burnett's/moore's to arizona

The Burnett's and the Moore's came to Arizona during our spring break to enjoy the sunshine, family time, and some Mariner's spring training games! We descended on the Embassy Suites in Phoenix and had a great long weekend.

The first day, the girls enjoyed a day at the Arizona Biltmore Spa. It was absolutely heavenly! We had lunch out on the patio at Frank & Albert's.

The boys went to In & Out, went golfing and then back to the hotel for swimming. I think we got the better end of the deal but they might not agree.

Then it was on to 2 spring training games, lots of yummy food and tons of swimming in the pool.



Some other favorites:

Kim's sneak attack for picking up the lunch tab

Watching the cousins play catch while waiting for the game to start

Kettle corn and nachos

Carter always asking where is "friend" Austin was

Jake and D.J. getting foul balls from the Reds - and then D.J. giving his to Andrew

Trying to drag the kids out of the pool when it was time to go on to our next fun thing

Andrew's dance moves

Who thinks this kids might turn into a little slugger?

Autographed hats

Dave embarrassing us by yelling weird things in the middle of the game ("Go Huskies!")

Scoping out which players were wearing Cutters

Being grateful for shady seats but then taking breaks to go stand in the back and soak up the sun

Crazy Uncle Patrick terrorizing kids in the pool

"Well, it's in the genes!"

Letting the kids swim until 10:30 p.m.

Birthday cupcakes and fabulous gifts for the March birthday boys

Dave falling asleep at the table

Sara having the "in" with the Happy Hour lady so we could get 6 Shirley Temples

It's always over way too soon when we have our family into town.

Thanks for everything! We had a wonderful time being together. How we wish we lived closer!!

Thanks for coming to our neck of the woods! Not much better than springtime in Arizona.

easter-ness

a week early....

a nephew and some smarts

Could someone please teach me how to love my blog?! I swear I can't. I've been trying and trying and when my dad told me I was getting written out of his will, I thought I better try and put some posts together for him. We had some fun family visits in January and February. Chris and Lindsay came to a wedding in Phoenix in January and we said we would love to keep Hudson for the weekend while Georgia stayed with Grandma and Grandpa in Las Vegas. My kids were beside themselves.

This picture was taken right after his parents had to rush out the door. He was a little sad and nervous until we put a ball in his hands. What is it about little boys? That always solves everything.

I love this picture because this is all Hudson wanted to do for two days at our house. Dumped out all the cars and raced them down the skate ramp, over and over and over. Perfectly content!

I haven't gotten to spend a lot of one on one time with Hudson and I fell in love with him over this weekend. He quickly figured out I was the caretaker in the family and wanted me to do everything for him. And he called me "Nini" which just melted my heart.

Of course all the cousins had to have a bath together!! He was an angel all weekend and we didn't even think he missed his parents. But that was all over when Chris came to pick him up and then he wouldn't let his dad put him down! We're so glad that they let us keep him. It was a great time for me and my kids.

Then the Smart's came for a visit a few weeks later. They got to spend a really long time with us and it was great to get to be with just their little family. I fell all in love with Camryn too - she is fully of personality and super funny! My favorite is her "wow!"

We did lots of fun things - went to Desert Ridge, hiked Camelback, ate at In N Out and did some requisite hanging out. Uncle Ryan and Carter did a lot of this.





Camryn bunked in with Dylan and Carter a few nights. One morning I heard Dylan and was trying to keep him from waking her and this is what I found.

He said she was fussing so he was reading her a story. In her bed.

Erica was also able to do a shoe party at my house. She has a great set-up for her parties and it was a treat trying on loads of shoes. Anyone who is thinking of hosting needs to set one up!


Erica and I also met up at the McCormick-Stillman railroad park when she was staying down in Tempe for a few days. Camryn didn't know if she liked riding the train much but she learned to love the park and now likes digging in the dirt.

A little close-up of her enjoying the birds which she calls "caa-caa."

My brother's and sister's kids are angels (my siblings are pretty nice too) and it was fun to get to spend a little quality time with a couple of them. Please come and visit all the time!

jake's day

A little miniature golf air guitar is always awesome.

This year, we are skipping out on the friend birthday's and I am loving our family nights. Jake chose to go to Chipotle and miniature golfing. As you can tell, our boys had a great time.

Jake was the winner, Dylan and Carter tied at 2nd, I was third and DAD was last!! Any time I can come in ahead of Patrick makes me do a little happy dance.

The way to Jake's heart is money! We celebrated on Sunday night since Patrick had to travel on Monday, Jake's real birthday day. We had a lasagna dinner and opened presents. Jake requested brownies and ice cream this year instead of cake.


Some new studly golfing duds from Grandma and Grandpa Motley. Excuse Carter's after-church attire. When your church gets out at 5, you come straight home to jammies.

This boy that made me a mother first is 10 years old! It's just way too weird. We are so lucky to have Jake in our family. He is a great mellowing influence on all of us - I appreciate how he takes everything in stride. Jake is such a good big brother to Dylan and Carter. He always helps them feel included and makes sure they have fun. The last couple of months with him have been so great. He has been so agreeable, talkative and fun to be around. I know this will be a fun year for Jake.

Happy birthday Jake-man! I love you!