visiting the PHX...

We drove out to Phoenix over fall break a couple weeks ago. It's not a short drive. I don't really know what I was thinking. It was a little bit of a rough weekend. We forgot Zane's medicine, and the kids slept horribly - which leads to bad things - but it was nice to be there and see my family. Despite the stress, it was a fun few days!

Dad got us some free passes to the Phoenix Zoo, which is always a favorite. We spent the morning there, before it got too warm, and the kids loved it. Evan and Zane had a blast on the carousel, but Lily wanted nothing to do with it. I started to get her up on the dolphin she had picked out, and she completely freaked out and lost it. She is my fearful one for sure. We realized we did a lot of playing at the zoo, but didn't spend a lot of time looking at the animals. Oh well, the kids had fun!

We did plenty of shopping, complete with a Build A Bear experience (thanks Mom and Dad!), and even took a quick dip in Amanda's pool. Really too cold for an unheated swimming pool in October. Even in Phoenix. And especially in the late afternoon shade. Too bad I didn't get pictures of that! Love you all and thanks for putting up with us. Can't wait for the holidays!

red jello...

school carnival...

Every school year the elementary puts on a carnival. Each of the classes has a game where the kids can win prizes. They also had a cake walk, a pop toss, and a whole bunch of very large bouncy inflatables. Our kids were in heaven. They had a blast playing the games, eating cotton candy, and Evan especially loved the bouncy house. He got right in there with the big kids and fell over and over again, laughing and laughing. I was a little worried, but he was having a blast!! Lily won some cookies at the cake walk (musical chairs). Lily and Zane did a "bopping heads" music video - which I may or may not post here... it's a little uh... annoying? I guess.

I couldn't get a good picture of the kids in the bouncy house this time, but if you look closely that is Evan in the background on his knees, and Lily in front by the net.

the sillies...

Some pictures of the kids and their silly adventures...

little stinker.


self-photo.

Lily wearing her baby blessing dress as her wedding gown, and Zane posing as the groom. All Zane's idea of course - I wasn't too thrilled he got her in the baby dress at all!

I got out the Halloween costumes. Evan insisted on leaving his monkey costume on, and this is where I found him. He's never fallen asleep on the floor before (in fact none of my kids hardly ever do this). So cute!

Her first hair cut! I am sad, I feel like I cut off tooooo much!

Lily's nice big shiner. She's never had one before. Of course, we are getting family pictures this weekend, so it is fitting. Lovely!

rainy days...

I love rainy days. A couple weeks ago it rained on and off most of the day. After we took Zane to school, Lily and Evan got all dressed up to go out and splash a bit. I had to take a video because it was too cute.