Free spirit

Bella really is a free spirit- she doesn't let things bug her too much and she lives in a world of her own (in a good way, most of the time). She is always singing or dancing- you can't get her to stay still.

She joined (or I signed her up for) her dance studio's performing team this year. I think I became a stage mom in training and might enjoy it more than she does- lesson learned. As much as she loves performing, she wasn't always committed to the "team aspect"- rehearsals, etc. What I learned from this is that Bella loves to dance and that's it. She doesn't want to dance as a sport or on a team or for training, she just wants to dance. A few days ago she was playing with a broom in Nanny and Papa's backyard. Her free play quickly turned into a full on jazz number- broom, jazz hands and all. She had no idea that anyone was watching and it was hilarious to watch!

After her performing team class this last week, she came straight home, put on her Ipod, took the "stage" to perform for her favorite audience...herself.

3 babies!!

Don't worry- not mine!! Chet/Mom- you can resume breathing now. :)

A mama bird decided to build a nest right outside our front door! Chet accidentally broke the glass around the coach light while replacing the bulb and before we could replace it, this bird decided to build her nest. It tooks weeks for her to finish but at the end, she made the perfect little round nest on top of such a small space. Since the light bulb was right next to her body, we decided to leave the porch light off for the last month. Since our front door has a security door/screen, it has been easy and fun to watch her without being noticed or intrusive.

About 2 weeks ago, I stood on a chair but still couldn't see the top of the nest so I raised my arm and clicked my phone camera. We were so thrilled to see 3 little eggs!
I noticed more activity yesterday- she was no longer just sitting but now tending to her "nest". When I got a chance to get a quick picture, this is what I saw today!

Don't worry, the "don't touch the baby birds or the mama will abandon them" thing is just a myth (even thought I didn't touch them anyway). Birds have a poor sense of smell.
I learn so much at work! :)

I know thousands of baby birds are born each day but when you get to watch it happen, its the greatest feeling!

Family pictures

I LOVE professional family pictures but dread getting everyone there and presentable. My family probably agrees and says they hate getting family pics with me too. :)

I admit, I get stressed.... and when I get stressed, I am a little snappy with everyone (sigh..).
I put on a cute smile but am muttering threats the entire time. :)

Ok, enough with my confessions...

We recently had family pictures for the entire Lamis clan. I think they turned out great and am happy to have wonderful, updated pictures to hang up!

Chet's parents (Jackie and Steve) with their 8 adorable grandkids!

Photos done by Sierra Studios Photography: www.sierrastudiosphotography.com

Playdates

I love having play dates for the girls- friends for both child AND mommy! Camille and I haven't really been a part of a playgroup since we moved so I was excited to be invited to an Egg Decorating play date today. The hostess went all out for this special party- baskets for each child, eggs dyed from natural sources (beet juice= red!), a face painter and balloons! Camille left the egg decorating to me and was happy just playing the little girl's neat toys!

I love seeing things through Camille's eyes. Everything to her is so new and wonderful!

(Even though you can't tell by the pics, she DID have a good time!) :)
My cute little bunny- or "hoppy" as Camille calls them.

Peralta Trail

We like hiking...

It feels dishonest to say this since we don't hike a lot! :) I love hiking in the woods when we can but don't particularly enjoy hiking in the desert. It doesn't feel much different than taking a walk in the neighborhood. But, I do think its important for kids to connect with "real" nature, not the fabricated kind in our backyard.

So, last weekend, Chet suggested hiking the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains. The girls loved looking for gold (Lost Dutchman), wild flowers and anything that moved. We all loved it and can't wait to go back and explore the rest.

*These aren't the best pics since taken with our phones.

Garden to plate

Eating/buying locally is a goal of mine but it is hard to find quality, inexpensive produce around here. There are some amazing farmers' markets but they all seem to be on Saturdays (when I work). Since most food travels over 1500 miles from farm to plate (yikes!), I am SO happy that we are starting to be able to reap from our garden!

Chet and I loved the yummy salad we made with our super fresh lettuce.

And the girls got to taste our first cherry tomato and snap peas.
(They already ate the red ones when I snapped this picture).

Bella standing next to our corn stalks to show how much they have grown in just 5 weeks!