Gilbert Riparian Reserve

In April Angela and I decided to visit the Gilbert Riparian Reserve. We both had been wanting to go so we met and had lunch there and then walked around. Neither of us were super impressed. I think I owe it another chance when the weather is nicer and perhaps the plants are greener. It was a little warm when we went and things were starting to die from the heat. However, I like to try to make the best of a situation, so we enjoyed our little visit and I especially liked some of the unique birds we saw on the water.

Snowflake/Taylor/Shumway

On Saturday, April 20, we drove up to Snowflake for Heather Penrod's farewell talk that was the following day. We stayed the night at Michelle's. We got there late and Hazel climbed out of the pack 'n play (first time ever) and was having a hard time going to sleep, which was keeping Clara up. I asked Hazel if I let her sleep with Clara if she'd go to sleep. She said yes, they went right to sleep and I went down to find them like this. So cute.

We went to church in Taylor Sunday morning and stopped at Jason's parent's to change. First, I made the girls let me take a picture. We don't get much sweater weather in Mesa, so I love to see my girls in cute little sweaters. Plus, Jordyn was with us and her dress matched Clara and Hazel's perfectly. It looks like it was all planned. Half a dozen girls in coordinating dresses sounds so fun! ;)

We headed to Shumway for lunch at Janet's. Here are the Penrod girls. I don't think any of them know how much I love them. They are the most selfless, thoughtful, helpful people I know. When we had our reception in Snowflake, they were all there, with their mother, helping without complaint. Even now, at get togethers and reunions, they are always the first to volunteer to help. I could sure learn a lot from them.

We ate and hung out and enjoyed the beautiful, nearly wind-free, weather

The big kids played a card game together and it was hilarious how intense it got.

Before leaving, we went on a walk across the street to check out the sheep. The sheep farmer was out and caught a sheep that he let Clara pet. She was in heaven, again. I love that she loves animals so much. I think it's because I know it's something we definitely didn't teach her, but that her sweet little spirit was born with. As we were walking back, we were surprised by a snake that slithered across our path (see bottom right).

These experiences make me want to a.) move to a farm or b.) become a millionaire so I can buy a farm and pay someone to take care of it and visit whenever I'd like (think: all summer long). Since it's more likely that neither of those will happen, we'll enjoy little opportunities like this. 

Boat Ride

At the beginning of April, April 9th to be exact, Lily and my mom decided to rent a boat on Tempe Town Lake. We went and Kathryn and her girls went along for the ride. We all had a good laugh learning how to steer the boat and attempting to drive it back into the right spot was even funnier. It was a bit windy, but the lake was absolutely beautiful at sunset. The girls loved it, which wasn't surprising. I'm not sure why I've never done this before, but I definitely want to do it again.

Goat Farm: Take Two

When we were up in Pine in March, we visited the Fossil Creek Creamery in Strawberry, which we call the goat farm. We were told that in three weeks or so, the goats would have their babies and visitors would be allowed to help feed the babies. I knew Clara would love it, so I planned on going on our way to Snowflake on Friday the 19th of April for Heather Penrod's missionary farewell talk that following Sunday. Then, my great uncle passed away and the funeral was that Saturday afternoon, so that wasn't going to work out. I decided to forget being practical and just make a special trip up there on Friday afternoon. Angela, Clint and Margo came with us. Little Miss Clara had a grand time. Hazel had fun too, but she's not quite as hands on with animals like Clara is. Hazel prefers to watch them from afar, as is evidenced by these pictures.

Clara couldn't get enough of the goats. She kept walking around feeding them and loved picking them up, despite them trying to eat her shirt. I really need to find out how to get her more regular access to some goats.

There were some pesky goats that wanted to eat anything their size, including Hazel and Margo. As I looked at the pictures, I realized I'm pretty sure it was the same goat that kept nibbling them.

I told Angela she needs at least two more kids and a goat because this picture is so cute.

Margo loved to touch a goat, then suck on her fingers. Touch a goat, suck on her fingers. Mmmm, bet that was good. I'm pretty sure she also wanted the goat's bottles.

There were also llamas. Llamas are kind of funny animals. I learned some pretty interesting things about them. Not sure why Angela is not looking at the camera. Also notice Clara attempting to show her teeth like a llama.

When we were done, we bought some goat milk fudge and fresh goat cheese and headed home. I love doing stuff like this, even if it's kind of impractical.

Margo hung out with us for a little bit after we got home. Clara got to hold her and help feed her. Holding and feeding both a baby goat and a baby human in the same day made for a near perfect day for Clara.  

Kite Flying Weather

I really try to live life to the fullest, especially when it comes to my kids. I don't want to wish I'd taken the time to make more memories while they are young. I think I'm hypersensitive to this because I work and I want to make up for it on the days I don't work. It also means I am sometimes a bit irresponsible when it comes to housework, work and other less important things. On the 8th of April, we had windy weather. Since it seems windy weather is even more rare than rainy weather here, I decided flying a kite was an absolute priority. So that's exactly what we did. I did, however, learn that not all wind is created equal and it turned out to be not the greatest kite flying weather. It was really, really gusty. We got the kite up quite a bit, but we also had a few kite attacks, as the wind gusts really whipped the kite around and into the ground. And into us. Once, a huge gust made the kite torpedo into Hazel. Another time, Clara was taking pictures of me and the kite slammed into her, knocking my phone out of her hands and leaving her in the middle of the kite. Plus, there were several times that the wind whipped the kite away and the reel went wild and slammed into my thumbs. One thumb was bruised for days. Despite the injuries, we had some fun.

As we walked to the car, Clara stopped to get a drink. Have you ever tried to get a drink in super windy weather? We laughed and laughed and laughed. 

I don't remember what all I put off that day to make time to fly a kite. But I do remember how much fun I had making memories with my girls. 

Lost Dutchman State Park

Clara didn't have school on April 5th, so we decided to take a hike in Lost Dutchman State Park. It was a little warm and I had to carry Hazel for about half of the 2.5 mile hike (the steepest half), but it was still fun. The desert is beautiful and I love nature. It never gets old and never ceases to amaze me.

Part of the reason we went to this specific location was to see the desert flowers. We tried to find the colors of the rainbow. Success.

Before the hike (Hazel folds her arms when she doesn't want me to hold her hand).

We hiked Trail No. 56. 

Ta-dah!

 

And the end. They were a little tired and grumpy and getting them to stand by the sign was asking a lot, so I didn't bother to try and get them to look. 

It was a fun hike and I am bummed that spring was such a busy time of the year, limiting the amount of hiking we got in before summer started to set in. I guess that's just one more reason to look forward to fall.

Speed Blogging: March 2013

Things happen constantly that I think, I don't want to forget this. I don't always have time to write it down and chances are, by the end of the day, I won't remember everything I wanted to. Instead, I take pictures. So many of my pictures tell a story. Fortunately, all I need to trigger the memory is a quick look at the picture. I'm so grateful for digital photography. It has made documenting my life so much easier, especially when I'm busy and it's a month or two before I'm able to record certain things. With that said, let's wrap up March. March was good to us. I ordered bunch of dresses online for Easter for the girls since I couldn't decide. I made them try them all on. Hazel was not feeling well and was not thrilled that I was taking pictures. But she did love getting to wear so many dresses and didn't mind constantly changing. She loves dresses.

And here's what we settled on.

We went out to the desert to hike. We just pulled off the side of the road, Ellsworth/Usery Pass and walked up into the mountains. It was fun, but a little warm for the girls. I love exploring nature.

March brings March madness into our home in full force. Notice the picture on the left, the TV, the iPad, the phone and the touch pad that's not lit up in the picture. Excessive? He doesn't think so.

1. Cute Clara.

2. Pasta with spinach and sausage.

3. I know I shouldn't be taking pictures during the prayer, but I love it when toddlers lay on their bellies and fold their miniature arms.

4. Leprechaun.

5. My client gave me an office. For about 30 seconds. I could care less where I sit, except that it's about 75* in the office versus about 60* in my cube. For that reason, I prefer the office.

6. Hazel chewed up five pieces of gum while I was getting ready.

7. Clara has become obsessed with giving the FHE lessons. It's hilarious. She takes it really seriously and tries to use really big words and dramatizes her voice.

8. I pulled out my vanity mirror and Hazel loved seeing her face magnified.

9. Hazel taking pictures of herself.

10. Nieman Marcus cafe roll thing. Really good.

11. Playing games with Clara. She beat me 3/3. 

12. Clara's salad that she made with a butter knife: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and avocado.

13. And she's making her own cheese crisps.

14. Hazel's trying really hard to smile.

15. My dad oversees the little church service his ward puts on for the retirement home near their house. One week Clara gave a little talk. I love her confidence.

16. Hazel takes going into the corner very seriously.

Just playing outside in a leotard and some undies.

Margo turned one!

Family bonding time, Clara counting her money she earned selling rocks and pinecones (see below), Hazel helping Jason in the yard and my delicious pizza. I tried Peter Reinheart's dough recipe. Very good.

1. The orange trees blossomed. And smelled really good.
2. Hazel loves to be just like Clara and play the piano.
3. Playing together outside.
4. Dandelions never get old.
5. Party favors.
6. Clara got a tiger mask and dressed in all yellow so she could truly morph into a tiger.
7. Dancing in the sun. I might have let her wear that tutu to go out to eat.
8. Hazel loving Margo.
9. Cousin fun.
10. Gramps.
11. Hazel high-centered on the toy box. Ha ha.
12. I was really busy trying to get 3/15 tax returns done and filed and Clara decided she was busy too. She said, "I'm an accountant too. This is someone's money. They have a pumpkin bank."
13. Growing wheat grass for Easter. I messed up and had to restart it five days before Easter and it grew perfectly anyway. Yay!
14. Swinging.
15. This park by us has goats. It's kind of awesome. Clara loves to get as close to the goats as possible.
16. Hazel loves the goats too, but observes from afar.

March also brought beautiful skies. All these pictures are from the same night while we were out on a family walk.

Preparing for the big sale. Clara decided she wanted to earn some money to buy a book. She set up shop and sold rocks, pinecones and other random things. We called our family and so many people came. It was funny to see her try to rip people off. She also got a special ice cream delivery from Uncle Clint. A few weeks ago he was pushing her on the swing and somehow she smashed her nose and got a bloody nose. Uncle Clint determined the price of a bloody nose to be ice cream, so he was just making things fair. :)

So long March...