Out of the Desert and into the Sun

We leave tomorrow for our big adventure. We couldn't be more excited about this trip for a number of reasons. 

First, we've been doing a lot for a while that has been good, but has come at the expense of family time. Before we become stuck looking back and lamenting time spent progressing as time we should have been spending together, we're going to spend some real quality time together as a family.

Then there's missing out on the summer heat. Granted, we're not going to be coming back to cool weather, but I'll take all the summer away from Arizona I can get.

And finally, this is the first time in a long time that we've had the opportunity to reconnect with our families. Being able to see the folks in Montana for a respectable amount of time then doing the same in Seattle is like a dream come true. This is especially true when time is working against loved ones. 

If you have an opportunity, think of us every once in a while and send some positive thoughts our way.  I know we're going to be doing the same for all of our loved ones.

One of my favorite bands was a Phoenix band called The Format.  One of my favorite lines of theirs is, "It's time to get out of the desert and into the sun."

Indeed.

Pool Parties

There are definite signs you know it is summer in Arizona, like when you can't walk outside with bare feet; you have to be extra careful getting into the car to avoid being scalded with a seat belt; and all activities revolve around a pool. Owen has been invited to four birthday parties, all of which are pool parties.

We went to Miles' birthday party this morning. The party started at 8:30 a.m. It was genius, really, and I may steal the idea for Owen's birthday next year. The weather isn't too hot and all you have to serve is fruit, bagels, coffee, and juice. Brilliant!

Niah and Miles racing down the good 'ol slip-n-slide.

The center of the festivities. When Kristi realized about 20 kids were coming to the pool party, she hired a lifeguard to watch over the pool. The kid took his job very seriously. He never cracked a smile or took his eyes off the pool. 

 Note to self: give kids water guns at the end of the party so that parents are not dodging water the entire party.

 The birthday boy and his father as everyone sings Happy Birthday. 

Owen had a great time at the party, then came home and promptly feel asleep.

Next BMW Art Car Designer?

I'll let the "unbiased" grandparents and frequenters of this blog make the call, but I say we're raising a future BMW Art Car designer.

No Safety Net

Jumping off the diving board minus the life jacket. He's getting this swimming thing down which makes pool time a whole lotta fun.

Summer Time 2012

It's officially summer time in Arizona. School is out, the pool is 80 degrees, and the sun is always shining.

It wouldn't be summer time without going to Mighty Mud Mania with the old daycare gang.

Pool time is a lot of fun now that the kids know how to swim. Miles can do a pretty mean belly flop. 

  Owen laughing at Miles' belly flop.

  Wrapping up the afternoon with popcorn and a movie. Just how summer time days should be.

That Thumb Is Getting Greener

Carrie proudly shows off the zucchini picked fresh today from our garden.

The Fun Never Stops

As I'm wrapping up school, I'm experiencing this odd phenomenon: free time. More specifically, guilt-free free time.  It's similar to procrastination, but with less to do afterwards. Family time is probably the biggest beneficiary of this extra time and we're starting to have more fun in general. The past couple of years has been hard work and the next couple are going to come with challenges as well, but hopefully we're going to be able to enjoy being a family more fully.  Here is some of the fun we had this weekend.

As you can see, the weekend fun started out strong. There are a few different points of interest here, but my favorite is the hat.

Gardens love sunshine.  Gardens frown on 110 + degree days.  We're happily in the middle now and even barbecuing some of our own zucchini and using some of our cayenne peppers in our meals.  It's fun!  

Speaking of fun (notice the theme?), it's all fun and games with the "stegosaurus" hair until your mohawked son gets mad at you for turning down a NIN song that comes on the radio, demanding you turn it up because he LOVES that song. Now, I'm partially torn because I love NIN too, but four is a little early to be exploring the industrial rock genre. Wait a decade and we'll talk.