New Nurse

Congratulations to Clark, one of Arizona's newest (male) nurses!



I love you and I'm so, SO SOOOOOOO proud of you!

Adventures in Pasco!

I spent July 9-13th in Pasco with my family. Unfortunately, Clark had to stay in Gilbert and focus on studying for the NCLEX ( which he just passed--woo hoo!!) My sister's birthday was the 11th and I haven't seen her two little ones since Christmas so I thought it would be a great time to see everyone!

We had a ton of fun soaking up the sun down at the river and eating yummy bbq and Pad Thai! Unfortunately, I forgot my camera (something I am way too good at)...but my sister is super sweet and she allowed me to borrow her camera for the several days of my visit to capture special moments. I just got a CD of the pictures in the mail last week, hence the late blog. Here it goes:

Playing with Chase in Mom and Dad's pool.


Throwing Chase.


Katie's homemade pad thai. Mmmmmmmmmmmm


Sweet boys Cole and Chase.


The Birthday Girl and Cole.


Snuggling up to Ty after a long nap.


Katie and her messy little guy.


My Dad: Assistant Fire Chief of Eltopia. Wish it wouldn't have come out sideways.


Jenga, Jenga, Jenga!


Are attempt at a self portrait. Reminder: do not take pictures right after a shower.


Attempt at a family self portrait. Didn't work out like we imagined. That's what happens when you don't have a tripod and there isn't anyone there to snap the photo.


Thanks, Chase! We trusted a four year old to take this photo.


Mom, Chase and I riding on the bike path down by the river.


They restored the Moore Mansion. Not such an eyesore anymore.


Chase really doesn't like pictures, but at least he's gracious enough to pose with his Aunt!



I love, love to visit my family! Wish I could have stayed longer but I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit! And thanks Katie for letting me steal Chase's bed for 4 nights!

Monsoon Season, Summer's Saving Grace

It is dang hard to take quality pictures of pouring rain and roaring wind. I guess these will suffice.

Just the beginning. Our rain splattered cinder block fence.



Finally, a good excuse to wear my rain boots!



Weather's getting a little crazy!



This didn't last long. I actually felt COLD in July!




Check out Mom Tobler's blog for more crazy rain pictures. Vegas got hit pretty hard, too.

Just Can't Stop Dancin' Around the House

I just can't stop dancing around in these shoes! They are so adorable! Only $10 from...Wal-Mart. That's right. Who woulda thought? I just couldn't help myself.

I have to be careful dancin' around though because I don't know how long they will last. **Crossing my fingers that Wal-Mart quality shoes are more durable than I have previously believed.**

Rancid

Man, We LOVE these guys!

Happy Birthday America!

Christopher Creek Summer Fun!

Yesterday we took an adventure out of the heat and into the mountains just east of Payson with some friends of ours. The Phoenix magazine recently featured a big article focusing on the best hiking/swimming holes in Arizona. "The Box" at Christopher Creek Canyon caught my eye and I managed to persuade everyone into finding this trail that is definitely off the beaten path. Located between two mile posts we kept missing the "dirt path" that was supposed to be apparent from the highway. We found it after a few trys. First we hiked in the wrong direction. Then we hiked in another wrong direction. Alas, we found an arrow made of stones that pointed us in the right direction. Ahhh, of course, an arrow made of rocks surrounded by a lot of other rocks and dirt. How could anyone miss such a sign?



The scenery was beautiful.







Pregnant Desirae was such a good sport.



Look really hard or click on the picture to make it bigger. The swimming holes are the brown pools of water you see. I guess rain does make pools of water murky. Either way, water is water and fun to play in!

The Fruits (or veggies) of Clark's Labor

Clark and I wanted to put in a garden and Clark decided to take charge several months ago since I was so poor at remembering to water. What has grown well for us??

CUCUMBERS! MMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm





What has not done so well for us??
YELLOW CROOK NECK SQUASH



We're still learning. Clark is sure to have a definite green thumb in a couple of years. It may take me much, much longer.

Cactus Blooms Dying...

This is to follow up with the previous post.





I guess all beautiful cactus blooms don't last forever.

Cactus in Bloom!

Cacti sure are interesting. They don't need water and they thrive in the heat. Right now our pet cactus is in bloom. Funny looking and pretty all at once.





I must give myself a high five for this picture. All natural, no photoshop whatsoever. All of you probably think it is just another picture...but I think it is fabulous :)



Have a great Thursday! We're off to Payson for some hiking adventures and slightly cooler weather!