oz, 21" boy who was just adorable with a little hematoma. Some things you might not know about Ben is that he had that hematoma when he was born because of the suction cup they placed on his head...didn't hurt him at all and it went away after a few weeks. He also soon found out that he was lactose intolerant, he has grown out of that as well and loves his milk. He also started walking at the early age of 9 months old. He still has his beautiful and bright blue eyes that he was born with. His middle name is William, a name passed down from his dad and papa Bill. Benjamin was chosen by me because I loved it. Come to find out that my great-uncle's name is Bennie. That is what his papa Dave calls him.

Well I dressed him up in one of his new outfits that he got for his birthday and took some pics of him. Matthew loves to say cheese for me so he is in some of the pictures. I hope you all enjoy them though.

This headlock is Ben's idea of a hug!

Well at least Matthew is happy to be taking pictures.

Happy 3rd Birthday Benjamin!!

Well Ben's 3rd birthday party was a success...he had so much fun and he was so pleased to have his family around. It was so cute. When it came to the presents, I told him that they were all for him to open, just for you I told him. He looked at me and got a huge smile, just for me Mommy? It was so cute to see his reaction to it. The cake looked ok but Ben loved it and that is what matters. Plus they both tasted great, strawberry cake was a success. He got a lot of nice stuff and we appreciated everyone that showed...we only had just grandparents and close family and Ben's best friend Julia there so it wasn't as hectic.
Okay let me explain all the pretty girlies here. While shopping the clearance area at Fry's I found this beautiful little girls boa for only $2...I couldn't believe it and snatched it before anyone else did. Bill looked at me strange and asked what was up with it since all we have is boys...well I have a bunch of adorable nieces and friends with cute kiddos. So I had to use it to show that I didn't buy it for nothing. They all loved it and just looked so cute!

Adorable Anna

Amazingly Beautiful AlyssaGorgeous Julia with Curls

Matthew's First Hair Cut!!

Well Matthew is now bald...well not really but almost. He got his haircut today and he just doesn't look like Matthew anymore. He did really good though for the whole haircut. The only problem we had was he wouldn't keep his tongue in his mouth. As you can see in the picture above, he really liked the haircut, just kind of sat back and let Daddy cut his hair. Since his hair is so short and blonde, he almost looks bald. He is good though and I hope you all enjoy the pictures.

Sorry to Heather and Valerie who I asked to watch on the webcam, I just couldn't get it to work for some reason. Thanks for being there though and waiting patiently. Love you all.

Our trip to Tuscon for the shoot

When I started this blog I was having issues with my internet and putting pictures on here...so I gave up and ended up forgetting all about it. Here is an outdated blog...but not too old. This last Saturday Bill Papa Bill and Justice had a Cowboy Fast Draw Shoot in Tuscon so the boys and I decided that we were going to check out Tuscon too. I have never been there but I was a little nervous taking the two and a half hour trip with the boys by myself. They did pretty good though, better than I expected.

We first stopped in at the Reid Park Zoo. I didn't find out until we got back that I checked out the wrong place. Bill said there was a Desert place to check out and that morning when I was looking for the address, the only one I found was the zoo so I thought it was it. The zoo was free since we are members of the Phoenix Zoo, that was a bonus. The zoo was not that big but big enough for us to walk through and enjoy ourselves without getting overheated. It is still really hot down there as well. The zoo had polar bears, lamas, some type of pigs, albino peacocks and some other things that Ben and Matthew has never seen so it was neat. We had lunch there where they got these really cute bear head lunch pails. We then headed down to see Bill, Justice, Papa Bill and Uncle Charlie shoot. I really enjoyed driving through Tuscon, it actually is a little bit smaller than Phoenix but nicer some how. We finally found the range and Benjamin just loved watching them shoot and be apart of the boys group.

After we left there we drove to the San Xavier Mission in Nogales. I don't know what it is about old, sacred and religous buildings but they are just so peaceful to me. I really enjoyed the pictures I got to take and just feeling the peace being there. We then drove further south to a restaurant with a bulls skull. It is pretty neat looking, none of us were hungry though so we drove past University of Arizona (I think) and had dinner at Chuy's back in Tuscon. We have never been there, just wanted to check out a new restaurant. It was okay, they gave us a stuffed kitten or pig or something to hold onto for our number(to get our food). That is not a wise idea, we had to hide it so Benjamin didn't try to leave with it...he wouldn't even eat unless it was right by him.

All in all it was a really nice trip and always fun to check out new places to visit. I will definitely be back to find the right zoo and go back to the one since it was such a nice place to go.