Meg's visit...

 My sister Megan came out for a quick visit and we tried to make the most of the time we had with her.

There was baseball practice for the boys, a middle school dance, appointments for mom, open door at the ASU Polytechnic campus (the kids LOVE the open door events), and we got to go out for dinner a couple of times. 

It was nice to have her come.  Here are a few of the pictures we took to capture the fun...

Madelyn wants to be on the boy's baseball team too.

 ASU Open Door:

Gabriel purposely made this face and even said it was okay to post it-  he said, "Mom- if I keep making these faces, maybe you'll stop taking my picture!"
  

Kids got to make lava lamps with oil, water and glitter.  They wanted to put them in their rooms... I can only imagine what fun that day would be when the lid somehow got opened and water and vegetable oil were spread across their room.  

The kids got to get balloon toys... they thought were fun!

We got to go eat breakfast at Oink and have a flight of bacon... it was yummy!

I got a yoga mat and it instantly turned into a play toy for the kids.  Madelyn and Isabelle love it and play with it .... making it a seat for them, a slide, and even a place where they meditate.

Madelyn loved having Megan read to her.

We also went hiking... the whole family.  And even though the hike from the car where we parked to the trail head was longer than the actual distance we hiked, it still counts I think.  

The only way we were able to bribe the kids to go was to say we'd treat them to ice cream after, as long as they didn't whine or fight.  We threatened and took it away about 50 times but in the end, everyone was happy with the treat.

 Soon Isabelle was jumping up and down (the sugar kicked in) 

Our too cool for school boy was "so tired" 

Madelyn just assumed it was nap time so she crawled up on the bench 

Meg had to leave early this morning (very early 4 am) to get back to her babies at home.  It was really nice to see her.

Thanks for coming.

Until next time,
Angie

How did we get here?

These are some of the first pictures I took of Gabriel when I became his mom.  Sometimes it seems like yesterday.

That's why it seems so crazy for me to process that we are at this stage now...

Yes, just a few days ago Dad had to show Gabriel how to shave!  Shave!  Seriously my little boy has grown into a young man (teenager at least) and he has started shaving.

He's pretty thrilled about it as you can see.

  I had to leave the room... I still can't process this is happening in our house!

I guess growing 5 inches and 20 pounds in one year is sure to have some changes that come with it.  I guess his insatiable appetite isn't the only thing that has changed.

HOW DID

 WE GET

HERE?

He's so grown up.... now if I could only get him to keep his room clean.  

Until next time,

Angie

100 Days

Today is Isabelle's 100th Day in Kindergarten.  How did we get here?

They get to have a party and a parade.  She was charged with making a crown to wear around the school with 100 items on it (stickers, or stamps, or drawings).  Clinging to our love of rainbows and candy, Isabelle and I made this crown for her late last week.  

 Soon Madelyn discovered there was candy she was missing out on and insisted on wearing the crown too.  Thankfully Isabelle' didn't throw too much of a fit.

Happy 100th Day at School, Isabelle.  Can't believe you're more than half way done with Kindergarten and in less than 2 weeks you will be 6.  Don't grow so fast please!

Until next time,

Angie

Being mindful...

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a mindfulness workshop and in it I learned many things.  I decided, as I laid on the ground in the middle of one of the quiet meditation sessions that I need to try to start fighting against these horrible, life-destroying thoughts in my head.

So I made myself a promise.  I was going to try to be mindful in finding one thing in each day I can see as a gift.  No matter how small, or meaning less, one thing. 

This morning I woke up and this is what awaited me at the kitchen table...

One for me and one for dad.  The boys made it.  See the effort they put in to try and make a smiley face?  They couldn't find the English muffins we normally have so they made toast and cut it into a circle.  Michael said, "Mom, we wanted to make you smile."  Isn't that so thoughtful? So nice.

My moment... a gift.  

I've been so busy living in my mind, I've been missing the life happening around me.  It's a constant battle, one I slide back into so easily.  But I'm trying and today, I didn't have to look very far... it was waiting for me when I woke up.

Until next time,

Angie 

Family Times

This past week my parents and my wonderful Aunt Barb came to visit.  Here are some pictures of the times we were able to spend together.

We went to a new breakfast place close to our house, Oink, where they have flights of Bloody Mary's, Mimosa's and even bacon (yes bacon). We got one of each.  Its one of our new favorite places to go. 

Madelyn wasn't happy with me I wouldn't let her drink my mimosas 

 One day they wanted to go shopping.  Madelyn thought it would be a great time to meet some new friends.  Although the conversation seemed pretty one-sided.

Madelyn loved getting to swing in the air by grandma and grandpa.

 Madelyn is hiding behind Barb.  She wasn't interested in taking pictures I guess.

We went and got our nails and toes done.  It was a nice treat.

Barb is also a grandma and a wonderful one at that.  She's got a natural touch... as you can see Madelyn was OUT!

Barbie's birthday is coming up in a few days so of course we had to celebrate with her.

She got a yummy piece of cheesecake.

We had a little birthday cake for Barbie at home too.

Madelyn and the kids loved getting to play with Grandma, Grandpa and Barbie.  We played lots of card games, bingo and "get you"  I'll let you decide who liked "Get you" most.

love this picture!!!

Last night we had to say goodbye... everyone always feels sad having to send our Iowa family back home.  We miss them.

One of the highlights of their trip was going to see Frankie Valli in concert.  He is 83 years old and still performs.  The concert was so great.  I found myself kind of skeptical when I heard how old he was.  I thought there is no way he can sing or perform like he use to.  And I wasn't around when he first became famous but growing up we often listened to his songs.  I tell you, he sounds EXACTLY like he did on the cassette tapes (that will date me).  Seriously, his voice is so good, I thought he was lip-syncing.  And he wasn't. 

It was a nice highlight and an adult evening we got to enjoy. 

It was nice to have them come and visit us.  It kept us busy, our minds occupied and the kids were thrilled.

Thanks for coming out.

Until next time,

Angie