Skate Night!

My school just held our first Skate Night in years which meant it was the first opportunity for Shyla and Harper to strap on skates and give it a try.  It resulted in a delightful mixture of terror and pride.  I was so proud of both girls for not giving up, even though they continued to fall, and fall, and fall.

As you can see below, the day was saved by one of my friend's daughters who helped Shyla almost all-night.  They both did great!  Shyla even made it around the main rink a few times and Harper made it around once (holding onto the wall the whole time).

It was a hilarious and late night but I can guarantee we'll be back!

Fall Festival

Last week we attended the Fall Festival at Mesquite with Lilly, Zackary, Grandma, and Grandpa.  We got off to a slow start due to the Haunted House being incredibly dark (for all of us) and overly scary (for the kids).  Other than that, however, it was a fun evening!

Make A Difference Day

Each year my school participates in the National Make A Difference Day.  We all pitched in to help this year.  The girls helped sort old books, Stevie framed the mirror in our staff restroom, and I walked around and took pictures.

We have over 120 volunteers!  This was more than ever and, as a result, we ran out of pizza.  So we took one for the team and went to Chuy's for lunch instead with Becky and Kelly.

Fall Fair 2015

Yesterday we attended the annual Fall Fair at Shyla's school.  This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the school and something that all the kids (but especially mine, I'd argue) look forward to and anticipate.  This year was extra special because Grandma joined us with Lilly and Zackary.  I think the cousins all had a good time together, like always.
It ends up being an expensive outing but it's for a good cause.  We had yummy food, the kids did lots of rides, Stevie was a trooper and did all the rides that required an adult. and the kids played lots of carnival games to win lots of really crappy awesome prizes!
Harper - all though she was most excited for the bear ride, she seemed to enjoy the fun-house with the long slide the most.
Shyla - felt sick after her 2nd ride on the Starship Gravity ride and fortunately didn't whine too much that we missed the cake walk.
Zac - was a little bummed that he required a grown-up on some of the rides but seemed to have fun nonetheless, we also found out he is not (yet) the World Strongest Man.
Lilly - became quite the roller coaster expert and started putting her arms up in the air.

Overall it was a fun afternoon and we all came home exhausted.  Stevie even slept for 2+ hours!  Until next year Fall Fair….

Random goings-ons

As Fall Break comes to a close, I just want to share some of the random things we've been up to.  I taught the girls how to play hop-scotch while we played at my old elementary school.  Harper continues to be a silly monkey.  And we all got our dental cleanings (no cavities!).  Harper was really good in the chair and then really crazy while she waited.  Shyla was really good while she waited and then kind of a basket-case in the chair.

Haircut!

Harper asked for a haircut the other day so I quickly obliged!  We are trying to grow her bangs out so every bit will help.  She was so polite and well-mannered!

Gaslight Theatre

As a family (of 10!) we bought season tickets to the Gaslight Theatre this year.  The Fall Show was a parody of Harry Potter - called Henry Porter with a Muppet Olio!  We had a great time - even Harper who fell asleep on the lap of the stranger next to her.  It. Was. Precious.

Anniversary!

Monday was our 8th wedding anniversary!  My goodness that was a happy and beautiful day!

We are so lucky and were able to celebrate a few days earlier with a trip to Phoenix!  We had a great time …. dinner at The Range, then the Zac Brown concert, then a hike at Picacho Peak.

Every day I feel blessed to be in such a loving and supportive and fun marriage.  Here's to many, many, many more years!

Pinetop!

We just got back from a fun weekend in Pinetop!  This past week or so has been somewhat of a blur but I will try to do a recap:
I was in Tubac last Tuesday - Thursday for a School Law Conference.  Stevie came down on Tuesday for (an amazing) dinner, drinks, and then a round of golf on Wednesday.
When I left Tubac at noon on Thursday, I picked up (in the following order): Harper, Aunt Nannette, Pancake, and then Shyla and we hit the road for Pinetop.  See our Starbucks-selfie below.

My parents were already there and Uncle Pete and Stevie came up on Friday.

Stevie, my Dad, and Uncle Pete played golf on Friday and Saturday so the girls and I had lots of time.  On Friday we took a lovely hike with Grandma and on Saturday we went to Woodland Park and played not he playground and walked a little bit around the lake.

We played a rousing game of Go-Fish (Uncle Pete won!) and a few rounds of LRC.  We even got to spend some time with the Robs who were up for a 36 mile bike race.

All-in-all it was a great weekend and another successful cabin trip!

Annual Color Run

Each year my district hosts a Color Run and Wellness Fair.  I haven't run since the last one, but I made it and had a great time.  Pictured with me are Becky and DeAnn.  I would love to find the time to incorporate running back into my life