Cousins

More catch up photos:

With Suzy and Claire visiting in Tucson, that means lots of family time.

Ryan and Ashley meet Claire for the first time, with cousins looking on.














Baby cousins meet again.

















I'm sure they will be good friends as they grow up, just like these 2 cousins, Suzy and Jill. Thanks Jill for making the long drive down to Tucson for a visit. We loved seeing you!




The family gets serious about playing a Wii game at Kevin's house.
















A walk by saguaros with Claire.

















Claire can finally wear her cute summer clothes in sunny Tucson.

Catching Up

A lot has been going on the past few weeks.
It will take a few blog posts for me to catch up with everything.

First, we went to Massachusetts to see Casey graduate with honors with his MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Congratulations Casey!!!
















And congratulations to both Suzy & Casey for surviving two years of cold winters and the high cost of living in Massachusetts. While we were there, we also helped Suzy & Casey pack up for their move to Georgia where Casey has already started his new job as a Marketing Coordinator for a software company. We are glad they are moving to a warmer place. Congratulations to Casey on his new job!

Claire is growing up so fast and is just as cute as can be! Please note the adorable shoes.

























After the graduation, Suzy and Claire were able to come to Tucson for a nice visit with the family here. More on that in future blogs.

Soccer Anyone?

Part of the fun of being in Tucson is being able to attend events like this soccer game. I know many of you are soccer players or former soccer players, but these 3 to 5 yr olds play it a little differently. This makes it much more fun for them and for the spectators too.

What's different?

• Smaller playing field.
• Shorter playing time.
• If the ball goes out of bounds, the spectators just roll it back in and the game continues.
• The number of players on the field at any time is of little consequence.
• If (when) the ball is kicked into the goal by the wrong team, everyone still cheers.
• A player may take a break at any time to sit with their mommy.
• No one keeps score.

Here are some pictures of my favorite player, Number 8.


























And a view of the sidelines with the enthusiastic soccer fans.

Paint

After getting some confidence from my painting experiences in Farmington, I decided to try my hand at giving some of these new white walls some color here in Tucson. I have to admit I got some added motivation from seeing now nice the paint in Ryan & Ashley's new house looks.

This is just a start - I'll post more pictures as more colors are added throughout the house.

I forgot to take the "before" picture for the "before and after" comparison, but you can just imagine everything was very very WHITE.

Great room.



































Small bedroom/playroom















Alcove in kitchen and close up.

Cool Car - Comments anyone?

My boys said if I put a picture of a cool car on my blog, they would comment.

The things I have to do . . .


Extra points if you can identify:
1) the name of this car and
2) the starting list price.
Hint: It's a BMW.

High Five!

How to celebrate your 5th Birthday:

Step 1 - Invite all your relatives in Tucson to your BBQ Birthday Party.
Step 2 - Eat hot dogs and hamburgers and other good stuff made by your mom. Don't forget the extra ketchup.














Step 3 - Open presents.
Your little brother will try to take anything that looks like Thomas the Train, so watch out!












Step 4 - Smile contest with Ryan & Ashley.
Apparently they know you like Thomas the Train!

















Step 5 - Show everyone how old you are.
At this age, it's similar to doing a High Five.












Step 6 - Show off the fabulous Train cake made by your mom.














Step 7 - Pose for the obligatory picture with the whole family - including little brother and baby sister.



















Step 8 - Light the candles and make a wish.
Wishing for more trains??





















Step 9 - Blow out the candles.
Notice little brother has now confiscated the Thomas train.













Step 10 - Let them eat cake!!

Mother's Day

What a nice Mother's Day!

Thanks Ryan & Ashley for hosting and all the great food, super delicious ice cream cake and beautiful flowers.
Thanks Kevin & Caroline for the fun game and making the cookies. Thanks kids for the great drawings for Yaya!


































Great food, incredible ice cream cake, fun games, adorable kids!



We missed those who couldn't be here.
See you soon!