carter hates winter clothes

and picked out and put on this winner of an outfit instead of what I laid out for him.

fancy date

Cutters bought a table at a charity event being hosted by one of the player's for the Arizona Cardinals so we got an invite and a chance to play dress up!! Doesn't my hubby look so handsome? It was fun to feel like we had a real grown-up date and socialize with the great people Patrick works with.

This picture is for my mother-in-law, Peg so she can see how that outfit she and I chose turned out. Thank you so much - totally beyond generous!

It was a great night - hopefully we can go again next year!

glendale glitters

After our Camelback hike, we had a sweet invite to have dinner at the Stanley's and then go see the lights (Glendale Glitters) in the historical district of Glendale. We enjoyed some tortilla soup and salad (that Paige is a good cooker - ya know?!) and then piled into our cars to head out to the lights. We thought the drizzle would put a damper on things but it stopped just in time. Too bad Elle had a wardrobe malfunction (ie: puke) and had to spend the evening wrapped in a sweatshirt. It was crowded but fun. Once we solved our bathroom issues, we enjoyed looking at lights, listening to music and telling the kids no we're not gonna buy that.

See that $2 snow? Sorry boys. Just ask someone to throw some out to you.

The boys got delish churros and rootbeer. But that funnel cake Justin and Paige shared with me? I'm glad you bought that.

camelback mountain 2.0

We made it to the top this year!! We decided to walk off some Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday afternoon and hike busy Camelback Mountain. It was a fun time and our kids are serious troopers.

Carter's doing the "monkey walk." So much of this hike is doing just this. Next time, I may bring gloves because you use your hands a ton and they get all ouchy from the rock.

The mountain has all sorts of cool caves and outcroppings. Dad lifted Dylan into this one.

Of course all the boys had to do the scary walk of death that freaks the crap out of me. And all the people walking by me were wondering out loud what kind of parents would let their kids go off the trail like this. Patrick says it's no big deal but as you can see, I passed it up. Look at the valley on the other side of the mountain!

We made it! Gorgeous views and a gorgeous day.

Enjoying some pb&j and BBQ chips at the top for lunch.

Dad took the big boys up to a cool cave on the way down that was a little too dangerous for Carter. I sat with him while he cried about it.

Loved hiking the day away! See ya next year, Camelback.

giving thanks

The Watson's had a wonderful, quiet Thanksgiving at home this year. We were lonely for our extended family but really enjoyed sharing this tradition with just our party of five. Patrick and I had planned on going out for the feast but the boys begged and pleaded for dinner at home. I actually really enjoyed cooking it and was pleased with my turkey and stuffing, the most important parts for me! The best move of the day was leaving the dishes in the sink and on the table for an hour while Patrick and I took a nap on the couch and the kids watched "Home Alone" on T.V. A new tradition for sure.

We have much to be thankful for. And are unbelievably grateful.

a wonderful visit

We had a great visit with Grandma and Grandpa Burnett and are so happy they came to visit. We love it and the boys love it! When Dylan woke up on the morning Peg was to arrive, he said, "I want my Grandma right now!" We were happy to have lots of time with them.

I snapped this cute pic of the grandparents and kids family game night they had when Patrick and I got to out on a date. And we were so busy with games and activities and shopping and and eating and such that it's the only one I have!

Grandpa and Carter were able to continue the tradition of visiting the Harley Davidson store while the big boys were at school. Carter also took him over to the outlets to show him the big tree and weasel up some frozen yogurt with way too many toppings.

The kids showed them their sports skills - Jake had 3 games (with football and baseball), Dylan and Carter both had 1. It's fun that Grandpa and Grandma Burnett are such sports fans because there definitely is lots of it around here right now.

It was a great week and we love when they come to visit and we can have them all to ourselves.. We love you!!

fall sports

I never pictured myself as a "boy" mom. I always thought I'd be at the ballet studio with my daughters, buying tights and pointe shoes. But here I am, me and my sons - and I gotta tell you, being a boy mom suits me just fine! I love going out to the baseball and soccer fields and watching my kids have the time of their lives. My boys just go for it and give it their all - I learn a lot from their confidence and ability to have fun.

Carter is old enough for soccer this year and he is thrilled. I wouldn't have put him in normally (our schedule is crazy enough) but he totally begged. No lie, he asks every day if it is soccer practice.

Carter loves to run! And he always says he scored 5 goals, no matter if he did or didn't.

Who knew Dylan would wear his hat like Papa? I get a kick out of seeing it. I like his "ready position" too. He does such a good job of paying attention when he's on the field.

It's his first season of coach-pitch and he has a pretty good little swing. He is having a lot of fun and learning more about the game.

Waiting to run after a great base hit. Love that cute little face!

Jake is on the mound! I have got to say it is the most nerve-racking thing in the world. Makes me have a stomachache. With fall baseball, it is more of an instructional league so the kids get more of an opportunity to try new positions and learn new skills. We lucked out and got the same coach as spring and he is learning lots. He is also playing short stop which is his absolute fave.


Jake in motion! I thought this picture was cool.

Jake is also playing flag football and having fun at that. I will try to get some pictures this week so you can see what that looks like.

Yep, I am one proud mama and I'm loving this sport stuff all the way!

halloweenishness

Totally loved the idea our boys had of dressing up this year as Mario, Luigi and Toad from Super Mario Bros.!

We had a great Halloween this year. A fun ward activity, a preschool and school party, a couple's Halloween party and a great neighborhood block party (not our neighborhood, sadly) complete with a bounce house and yummy fall food. Maybe some day I'll put something together, party-wise, instead of mooching off my friends. We sure had fun though!

Happy Halloween!

strange, strange sleeper

This boy is having trouble falling asleep lately. Consequently, we have been finding him in all sorts of places as he attempts to get cozy.

(Finally finding him under his bed was a relief - we looked in all the usual spots and weren't finding him anywhere!)

Here he's in a plastic toy box - made himself a great little nest out of pillows and blankets. Right by the toys that didn't get cleaned up before bed.

brothers

It was a magical morning.

One of those times where I hated to stop their playing to have them get ready for school.

And so I let them play at least 10 minutes longer than they should have.

I woke to giggles.

I could hear them in their room concocting stories and laughing.

When I entered their room to say good morning I found them both sitting in a big, empty plastic bin. I think it was their space ship. Carter had ditched his pull-up and was completely naked. I suggested he get dressed so that Dylan wouldn't have to sit next to naked-man, which of course he protested.

Then Dylan said, "It's okay, buddy. I'll save your spot for you while you get dressed."

Truly magical.

esta completa

Before:

After:

progress

Today was the first day of painting our humble abode. I am loving it and wishing we did it about six years ago.

domesticity

Thirteen jars of pretty peaches that my family can eat.

Thank you Eileen for teaching me something new! And for letting me dirty up your gorgeous kitchen.

We had a fun morning talking about heavenly things - the Gospel and food. Definitely two of my favorite subjects.

watson lake

Our Saturday's are mellow for only a few more weeks before all our sports and activities get in gear. We decided to take advantage of it. We packed a picnic and set out for one of our favorite spots in Prescott.

We didn't quite get the cooler weather we had hoped for and had to contend with some weird "spirit festival" they were holding there but it was a great day.

The granite dells are so fun to climb - the boys love to go exploring and check out the lizards and caves and such.

I love the men in my life!

how it works

When the weather dips below 100 degrees, it is now cool enough to wear your new boyfriend jeans.

I'm likin' em.

don't you love finding random stuff on your camera?

I did not take this photograph. But I know who did.

Run, Indy, run!!

db game

Saturday was a fun family day at the Diamondbacks game. We were able to hit up Le Grand Orange for a late lunch which was exciting - I have been wanting to go there for a long time. Totally delicious! We got to the game early for batting practice so the kids could try to get some home run balls. Dylan and Jake both got one. But a certain pair of children probably could have used a little less time sitting at the stadium. By 7:30, they were done sitting. Jake has turned into a serious fan - he could have stayed there all day.

Me and my D-back's (or baseball in general) fan!

Brad Hawpe on the Rockies in his custom Cutters. I promise every post is not about my family's favorite product.

This is the boys during batting practice which scared the living daylights out of me. All these crazy home-run balls crashing into the stands right by your head and people running all over trying to get them. Next time we'll go with catcher's masks and I'll feel better. Love this stadium and thank goodness they can close the roof to make it all indoors!

We had a great baseball day - even if my kids bugged my for treats the entire game!

sunday night football at the watson's

As Great Grandma Watson would say, tonight our boys needed to get the "stink off of them." Dad is always good for a game of catch. Of course wearing their Cutters is absolutely necessary.

Then we went inside and had homemade pizzookies.

And died and went to dessert heaven.

bath time

I love me a four year old in a towel skirt.

carpet craziness

We got new carpet the Friday before school started. Hurray!! We had been wanting to do it for a couple of years and finally got the opportunity. It was fairly painless even though this picture of our master bedroom might lead you to believe otherwise.

This is the hallway mid-project. It took 3 guys 5 hours to complete.
Dylan and Carter's room

This is what our playroom looks like post-carpet. After having to take everything out, we decided to make some changes and get rid of some things. The kids are getting bigger and the playroom needed to serve different purposes. So we got rid of the big old couch and got these cute chairs.

We also re-configured the cabinets. I like how it looks more open and spacious and there is still lots of room to play.

Yep that's Carter's blond head playing the Wii. We were worried about only 2 chairs but they are big enough that 2 kids can sit on one easily.

I am crazy in love with this carpet. I love the color, I love the softness, I love how it's a little shaggier. I love how when you vacuum it, it actually looks like you did something. And it makes our whole house look fresher. Ah - that new carpet smell!