Tiff Was Here!

So glad that Tiff's grandpa turned 90-some years old so she could hit his party then come and stay with us for a few days.  Her visit couldn't have been more timely as I was in desperate need of her phone.  Had some prank calls to return and in the process I taught Tiffany everything I know.  In return, she taught me how to get a free helicopter ride out of the Grand Canyon.  We could make a dangerous team.

The Preschool co-op was at my house this week and Makayla fit right in. 

She could sing all the songs by the end of the day. That girl is one smart cookie.

We could not for anything get these guys to all look at the camera and smile for us. But I think I won Conner over with a few suckers, a splash pad and an early morning walk.  He is completely yummy!

Nothing like late night swings at the park....or bedtime stories with cousins. 

Tiffany, good thing you're so easy going cuz the last two days were full of our over-scheduled daily craziness!  Thanks for tolerating it all and next time we will definitely make more time for play!

Volleyball

 Bree and Georgia make a valiant effort to return the serve. 

Bree is loving volleyball, especially with Georgia on her team:)

Jake has been on the fence a bit about just how much he loves it.  Mainly because the girls out number the boys about 20:1.  But his first time up to serve he hit 10 over in a row. 

Kind of studly, eh?  Just wish he knew it:) 

(That's him serving you can see the ball sailing over the net - sweet!)

Darnit

 That's the name of this guy.  Jake said he's thinking that's what the fish thought when it got caught, so that's what he named it.  And last night when I was far far away at the RS Broadcast, they ate Darnit.  I have bones in a ziplock baggie on my counter to prove it.

I think these two had a great trip. Most of it is top secret guy stuff, but I do know they were attacked by javelinas and had to jump up on the table to avoid getting their shins bitten off.  They roasted some delish marshmallows and were one of the few fishers to actually get a bite.  And Jake loved every minute being up there with his Dad.  Breezy and I missed them a bunch, but truth be told, we are really hoping Luke will get the invite next time:)

Jonas Phx

Loaded up the Ri van and we were off!

Riley Me Sarah Brittany Leah Georgia Macie Bree

What a fun night! Loved the big grassy hill that the girls ran up and down and danced on all night, breezy gettin me to boogie down with her, my germ free baggies of candy, the long intermission, rockin the lounge lizards, the confiscation of all things glo, tank tops w/ skinny jeans, the JBros shout out to all the parents with a Beatles song (seriously we're not that old!), screaming like tweenage girls, time with my BFF and the best poster in the house! 

Sarah, you just keep us in the loop cuz man we like the way you play!

Labor Day Weekend

Luke was definitely doing all the labor today.

Luke was a bit distressed over the sharing arrangement we had going on.  He brought his own penny and couldn't figure out why he couldn't just go buy his own.

Love those Fischers!

And just throwing this one in from Friday afternoon. Finally Luke plays dress up with some boy clothes!  Arghh Matey!

Happy Labor Day!

Viva La Italy!

Date night started out with a trip to the temple.  We did sealings and every single name was an unpronounceable Italian name.  This unbeknownst to me made my jaw drop and my eyes go into a blank stare which made Patrick have an uncontrollable urge to laugh out loud (thank heavens he refrained). When the sealings were complete, Eric couldn't wait to announce to everyone (including the sealer) how the night was just falling into place...Italian names and now we were headed off to Oreganos!  When some other guy in our group said, "Well that seals the deal doesn't it?", the sealer showed us all to the door.

Oh and the night just got funnier.

My dinner.  Might have been a little bit hungry when I ordered the whole 18 incher.  This came on the heels of the 3 appetizers we ordered, so I couldn't quite finish her off, but oh my is lunch going to be tasty tomorrow! 

So here are some things to know before heading off on a date with these guys. Eric just might show up inappropriately dressed and suggest changing in your car. Patrick just might incorrectly correct the sealer. Maynhia will definitely get hot and then cold throughout course of the date and she will order an entire pizza and be so full by the time it gets to the table she won't even be able to take one bite. Maryann just might need to order something different and not boring like cheese pizza and I just might slap your hand if you try to take a slice of my pizza. Oh and Jer.  Jer just might be the self-proclaimed party pooper (sorry guys no Jesters tonight!) But we love him oh yes yes we do and we wouldn't have him any other way.  Did you know he is fond of the color yellow but only when worn on the rim of a hat?

Fun night guys! Same time next month?

Painting Day!

I traced their bodies and the kids painted them today.  It was so interesting to watch each boy paint and see how one had to stay in the lines and use predominately one color, and another had to paint with every color and cover every part of  the paper and how another just sort of put a few strokes and was done.  They are all so different and it is fun to see how their differences really go well together!   I am loving our pre-school group so much!  So sad my turn is over for a few weeks:( 

What am I gonna do without out Lukie for 3 hours?!?!?!? 

 I just may have a lunch date lined up with Jer already!

ten rows back

The Fischers came through BIG time with these amazing seats (which came with free parking and food vouchers whoowee!). My Padres were in town so I could not have been more excited (my how I love that Tony Gwynn!).  Amber and Heidi entertained all night and Chad finally moved over by Jer to get out of the estrogen zone. Taters got a free shirt and his hat autographed by some Dbacks mascott.  We rubbed shoulders with Dan Majerle. It was a night to remember especially Amber asking every guy that sat in front of us if he was the one that sang the National Anthem to start the game off. You know they all look alike. Thanks Fischers for a real treat of a night. Keep this up and we just might start to forgive you for moving across town.

Luke's First Day!

We decided to do a Pre-School co-op this year with some other amazing ladies and today was the first day.  The boys are so cute and they did such a great job with everything.  I so glad we did this, it's going to be so fun!!

Delightful Randomness

I went outside tonight to find  the beginnings of a Veteran's Day Parade float.  

(I know, you thought this was a re-enactment of the Emperor's New Clothes. Nope. Just a little toasty out.)

Move over Luke.

Jake the master engineer.

Luke was pulling them so fast I thought he'd dump Bree for sure.  They were all laughing like crazy and they begged to take it out through the neighborhood, but doggonit it was time to go in for bed. 

This was all kind of really nice for me tonight. They were all getting along, having fun (not exactly a first, but close).  And I kind of have been feeling like these silly random episodes just might be numbered, especially for my Jakester.  Middle school, lockers, and always reaching for more independence.

So tonight I'm soaking it in.

(Even if I'm not willing to parade it around the neighborhood).

Coming Out of the Closet

After 5 long years, these bad boys finally found their way out.  Sure seemed like a good idea to buy these way back then.  Thought we'd use them lots.  Turns out we don't bowl that often unless we are on vacation or something crazy happens.  And this weekend it did.  Jer's work treated us all to a bowling extravaganza with pizza and soda to boot and wow were we excited.

One of Breezy's many spares.

Jake's sees that the Lukester seems to be beating him.

Luke's famous smile.

 Jer's reaction after taking down

1 pin and yes the bumpers were up and running.

She may have had low score,

but she was the only one to get 2 strikes in a row. 

That turkey was calling my name. 

I cracked under the pressure.

Lovin those tips that only dad can give. 
Thanks IBM for such a fun afternoon!!!
These shoes will not be back in the closet for long.