Happy Anniversary Babe!

It was 6 years ago today (and just about the same temperature -113 on our wedding day) that Travis and I got married....crazy how time flies. We just got home from celebrating at the beautiful Montelucia Resort in Paradise Valley and we enjoyed every moment of it. The resort is brand new and amazing, all set up to look Moroccan but at the base of Camelback Mountain. We dined at our favorite place, Houstons, last night and then headed back to the resort for some cooler poolside relaxation. Today we slept late, had amazing room service for breakfast (always the best) and then ventured out to the pool once more. We felt like we were at a party with the cast of "The Hills" as Skyy Vodka was having a private party and we found ourselves awkwardly right in the middle of it - my 4.5 month pregnant belly just didn't fit in :) The amount of plastic and hot bods was a little unbearable but we still had fun in the sweltering heat and refreshing pool. So it was a great way to celebrate 6 amazing years....thanks babe!

We had a fun visit from Adam and Katelyn at the beginning of the week. We relaxed in my Dad's pool on Monday afternoon, enjoyed dinner at Kona Grill and a movie (The Hangover) that night. Tuesday, Adam, Katelyn and I ventured out to IKEA for their first experience there - lots to look at and want, especially when you are getting a new house (they close July 7th - yeah!). Then it was time for some Wii - we then had to stop at Bahama Bucks, an old time fav. and then off to my mom's for dinner. The trip was pretty short but better than nothing. We will see them again soon. Thanks for coming guys!

Ella is obsessed with Katelyn - she was just calling her "my sister" but I told her hopefully it will be more like "my aunt" sometime soon :)

The boys were so embarrassed that I even asked the server to take our picture...oh boys!

Travis HAD to order this Crispy California Roll to try it for the first time....as expected, one little bite was all that was consumed by him....Adam had the rest.

Not liking his first taste of "sushi"

Ella wouldn't leave her side for a second....it was a nice little break for me :)

Trying out the Wii Fit....and not really knowing what he is doing.

Father's Day Fun

First and foremost, Happy Father's Day to all the amazing fathers out there, including my husband and all my "dads". You are all magnificent role models for your children.

We just got home from a fun day at the Mantle's. My parents came along too! We had lots of great food, fun swimming in the pool, more great dessert, and great chats. I am so lucky that our two families get along so well and actually want to spend time with eachother. Thanks for a fun Father's Day! Tomorrow my bro gets into town to celebrate a belated Father's Day with our dad at his house for lunch and swimming...Ella loves seeing Uncle Adam and Katelyn and her Papa Mac...it should be lots of fun.

So exciting...

Yes, this is our new washer and dryer! I am so excited! We have been wanting these for a long time and Ultimate Electronics was having a fabulous sale; we couldn't pass them up. It was a preventive purchase...meaning our others were so old, we knew at any moment they could die on us and then we would be in a bind... having to buy new ones at full price. Anyways this was the excitement of my day for sure!!

Fun days

After a somewhat boring week, we had a fun last couple of days. Yesterday, Ella went to her very first movie at the theaters. We saw "Horton Hears a Who" at the Harkins at Santan through their summer movie program (10 movies for $7 - best deal ever) with our friends Ally, Brent and Taylor - but didn't get any pictures :(. Then we had a fun lunch with Ella's Mimi (my mom) and Grandma-Grandma (my g-ma). Later last night, I went out with my 3rd grade team to celebrate another great year and say farewell to two of our team members (damn AZ education budget) - it was a wonderful time with wonderful food and friends. Today we trekked up to N. Scottsdale to visit Mimaw and Papa ( Trav's parents) and had a great time in the pool - Ella wore water wings for the first time and loved them - it was a great help for me too who can only hold a squirmy swimmer who can't swim for too long - especially on my tip-toes in the 5ft. deep pool. Ella topped off her day with a yummy chocolate ice cream cone (another first - my deprived child). We are exhausted. A surprise is on the way tomorrow and the anticipation is building---tune in later to find out :)

When you get into Mimi's purse anything can happen
"Don't take my picture - I am not looking"

Ella got hold of the camera and took a pic of herself and a thousand other things

My Luau salad at Cheesecake Factory - it looked so fancy, I had to take a picture.

My Team (clockwise from me - Me, Jenn, Norina, Valerie, Erin (hiding), and Fae) - and I look really huge from the waist down in this pic...I am really not that big yet, I promise.

Ella swimming all by herself.

Mama and her little fish

After Mimaw combed Ella's hair, Ella had to comb her hair

Her first lick...

all the way to the end...

A quickie...

As in a quick post....

The past couple of days have been pretty boring but we found a few things to occupy our time. Ella had fun water-color painting on Monday...she painted a hole right through the paper :)


Today, we had a quick visit with my bro and Katelyn. They were coming home from a trip to Florida and my dad picked them up from the airport but before they headed up to Flagstaff, we met at Crackers to eat (yum!) Since I only really see him in short spurts, we have to make the most of it. They are buying a house up in Flag so hopefully we will be up there at the end of the month to help them move in...so exciting!

Ya, Ella was not having it.

Summer swimming

Our life the past week and a half has revolved around potty training (which is going quite well, I think) and swimming (and probably a little bit of both at the same time). We have spent a lot of time at the Williamsfield Highschool pool...too bad we don't have one of our own :( We are in our 3rd summer of swim lessons through Gilbert Parks and Rec....which I am a bit bored with so next session we are just going to "open swim" every afternoon. We did that today and although it was chilly and breezy, the pool was not crowded and awesome....Ella loved it.

Posing for the camera...something she is finally willing to do again.
Showing Mimi (my mom) our skills....

Ella and her best bud, Lauren, love swimming together

They take care of each other :) And won't walk in the parking lot any other way

(Jenn and I both have some strong-minded chicas) They are the two that don't want to follow directions in the pool and want to do it their own way...how did two teachers' kids become this so defiant???

Seems to be the favorite pose :)

This is as good as it gets for a pool in our yard...the froggy pool that she would spend all day in if I let her....I need a fun book to read while I watch.

Our final cheesy pose and grin...for this post atleast.