Spring Break

Spring break was the first full week of March. Dustin's Aunt vina and his sister Melissa flew out for a visit. This is the first time since moving away from home in 2007 anyone from his family has visited us! It was such a great time. We did something fun every single day and showed them around AZ. I didn't capture every moment, but here are a few of my favorites.

The girls went horse back riding around the arena, and Melissa and I took a guided trail ride! The sights are gorgeous about here and a trail ride surrounded by mountains was a great start to the week.

Kenadi's first time!

Laila loved it!

Melissa and her horse

We had to stop at the zoo, it's one of the biggest attractions in Phoenix. Again, I'll spare you all the animal photos and just post a couple cute ones of my kids.

On an old tractor

Little Dustin

Laila getting some gorilla love!

Kenadi having a seat

We just couldn't pass up an opportunity for In-N-Out burger! It's definitely a stop anyone visiting the west needs to make!

Melissa and Nee

The Desert Botanical Garden was offering free admission one of the days they were here, so we took a quick stroll. It was pretty hot that day, so we made our way straight to the butterfly house before we left.

The kids and Nee

We couldn't let them go home without showing them the "LOVE" sign in downtown Scottsdale! We had ice cream at one of the kids' favorite spots, the Sugar Bowl.

LOVE

Melissa, Nee, and Dustin

We spent a lot of time just visiting and enjoying their company. The kids were thrilled to see family and I know Dustin was beyond thrilled to have HIS family visit for once. I hope we see them again really soon.

Day Drinking

Dustin and I rarely get to go on a real date. Between his job and our 3 kids, we're busy! With family visiting, we were able to sneak away for an afternoon together. We decided to do our own version of a "diner crawl", and try out a few of the local restaurants in Old Scottsdale. There are at least 20 places to eat and drink downtown, we parked our car and took a walk. We had an amazing day!

Our first stop was the Salty Senorita for margaritas and chips!

Big D!

My drank.

First round, complete!

Next, we walked over the the Brat Haus. We enjoyed appetizers of cheese curds and a hand made pretzel. And of course, another round of adult beverages!

The beer list!

Handsome.

Life size Jenga!

He lost.

Next, we walked over to a restaurant I've been eyeballing for a few years. Hula's is a Hawaiian tiki restaurant with the most delicious food and drinks!

This was the best beverage of the day!

We walked back to our car and Dustin made a friend along the way!

HAHA!

After all our day drinking, we determined one last stop was in order. We were too full for dessert so we opted for a coffee at this neat little bar/coffee shop. Let me tell you, the view was great and the chai tea latte I ordered was the best I've ever had.

"The view"

February Recap: 2015

February brought love, laughter, and another visit! My dear friend, Jessica, was able to visit with her son Jeremiah for a few days! She's been here a few times and always alone, it was so wonderful to finally be able to meet her little guy! What a character!!

Organ Stop Pizza!

What a neat place!

Scottsdale Center of Performing Arts

Love them!

This month brought us yet another trip to the zoo, something we love to do often with our membership. I will spare you the obligatory photos the kids have me take during each trip! You're welcome.

Last, I took my yearly photo of the kids at the park. Each year since Dustin was born I have taken a photo in the same spot at the same park, and plan to do so as long as they'll let me. Watching them grow year after year is a lot of fun, I'm so blessed to be their mom.

Look at my sweet babies!
Growing before my eyes!

January Recap: 2015

As we said "Sayonara" to 2014, we looked forward to 2015 with high hopes. A new year, and new experiences to be had!

The first day of the new year was amazing. We drove as a family to visit my best friend, Nessa, in Henderson, NV. Dustin had a few days off so we loaded up the car and to Vegas we went!

Snow!!

Kingman, AZ

Can you tell they're excited?

My handsome hubby.

The Bellagio

Waiting on the fountains!

Besties. 

After an entirely too short trip, we headed home. I had an amazing time watching our kids spend time together. We live so far away, it's the little day-to-day things that I miss.

Back to the daily grind as the kids started back to school and Dustin back to work. Meanwhile...this happened:

Glasses?!

Yep. Both girls got glasses this year, and for the same issue, just opposite. Laila was getting headaches and feeling carsick, so her glasses help her to focus up close when she's been looking far like out her car window or at the school board. Kenadi was having trouble copying things off the board, so her glasses help her focus further away when she's been looking down at her paper and back at the board again.

Aren't they just charming?

January was an exceptionally exciting month for me, as well.

I MET MY CELEBRITY CRUSH! Dustin and I went to the Direct TV/HGTV Superbowl preshow concert and quite literally stumbled across Zac Brown. Although he denied any photos, we were able to chat with him for a few minutes. Ok, I just stood there drooling, Dustin did all the talking! The concert to follow was great, as usual, and we look forward to seeing them again in October of this year.

I just met Zac Brown!

Oh. My. Gosh.
Dreamy doesn't even cover it!

We had an amazing time at the show, the tickets were a Christmas gift from Dustin.

December Recap: 2015

Between "Snowflake", our Elf on the Shelf, and the 25 Christmas activities I planned, December just flew by! Here are a few of my favorite moments from the month.

Laila saying "Goodbye" to Snowflake

Dustin saying "Goodbye" to Snowflake

Kenadi saying "Goodbye" to Snowflake

Mrs. Claus!

Santa Claus!

Laila and her friends at the school "Jingle Trot"

Kenadi lost her first tooth!

Cookie Exchange with my friends! Yes!

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas holiday, or whatever holiday you choose to celebrate! We enjoyed having Dustin home from work for the first time in years. The kids tore through their gifts and we had a delicious dinner together.

Happy Holidays!

25 Days of Christmas

Laila helped me put together a countdown to Christmas calendar for the kids to do. Each day, they took turns pulling one of the numbers down and we would do whatever activity was listed inside the tube.

Laila decorating the tubes!

The final product!

Each day had an activity or service inside. With 24 days, each kid was able to open 8. The kids (and I) had a blast completing everything in the countdown calendar!

Write a letter to Santa!

Color a Christmas picture!

Have a red/green dinner!

Making Christmas Jello Jigglers!

Ding-Dong-Ditching our friends!

Build a gingerbread house!

The kids have already asked if we can do this again! I love seeing them every morning so excited to open the calendar and see what's in there! I look forward to making another one for Christmas 2015!