phoenix getaway...

Zane had this week off of school for assessments, so we decided to hop in the car and head to Phoenix for a few days. Just me (Abi) and the kids drove out and spent 5 days at grandma and grandpa's house doing a lot of swimming in the pool, shopping, and eating out. And we actually all survived the drive. Zane is a big help in the car. It was a lot of fun to spend time with family and take a break from the usual here. Although, August is not the best month to visit Phoenix, yikes! John took the time while we were away to finish up a little painting around the house too, what a great guy! Of course, I brought my camera, but somehow managed to not take a single picture - so here is a picture of Lily in her way super cute new nightgown.

Oh yeah and Happy Birthday to me! I just turned 29 again!

activity days...

Anyone have ideas for activity days? I'm one of the leaders in the ward - and we've got a few good ones, but thought I would throw this out for any suggestions. We have all the girls ages 8-11. Any good ones that your daughters have attended? Any great ones you have planned or heard about?

first (and second) day of school....

Zane is an official kindergartener! Yesterday was his first day but it wasn't a regular day - just a meet the teacher sort of thing with his mom. Doesn't count. Today he got to ride the bus all by himself and go through the real deal. He's so grown up now. He sat and waited for the bus for almost a half an hour, he was so excited. I think I will like this extra time to get stuff done around the house. It's sorta nice that Lily naps right at the same time he goes to school - so I'm pretty free. Yippeee! I really think that if it wasn't for school, moms would go insane. Go Zane!

makin' a splash...

We spent some time yesterday at the city plaza downtown. They have a big splash pad, and a small river type area with waterfalls and rocks all over to climb on. It is still so stinkin' hot here, and the kids loved it! We got a taste of Lily's first tantrums too. Haha! Anytime I would pick her up to try and get her to another area, she would go limp on the ground and scream....oh so fun! At least she loves the water, just like her brother. Super cute kiddos.

san diego with the girls....

It was sooo much fun! Really, so fun! Hehe. When we got there on Friday, we spent some time catching up and playing "jewelry and watches" and then we headed out for a little shopping and a movie. On Saturday we headed to Coronado Island and hung out at the famous Hotel Del Coronado. The beach was beautiful there. Soft fine sand. I did really love it - in case you couldn't tell. We ate at the little cafe right on the beach. Perfect.


That afternoon, we spent some time at the pool, then more shopping close by. The hotel we stayed at was in Del Mar, close to Torrey Hills and the Torrey Pines Golf Course (where the US Open is). I really liked the area, it was up in the hilly part of San Diego. You would have no idea that the beach is just a few miles away. Also, the San Diego Temple was just a couple miles south of where we were staying. We didn't realize that until we saw it right after getting on the freeway to Coronado. So, we had to stop and take pictures.
On Sunday, we wanted to visit the beach again, and decided on La Jolla. We spent some time picking up shells on Shell Beach by La Jolla Cove, and looked at Seal Rock, which had a "few" seals on it.

We stopped at a couple of shops, and got berated by a shop owner for picking up seashells from the beach - because somehow that is going to destroy the planet. Then we ate at the "soon to be closed" Hard Rock La Jolla. Very tourist-y thing to do. Fitting that the background says "Save The Planet".
Thanks girls for a fun time, and especially Mom for footing most of the bill! Love you, can't wait for next year (maybe?)!

swimming...

Zane just finished swimming lessons. He had a lot of fun. I was quite surprised at how comfortable he has gotten in the water. He was holding his breath under water for 5 seconds, jumping in by himself, trying to "swim" under water, trying to float on his stomach and back, and jumping off the diving board. He does need to work on his coordination though. He had a hard time trying to move his arms in a "back stroke" and definitely couldn't figure out how to do his arms and legs at the same time. Too cute. Any ideas to help with a 5 year olds coordination? Do you think Karate, Gymnastics, Soccer, Football? I would appreciate any thoughts...



On another note, I leave tomorrow bright and early for San Diego on the 2nd Annual Cannon Girls Go Wild in a so NOT wild sort of way Extravaganza! Yipppeeeee! We are so wild that we just MIGHT go ocean kayaking...oooooohhhhhh yeah!

Thank you John for watching the kids, I love you!