Big Katz/ breakfast

We don't make as many ball games for the nephews as we used to, that is for sure, but when we can, we go.  A LOT of the weeknight games are late, and the weekend games are either too far away, or fall on nap time.  We lucked out and got an early weekend game, so we jumped at the opportunity.

Unfortunately it was a super steamy, humid morning, so we only lasted a few innings, but so did the big Katz.  :(  After a loss, we headed for the A/C and something cold to drink.

We don't often venture out to restaurants lately--just not worth the 'work,' if you can believe that :)  Inevitably though, there are times when it makes sense, or when we feel like it, and after a VERY hot Big Katz game, we decided to go.  Bob Evans was close, and is usually fast--but not fast enough apparently.  We all tried our best to entertain her as best as we could, but it was so darn close to nap time, we took most of our food to go and headed home.  She did enjoy her lemonade though--and Eric wanted me to share her "humidity hair look."

Jordan & Bethany's wedding

The day of Jordan and Bethany's long-awaited wedding was unfortunately the day my back decided to completely fall apart.  With no real choice (not being able to literally walk) Eric took Amara to the party stag.

We had started the day at the farmer's market--nothing out of the ordinary, but I think we were all just kind of wiped out (mentally).  Knowing the service wouldn't be appropriate, we opted for the reception (I was going to go to the ceremony, but no dice)...Eric and Amara headed up to get ready and looked so cute, I made mom promise to get some pics for me.  She luckily got a few good ones, so I wanted to share--plus, the beautiful couple (of course).

With the late start time, daddy and Bean didn't get to put in much time before she tuckered out, but at least some of the family got to be there to wish the happy couple well.  She got to steal a dance with cousin Thomas, and see Aunt Charlotte, Sherry (hot mother of the groom) Sabrina, and Randy and Heather too.  I'm not sure whether or not she actually got to see Jordan and Bethany, but she was talking about 'the wedding' for days :)

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Hamm (that is weird :))

GC Farmer's Market

Having had success so far this year at Farmer's markets, we decided to head out to the GC market again for some treats.  She always makes quick friends with the farmers and vendors--one particular lady liked Amara's star dress, and the two shared a moment over her delicious peach :)

We hit up the Circle S stand (a family favorite) and got green beans and new potatoes, peaches, bananas, some spreads.  Crossing the street, we got some fresh lemonade, an awesome loaf of pesto asiago bread, some sweet peppers (one she took a big bite out of before we could even catch up to her!), treats for ily, and found a super nice blackberry farmer.

Crossing back over, we talked to a super sweet lady from the GC bureau who had an adorable Giant Collie, who immediately made friends with Amara too.

We had a great (short) visit, (my back started getting really bad about 1/2 way through) and then had to head home, to not get ourselves too worn out!  Big evening plans :)

Happy Birthday Silly uncle Matt!

Fourth of July weekend was Matt's 30th surprise party.  His birthday was actually late June, but as a lot of the family was out of town for a family wedding--Steph planned it for later.  We were all walking on eggshells, making sure not to mention the party, having missed his bday, etc. so we were glad when the big day finally arrived!

After the parade in the morning, Eric golfed with the guys while Beanie and I held down the homefront. Steph needed to get the boys out of the house, and golf is a sure-fire 5-6 hour killer with that group!  We got to the party at dinner time and what a nice party!  Lots of friends and family, and of course (Beanie's favorite) the guest of honor :)  Not to mention, CAKE!

Before cake time, Amara had fun with Addison, she also played with some bubbles and glow bracelets.  She enjoyed the small lawn chairs, fans, and all the other kid-friendly areas Steph had set up for them.  Before she totally ran out of energy, I got a quick shot of her and Mr. Birthday--though she couldn't be distracted from her sucker...

Happy 30th birthday Uncle Matt.  Many happy returns and we can't wait till the next family party!

Baby Ali's visit

I think since Ali first visited us when she was 6 months or so, and she got the name "baby Ali"--we have decided that Amara will still be calling her baby Ali when they are 20! 

Regardless, we were so lucky to get a visit recently, and the girls really enjoyed one another.  It was funny--Heather mentioned how warm it was (and it was) but you don't expect that from an Arizonan--it's a "dry heat" out there, right?

We got to spend a few hours together and all play together, swinging, sliding, and riding mowers.  Ali was walking and toddling around, chasing Amara--who was content enough to practice her jumping, drinking, and apple picking.

Can't wait for the next visit!

4th of July Parade: WABA

We decided to hit up the same parade we did last year, for July 4th.  If we head the back way towards Broad st. you can literally park 100 yards in a parking lot, from where the parade passes by--PERFECT!  

The parade was relatively early, I think 9:30, but having gotten up a little early and it being SO hot, we were anxious for things to start.  Before long, we saw the flashing lights and balloons coming from the West and in a blink it was upon us.  At first, Amara wasn't quite sure about the flying projectiles coming from the floats and walkers--but as soon as she realized some of these were suckers, she was all over it.  Grandma and Grandpa helped collect her goodies while Eric and I took turns pointing out horses and bands and kids.

Something I'd never seen--there were at least 2 groups passing out popsicles and freeze-pops, a welcome treat on a hot day, but I was stunned.

Overall, we really enjoyed the parade.  Lots of planes flying over, things to look at--and of course, candy :)

Another place to blow money

This blog is actually by Eric - only clarifying that since, obviously, we leave the blogging (for good reason) to Micki.  But, wanting to give Micki time to rest, Amara and Daddy took off this afternoon ... and Daddy couldn't shut up about their adventure, to the point that Micki "suggested" I write about it ... I'm glad she did.

We've been considering "incentive charts" for Bean (which, despite the awesome trip today, I'll likely mock up myself), but that led us to see what local "education" stores might carry.  We'd heard good things about Lakeshore Learning Center, which opened at Polaris about a month ago (yes, I'm marking out to them ... www.lakeshorelearning.com).  So, we headed up there and ended up having a blast.

Right off the bat, upon entering the store, they brilliantly placed bins of different kinds of balls, so that instantly led to several minutes of Amara grabbing balls and me chasing them around.  We then found the sticker aisle, which was one of the goals of the trip, given Amara's obsession with them.  Surprisingly, it took only a couple packets of sea animal and dinosaur stickers to allow us to move on through the store.  Then, onto the highlight of the trip ... they had a little kitchen/dinette set up, with accessories.  Amara quickly immersed herself into it, much to my delight because we have a sink/fridge/oven playset sitting in the basement waiting for Christmas (you can't read this yet, right, Bean?) - so, I was thrilled to see that it looks pretty promising that will be a hit.  But, most importantly "in the moment", she was hilarious.  She was beside herself when she found toy ice cream cones and then figured out she could fully role-play.  I had allowed her to bring in a teddy bear from the car, and he became her guest.  She sat him at the table and served him milk and teacups, and "here you go, mr. teddy bear" led to a serving of plastic pizza.  And, of course, after eating, he needed washed up, so she carried him to the toy sink and pretended to rinse his hands ... and then his whole body (I'm assuming that's what putting his entire body in the sink would accomplish).  All in all, probably not much different than what plenty of other kids do in that situation, but I hadn't seen in her that role before, and it was amazing. hilarious and heartwarming.

The adventure included visits to all parts of the store, amusement for the girls working, and culminated with Amara "convincing" me to pick up a couple things, most notably a version of the kitchen's ice cream set that we could take home.  I shed a few calories chasing her around, but we had a wonderful time, and I highly recommend that store.  I'm positive that we'll all be visiting it again, for Amara's sake and so I can show Micki all the things I wanted to buy but didn't ... which may require yet an additional trip by just Mom & Dad.