stopping by woods

It was actually a snowy morning.

This was the day after Thanksgiving and what has become a yearly tradition of buying a forest service permit to cut down our own Christmas tree. It's one of my favorites.

Since the boys were born, we have never had a perfectly symmetrical Christmas tree. Ours are always a little uneven, with a few holes or bald spots. But they smell like a snowy pine forest, even after they've been in our home for weeks. And they serve as a reminder of the effort we took, looking for 'our tree' after a bit of hiking and the occasional snowball fight.

fall family vacation

For the last few years, we have made a point to get out of town during the boys' fall break at school. Usually, we take this trip to our favorite AZ town of Greer so we can feel the cool mountain temps and see the oaks and aspens and their brilliant red and yellow leaves. It's usually the first sign of autumn for us. 

This year we opted for a completely different route. We headed south. To "Arizona's beach" - Puerto Peñasco.

This was the boys' first time, and basically mine as well since I haven't been to this spring break town for 20 years. (Gasp!)

It really is a lovely family destination in the fall. We were literally the only family on the beach for the first few days. And, by the weekend, we only had to share this huge beach with 2 other families. 

The water was warm enough for swimming in the middle of the day. And the tide was so far out in the mornings and evenings that we spent hours looking for shells and sand dollars.

The boys played so nicely together for HOURS. Building sandcastles and digging huge holes.

In the afternoon they got so tuckered out that they would take a little siesta in the beautiful townhome rental that was just steps from the sand.

Doug and I were able to be in full relaxation mode.

The place we stayed at was on Playa Encanto, quite a bit removed from the main drag of downtown Rocky Point. Which, really, was ideal. I don't think I would stay in town. The beaches are not nearly as nice and I prefer to feel a little isolated from the bars and the vendors.

Though, we did drive in town on a few occasions for a meal and a drink. It's really a different world than the one we live in. It was a great experience for the boys and I encouraged them to learn new words in Spanish whenever appropriate. I was relentless! 

Here we were exploring at the tide pools near Manny's.

Doug tested his fly rod and another one loaned to him by the folks at our local Orvis shop.

And the boys brought home a few trinkets to remember the trip. 

Guess what they are dressing up as for Halloween?

Lees Ferry, fly fishing

Quick photo dump of our recent adventure to Glen Canyon National Park, specifically Lees Ferry. We enjoyed beautifully star-filled nights in a surprisingly decent campground, stunning vistas in every direction, and some of the best fly fishing waters in the state.

Setting up camp. Can you believe that backdrop? Stunning.

Awesome hide-and-seek spot. 

Hamming it up on the hide-and-seek rock.

Old settler's home near the boat dock at Lees Ferry.

Morning boat ride with Capt. Handsome.

Trying out his brand new Oakiwear waders, courtesy of Tales of a Mountain Mama.

I realize I got this backward, but don't want to take the time to do another photo edit. 'Couples who FISH together, STAY together.' Duh.

Mountains majesty. Or cliffs, canyons and crevices.

Tough boy.

Serious selfie.

The Glen Canyon bridge. I bought a beautiful Navajo turquoise necklace at the end of the walkway. Probably not authentic or handmade as the seller stated, but still a sweet reminder of a lovely adventure.

I want to know... have you ever seen the rain?

Ah, it wasn't a sunny day, but this monsoon season in Phoenix signals the beginning of my favorite time of year. Relief from triple digit temperatures, a segue into autumn, long sleeves, cozy cooler nights, and all the holidays and family adventures that coincide.

Poor drainage on our street in downtown means ample splash-ability for these two stompers.

I love these boys to no end. They are my constant reminders of the joy I (we) should be seeking every day, in between the responsibility and the work.

swimming, a party, a staycation and a photo app

We are in full school mode. Getting used to our schedules, establishing new routines, trying to chip away at a never-ending chore and home project list.

These pictures were embellished using the photo app by A Beautiful Mess. Quick and fun. 

Silly faces and accessories at brother-in-law's surprise birthday party. Sister-in-law put in a lot of hard work and we all had a great time.

Got to ditch school for a day and spend a couple overnights at a local hotel with..... a lazy river! and a water slide! and a big pool! and miniature golf! and staying up late watching cartoons!

Taking full advantage of our science center annual pass. So nice to live close by. We swung by after school just to do our homework in a different environment. Still plenty of time for play afterward.

And this, during our family staycation. Because, as is visible in his facial expression, he loves having his picture taken and then letting his wife post it on the interwebs with a cartoon thought bubble. This is why our marriage is strong and everlasting.

I love you too sweetheart. xoxo.

and now we are five

My baby is five.

He is so big.

And still so small.

I relish the cuddles still.

We had a sweet summer backyard party. Lots of kids. A waterslide sourced from Craigslist. Snowcones, sunscreen, lots of laughing, sliding and splashing kids and their sweat-drenched parents.

I love you sweet boy. Hope you remember this day as a favorite.

five years ago

My baby turns five in a few weeks.

He is getting so big.

And handsome.

He has such a loving nature. He enjoys playing house and making nests for his animal babies. He still cuddles with his mama.

He is also rough, as boys can be. He punches his brother in the back with all his might when brother is not expecting it.

Ow.

The boys fight, as brothers often do. But in the end there is a love and bond that fuses them together. Thick as thieves.

I look at these newborn photos of my baby from five years ago and this is what I think:

• Newborn babies in the movies do not look anything like real newborn babies. Newborn babies are covered in stuff. They have painful and strange coneheads from being pushed and cajoled out of a tiny opening. This is not true of all newborn babies. But many. And both of mine.
• Baby, you caused me so much discomfort for nearly the entirety of those 40 weeks. 
• My husband, the love of my life and talented artist and photographer took these pictures. Why is there a photo of the vaginal delivery pack?
• When each of my sons was born I loved him immediately and completely.
• And though I thought big brother might be jealous that his parents' attention would be divided, he loved his tiny baby brother immediately and completely too.