Crazy Arizona summer day!

All day today is was in the 100's. I left the house at 3pm to pick Julia up from school and it was lightly raining. By the time I made it to school (2 minute drive), it was POURING. Of course, we Arizonans don't know what to do with ourselves when it rains. The pickup line was 20-30 minutes long. While waiting, I watched 2 large trees get ripped out of the ground and blow across the street! Instead of continuing to wait in the line, I found a place to park and ran to the school building. By the time I made it, I was drenched. It was also windy which made my skirt blow straight up. Everyone got a free show this afternoon! :) Too bad for them that it was a wet, pregnant lady!

As soon as we got home, Julia changed into her comfy winter pjs (she was also drenched). She couldn't wait to curl up and read her new book. She is into Junie B books and I bought her first copy today. It was a surprise for her- she was so happy! She threw her arms around me like I had just given her a puppy. She loves to read. I love this because I was a HUGE reader as a child. I read books while eating, taking a bath, anywhere I could. I read every single Babysitter's Club and Sweet Valley Twins. I found the first Sweet Valley Twin book at a library sale a while back and bought if for Julia in hopes that she would love them as much as I did.

New pictures

A few months ago, the girls were invited to a photography workshop for aspiring photographers from all over the country. Our photographer, Jennifer Simpson, was asked to find local kids to be part of the photo shoot day. Of course, we jumped at the chance. They loved all the attention- AND we got to keep all the files. We finally just got the finished photos and they turned out so great. There aren't a lot of Bella since she wasn't as cooperative that day. She was more into playing with the flowers and rocks. Julia, on the other hand, loved it all.













*This is one of my favorites. She looks SO done with the whole thing.

Grand Canyon

Chet's Uncle Roch and cousin Andie were in town from South Dakota this last week. What better day trip to take than the old Grand Canyon! Julia skipped a day of school and they all headed north for the day (a long day including 8 hours of driving alone!). They all had a great time. I stayed home since I had to work.





Poor Andie- Julia did not leave her side for the last few days. I think Andie needs a vacation after this vacation. She was such a good sport about it! Andie was only 7 (?) the last time she was here in Arizona. She was one of the flower girls in our wedding. Man, how time flies and how much she has grown!



*Not sure where Bella got the rocker look from! Its cute though. Her shirt says "My Dad Rocks" so I wonder who put her up to it?


We had a great time with you both! Come back soon~

1st day of school

It was a great day for Julia and a sad day for me! :(

Julia started 1st grade today and it was her first time with all day school. She was so excited even though none of her friends were in her class. She was ready to embrace all that 1st grade had to offer- lunch, 2 recesses, new friends, new first day of school outfit. I, on the other hand, started crying the minute we left her and were out of view. She is so little to be gone 35 hrs a week! I will miss her so much and feel like this was the end of an era for me (not to sound sappy). I have had her home for 6 yrs and now I will be missing most of her day and she will miss out on the fun stuff we (Bella and I) get to do. Somehow, I feel like the last 6 yrs have not been enough and that she really is too little.

Ok, enough sniveling. She had a great day and can't wait for tomorrow. She is the type who LOVES school and thrives in that environment. So, I know she will do well and it will be great for her. Its also probably 1000 times better than staying home with pukey mom!



*Practicing their "Dancing with the Stars" move


*She wanted a picture with lazy Lucy- our English Bulldog- who barely opened her eyes for the picture.