Thirteen

Taylor 13

I loathe birthday parties. I am really not a party "fun" mom if you will. I look for easy ways of celebrating like going to dinner or the movies. However, Taylor hit a milestone of being a teenager this year and I decided to do a coed party. I did set some rules. I refused to have her text her friends and invite them. I thought it was more appropriate to hand write and invitation and actually mail them. She requested a "cake boss" zebra and teal style cake. I luckily found a local bakery that was able match my photo and it turned out so great. My limit was 20 guests, and she only ended up sending 15 annoucements which turned out to be 12 kids. A perfect amount in my book!

I was geared up for 4 hours of loud, obnoxious teenagers. To which I was pleasantly surprised and ended up with the complete opposite. Her friends were a mello bunch and actually quite pleasant. I should have expected nothing but that, because honestly compared to most teenagers, Taylor is pretty mello. A quality I wish I could claim. Her guests arrived at 6pm. I had 13 games lined up for them. I think the best was having them try and guess what they were eating blindfolded. Of course, only 2 people volunteered to do it, and they were both boys.

The items weren't terrible, but I will say the sauerkraut didn't go over very well.

We played a few games inside and then moved on to the park. By about the 5th or 6th game, I think they were done with playing games. My cheetohead shaving cream game turned into a mess (as you can see). However, I think they all had a great time.

I was most shocked how many nice things her friends bought her. I think she scored over $100 in gift cards alone. It's amazing how much older Taylor already looks just from going 12-13.

She really has gotten to be so much more responsible and accountable for things. We are really proud of her, especially her ambition in school to do well. She is growing up to be such a beautiful young woman. Next year she starts high school and in 5 years college. Happy Birthday Taylor, we love you!!

The Big 3-5

I entered into a new season of life this year. I hit the big 35 and am now officially half way to 70. Some shutter at the fact that mid life is soon hitting them, but honestly I feel better about myself today than I did when I was 25. I am definitely in better shape and my kids are at a great age. They are all self sufficient and are actually quite helpful. I think if I could freeze this time in my life I would. Because of the year round school schedule what used to be a summer birthday for me is now during the school year. My friends took me out to Rumbi's and showered me with fun running clothes including a pink tutu that I was instructed to wear for my race. I can't believe I didn't take a photo of it!

Doug came home early from work and took me to the camera store. I oooed and ahhhed for an hour at the lens possiblities for my camera. It was fun to test all of the lenses on my camera to see the difference in clarity. Doug was a real trooper and watched as I tested several lenses out. I handed him over the camera, but he wasn't all too impressed, because by the end he looked like this:

He ended up getting me a 17-40mm cannon glass lens. I was totally stoked!! Along with my lens he got me a pair of barefoot running shoes and some clothes.

We ended the day out to dinner as a family (Red Robin...yum!) and as I walked back to the car I saw this. What better way to end your birthday than with a rainbow? Thanks to all who made my birthday special. It was a great one!

Soaring High

The Hunter-Five-0, kindly invited us to tag along with them at the lake last weekend. Doug was hestitant to even break away from studying (despite it being one of his FAVORITE things to do). With a slight tug of the arm I convinced him to hop in the car for a few hours at the lake. My boys are always in awe to see their dad jump high in the air behind the boat.

I couldn't help but be a little impressed myself. Doug was catching some serious air. I am certain this was the best medicine and stress reliever for him.

Luke has come a LONG way since we moved here. This kid wouldn't even get out of the boat the first time on the lake, however look at him now he is now body boarding behind the boat. Loving the new pirate look of the missing tooth. Arrrg.... Go Lukie!

Weston on the other hand, you throw him a rope and he is ready to go. Jared and him attempted some body boarding, but the board didn't seem to want to stay under them.

Jared has now mastered getting up on the wake board. I guess now we just need to get a boat. On second hand, I think I like tagging along. Thanks Hunter Family for a great afternoon out!

Enough pictures already mom!!!

Echo Gang

Have you ever felt the urge to take a family photo in 110 degree weather? Well, it's not neccessarily ideal conditions, but since Denise is one of my running buddies we thought we could pull it off. (we're tough right?!!) I have to say I think her kiddos did super considering we were soaked by the time we were done, with sweat that is.

It's always an adventure with each shoot. We hiked through weeds, thorns and even attemped a barbed wire fence (this I would not recommend). A photographer has to do, what she needs to, in order to get that "perfect" shot.

Could these two get any cuter??

And that's a wrap, start to finish 40 minutes. Not too shabby!! The perk, In and Out Burger. Thanks guys!!

D-Backs

I can't even remember the last time I attended a professional baseball game. It may have been clear back in 2003. Doug or I don't even own any D-back attire. (sad, but true). Thank goodness Amber does so I could at least show my Diamondback spirit.

Doug's partner from the office had some pretty great seats (6 rows from home plate to be exact).

Here is our fabulous view. I had no idea how many Cubbie fans there were in Arizona until we went to the game. Despite, their loss, it was still fun to be able to attend.

Thanks Adam and Lindsey for a fun night out!

Professional Pool Hoppers

Jared's baseball pool party. This pool was AMAZING!

We've officially hit the two year mark in our house. Our original plan was to have the backyard in by the first year, but do to the ecomony, etc. It just hasn't happened. We have survived bearing the Arizona heat, thanks to several friends allowing us to us their pool. I think we can be officially called "professional" pool hoppers or mooch may be a better term. We may be the last family in Arizona not to have a pool in our backyard......but that hasn't kept us from swimming.

I guess the beauty, is that we have several pools to choose from. We have the Hunter's and Brown's down the street......

Jared and Cousin Aaron

Three of our local high schools have pools. This means for the price of .75 per person we have the enjoyment of water slides, a lazy river and a huge splash area.

Oh, and I can't forget the deep-end where they have the big diving boards. Having said all of this, we are in the process of getting bids on our backyard. I have decided it's much like buying a car. It's never less than an hour and a half AND it's exhausting, more exhausting, and a lot of game playing. I have done this not once, twice, or three times, but NINE. I think I now have enough knowledge to sell a pool. Ha.

Hopefully soon, our tetherball will surround some grass and water.

He looks a little lonely don't you think?

I think the worst part is sitting through each pool builders spuel on why their company is the best. Blah, blah, blah. I have almost gotten to the point of settling with what we have and being content with having an Iraq desert look.

But, then I am reminded how much my children LOVE to swim and the best part?? Swimming several times a day will do this to them.....not to mention it gets them away from the television, internet, wii, and everything else kids are dependent on. Pretty sweet of a reward, if I do say so myself!