On 6/21/16 when we arrived in Chicago we went to Navy Pier before going to the Cubs vs Cardinals game. Unfortunately, Cubs lost :( Nathan also got to tour the firehouse after the game. The next day we went to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It was the first time going there and it was beautiful, especially the water lilies. On 6/23, we went to Brookfield Zoo with Aunt Lisa. We ate dinner at Ledo's and then went to Shane's baseball game. We saw Grandma Ariel on 6/24 and had dinner with Uncle Donnie and Austin. Nathan and Grandpa Fred went to Lowe's on 6/25 for an Ironman workshop. That night we visited with the McCabe/Doyles. The next day we went to church at Faith Baptist and met Debbie Madl at Stir Crazy for lunch. We got to meet her twins and then see her "new" house. That night we crashed Lynda Ganzer's birthday party. Our last day in town we went to Olive Garden with Tracy and Sharon Simpson.
Nathan started his new FLIGHT classes at Casas on 6/29. He had Soccer, Old Fashioned Fun, Clay Play and Baking Buddies.
I went to Tohono Chul Park on 7/1.
Nathan and I went to see Finding Dory on 7/8.
Nathan and dad went to another Lowe's class on 7/9 to make Falcon.
Nathan started his 3rd FLIGHT classes at Casas on 7/11. They were Math Attack, Around the World, Aviation Station and Crazy for Crafts.
We all went to see Secret Life of Pets on 7/12. Nathan liked it, but mom and dad did not care for it.
We went to Peach Mania at Apple Annie's on 7/16. We also picked apples and other veggies.
Nathan and dad went to Lowe's on 7/23 to make Thor.
Nathan lost his 2nd tooth on 7/29. He got another certificate, a Star Wars toothbrush and $2.
Paul and Nathan went to see Ice Age on 7/31. Nathan liked it, but dad did not.
Nathan started 1st grade at Leman Academy on 8/3. His teacher is Mrs. Howayeck. His class has about 5 boys and 25 girls. There are 5 1st grade classes! This school just opened last year and this year doubled its enrollment. Right now it goes up to 7th grade. Next year they plan to go to 8th year. The long term plan is to go up to 12th grade, but they said there is a lot of red tape that they have to go through to make that happen. We like that this school has a Christian background, but it is a free charter school. Nathan was disappointed the first week because he was not learning much. I told him that they were all getting to know each other and that he would start learning more soon. It was a bit of a rough start for him, but I think it is getting better. Last Wednesday, 8/17, I got a call from the school, though. He had a cyst on his head that was oozing. They wanted me to pick him up and get a doctor's note before he could return to school. So we went to the doctor. He had like 4 of them on his head about a month ago and she thought it was a bacterial infection. She still thinks that is what it is so we started another round of antibiotics. She tried to do a culture on it, but did not have enough sample to test. She thinks shaving his head could be the problem. Nathan returned to school the next day.
I went to Tohono Chul Park, Degrazia Gallery in the Sun, Tucson Botanical Gardens and Pima Prickly Park on 8/5. I was able to see a lot of summer flowers.
Nathan built a skateboard pencil holder at Home Depot on 8/6.
I went to Bach's cactus nursery on 8/8.
I went to Reid Park Rose Garden and Reid Park Zoo on 8/11.
Nathan made Black Widow at Lowe's on 8/13.
I went back to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun on 8/18.
Nathan had his school pictures already on 8/22.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Getting ready to go to Chicago
On 5/15, we went to Lowe's Ventana Canyon for a late Mother's Day celebration. We ate brunch there and Paul bought me flowers.
Nathan graduated from Kindergarten on 5/17! We were surprised when he got the Music Student of the Year award. Afterward, we went to Dairy Queen and then came home so Nathan could open his presents.
Nathan had his Field Day at school on 5/18. Then he and I went to the anniversary showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off movie. That night I went to the ER because I had been chest pains and pain in my back, shoulders and neck. They did not find anything wrong other than a UTI.
Nathan's last day of school was 5/19. Afterward, daddy took him to a free Kristi Kids swimming lesson. It did not go well. He got put in time out several times, I think because he was not listening to the instructor and playing around. We may try to get more swimming lessons later in the summer.
Nathan and Daddy went to Jesse's birthday party at the park on 5/21.
I went to Reid Park Zoo on 5/26.
Memorial Day was on 5/30 so we went to the Marana's 1st Memorial Day celebration at the Veteran's Cemetery.
Nathan started his summer FLIGHT classes at Casas Christian School on 5/31. The first 3 week session was Microwave Magic, Paper Capers, Minecraft and Jr Olympics.
On 6/1 I went to Arthur Pack Park.
Nathan made his Father's Day gift at Home Depot on 6/4. It was a cell phone holder.
On 6/11 we met the Alvirs at the La Encantada car show. Then we went to Oregano's for lunch.
Nathan lost his first tooth on 6/12! The tooth fairy brought him a certificate, toothpaste, toothbrush and a $1.
I went to Tohono Chul Park on 6/13.
Today is Father's Day. We stayed home today because we are supposed to get record breaking heat around 115 degrees today.
We are getting ready to go to Chicago on Tuesday, 6/21.
Nathan graduated from Kindergarten on 5/17! We were surprised when he got the Music Student of the Year award. Afterward, we went to Dairy Queen and then came home so Nathan could open his presents.
Nathan had his Field Day at school on 5/18. Then he and I went to the anniversary showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off movie. That night I went to the ER because I had been chest pains and pain in my back, shoulders and neck. They did not find anything wrong other than a UTI.
Nathan's last day of school was 5/19. Afterward, daddy took him to a free Kristi Kids swimming lesson. It did not go well. He got put in time out several times, I think because he was not listening to the instructor and playing around. We may try to get more swimming lessons later in the summer.
Nathan and Daddy went to Jesse's birthday party at the park on 5/21.
I went to Reid Park Zoo on 5/26.
Memorial Day was on 5/30 so we went to the Marana's 1st Memorial Day celebration at the Veteran's Cemetery.
Nathan started his summer FLIGHT classes at Casas Christian School on 5/31. The first 3 week session was Microwave Magic, Paper Capers, Minecraft and Jr Olympics.
On 6/1 I went to Arthur Pack Park.
Nathan made his Father's Day gift at Home Depot on 6/4. It was a cell phone holder.
On 6/11 we met the Alvirs at the La Encantada car show. Then we went to Oregano's for lunch.
Nathan lost his first tooth on 6/12! The tooth fairy brought him a certificate, toothpaste, toothbrush and a $1.
I went to Tohono Chul Park on 6/13.
Today is Father's Day. We stayed home today because we are supposed to get record breaking heat around 115 degrees today.
We are getting ready to go to Chicago on Tuesday, 6/21.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
School is almost out!
On 3/28/16 I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens.
On 3/31/16 I went to the Desert Museum.
We went to the Phoenix Air Show with the Thunderbirds on 4/2/16.
I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tohono Chul Park and to see the Oracle owls on 4/4/16. At the Tucson Botanical Gardens I got to see the irises.
4/5/16 was a busy day. I saw the 3 baby owls in Oracle. I went to Arthur Pack Park. I went to Bach's Cactus Nursery. I saw the Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage. I saw the Flying Saucers at Tohono Chul Park. I also went to Pima Prickly Park.
On 4/6/16 I went back to see more flying saucers at Tohono Chul Park and to see the Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage. I also saw the dad and baby owls in Oracle.
I went back to see the Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage on 4/7/16.
On 4/8/16 I went to Pima Prickly Park and Tohono Chul Park. I also got to see the First Light, Ladyfinger and saguaro blossoms at Tucson Botanical Gardens. They had more irises blooming as well.
On 4/9/16 the boys went to Lowe's so Nathan could participate in a bird feeder building class. I went to Tohono Chul Park.
I saw more Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage on 4/10/16. I saw more Flying Saucers
and a baby bunny at Tohono Chul Park.
I went to Bach's Cactus Nursery on 4/11/16. I saw more Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage. I saw the First Light, Ladyfinger, irises and the butterflies at Tucson Botanical Gardens. I saw Flying Saucers and lizards at Tohono Chul Park.
On 4/13/16 I went to B&B Cactus Farm for the first time. I also went to the Desert Museum and the Reid Park Rose Garden.
We left for D.C. on 4/16/16. We had a layover in Atlanta. Took us almost the whole day to get to D.C. We went to Chinatown for dinner when we got there.
The next day we went to see the Iwo Jima Memorial. Then we went to Arlington National Ceremony. I was happy to see several cherry blossom trees still in bloom there. Then we went on our brunch cruise. Nathan got to meet the captain. Unfortunately, we did not go by many of the monuments, but the food was good and the cruise was relaxing. After the cruise we went to see the Jefferson Memorial. There was still a cherry blossom tree blooming near it, too. We went over by the White House on our way back to the hotel. Nathan was excited to ride the train that day. It was still a lot of walking, though. I did over 30,000 steps on my Fitbit which is 3x my normal daily routine.
We went to the National Zoo on 4/18/16. We got to see one panda outside. Paul thought he saw the baby in a tree.
The next day we went to the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the WW1 Memorial, the WW2 Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Then I went to the Botanical Gardens while the boys went to the Air & Space Museum. Then we all went over to the Smithsonian.
That concluded our D.C. trip and we spent the last day traveling back home.
On 4/21/16 and 4/22/16 I went to Tohono Chul Park to see more Flying Saucers. They are my favorite cactus flowers.
I went back again to Tohono Chul Park to see the Flying Saucers on 4/23/16. The boys went to the Pima County Fair. I saw a snake in our yard that day and had to call someone to come get it. They said it was a baby rattler.
On 4/26/16 I went to see the prairie dog pups and the bighorn sheep lambs at the Desert Museum. I also went to Columbus Park.
Nathan went on a field trip to the Children's Museum on 5/3/16. He said he did not have that much fun, though, because there were too many kids there.
May 4th was Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you. Nathan is really into Star Wars.
Cinco de Mayo was on May 5th. Nathan went to Lowe's to make a chalkboard planter for me for Mother's Day.
I went to see the butterflies at Tucson Botanical Gardens and to the Reid Park Rose Garden on 5/6/16.
Nathan went to Home Depot on 5/7/16 to make an Angry Birds birdhouse. He also went to the Pima Air & Space Museum to make a model airplane.
Mother's Day was 5/8/16. Nathan made me a card. He also gave me the birdhouse he made at Home Depot and the chalkboard planter that he made at Lowe's. I really did not feel like going out that day. We were going to go to Tubac, but I did not want to go that far. We may do that for Father's Day instead. I stayed home all day and the boys brought me home Olive Garden for dinner.
I went to the Desert Museum on 5/9/16. I saw the prairie dog pups, the bighorn sheep lambs and quite a few cactus flowers.
We went to an Awards Ceremony at Sonoran Science Academy on 5/12/16. Nathan was recognized for being on the honor roll. He got straight A's all year. I am so proud of him.
Today the boys went to Breakers Water Park. Nathan got a free pass from his school.
Next week will be Nathan's last week of school. His kindergarten graduation will be on 5/17/16. He and I will be seeing the 30th anniversary showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off on 5/18. Nathan will be getting a swim lesson with Kristi's Kids on 5/19. That is also his last day of school. He will be home for a week before he starts the summer FLIGHT program at Casas Christian School.
On 3/31/16 I went to the Desert Museum.
We went to the Phoenix Air Show with the Thunderbirds on 4/2/16.
I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tohono Chul Park and to see the Oracle owls on 4/4/16. At the Tucson Botanical Gardens I got to see the irises.
4/5/16 was a busy day. I saw the 3 baby owls in Oracle. I went to Arthur Pack Park. I went to Bach's Cactus Nursery. I saw the Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage. I saw the Flying Saucers at Tohono Chul Park. I also went to Pima Prickly Park.
On 4/6/16 I went back to see more flying saucers at Tohono Chul Park and to see the Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage. I also saw the dad and baby owls in Oracle.
I went back to see the Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage on 4/7/16.
On 4/8/16 I went to Pima Prickly Park and Tohono Chul Park. I also got to see the First Light, Ladyfinger and saguaro blossoms at Tucson Botanical Gardens. They had more irises blooming as well.
On 4/9/16 the boys went to Lowe's so Nathan could participate in a bird feeder building class. I went to Tohono Chul Park.
I saw more Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage on 4/10/16. I saw more Flying Saucers
and a baby bunny at Tohono Chul Park.
I went to Bach's Cactus Nursery on 4/11/16. I saw more Argentine Giants at Northwest RV & Storage. I saw the First Light, Ladyfinger, irises and the butterflies at Tucson Botanical Gardens. I saw Flying Saucers and lizards at Tohono Chul Park.
On 4/13/16 I went to B&B Cactus Farm for the first time. I also went to the Desert Museum and the Reid Park Rose Garden.
We left for D.C. on 4/16/16. We had a layover in Atlanta. Took us almost the whole day to get to D.C. We went to Chinatown for dinner when we got there.
The next day we went to see the Iwo Jima Memorial. Then we went to Arlington National Ceremony. I was happy to see several cherry blossom trees still in bloom there. Then we went on our brunch cruise. Nathan got to meet the captain. Unfortunately, we did not go by many of the monuments, but the food was good and the cruise was relaxing. After the cruise we went to see the Jefferson Memorial. There was still a cherry blossom tree blooming near it, too. We went over by the White House on our way back to the hotel. Nathan was excited to ride the train that day. It was still a lot of walking, though. I did over 30,000 steps on my Fitbit which is 3x my normal daily routine.
We went to the National Zoo on 4/18/16. We got to see one panda outside. Paul thought he saw the baby in a tree.
The next day we went to the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the WW1 Memorial, the WW2 Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Then I went to the Botanical Gardens while the boys went to the Air & Space Museum. Then we all went over to the Smithsonian.
That concluded our D.C. trip and we spent the last day traveling back home.
On 4/21/16 and 4/22/16 I went to Tohono Chul Park to see more Flying Saucers. They are my favorite cactus flowers.
I went back again to Tohono Chul Park to see the Flying Saucers on 4/23/16. The boys went to the Pima County Fair. I saw a snake in our yard that day and had to call someone to come get it. They said it was a baby rattler.
On 4/26/16 I went to see the prairie dog pups and the bighorn sheep lambs at the Desert Museum. I also went to Columbus Park.
Nathan went on a field trip to the Children's Museum on 5/3/16. He said he did not have that much fun, though, because there were too many kids there.
May 4th was Star Wars Day. May the 4th be with you. Nathan is really into Star Wars.
Cinco de Mayo was on May 5th. Nathan went to Lowe's to make a chalkboard planter for me for Mother's Day.
I went to see the butterflies at Tucson Botanical Gardens and to the Reid Park Rose Garden on 5/6/16.
Nathan went to Home Depot on 5/7/16 to make an Angry Birds birdhouse. He also went to the Pima Air & Space Museum to make a model airplane.
Mother's Day was 5/8/16. Nathan made me a card. He also gave me the birdhouse he made at Home Depot and the chalkboard planter that he made at Lowe's. I really did not feel like going out that day. We were going to go to Tubac, but I did not want to go that far. We may do that for Father's Day instead. I stayed home all day and the boys brought me home Olive Garden for dinner.
I went to the Desert Museum on 5/9/16. I saw the prairie dog pups, the bighorn sheep lambs and quite a few cactus flowers.
We went to an Awards Ceremony at Sonoran Science Academy on 5/12/16. Nathan was recognized for being on the honor roll. He got straight A's all year. I am so proud of him.
Today the boys went to Breakers Water Park. Nathan got a free pass from his school.
Next week will be Nathan's last week of school. His kindergarten graduation will be on 5/17/16. He and I will be seeing the 30th anniversary showing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off on 5/18. Nathan will be getting a swim lesson with Kristi's Kids on 5/19. That is also his last day of school. He will be home for a week before he starts the summer FLIGHT program at Casas Christian School.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Happy Easter!
During Rodeo Days we went to Disneyland. We went to Disneyland on 2/25 and Adventure Park on 2/26. We went to Long Beach on 2/27. We had never been to Long Beach before. We went to Aquarium of the Pacific. It was crowded that day so it was hard to see the tanks. We were disappointed. Then we went on a whale watch cruise. I tried to find dramamine with no luck. I really wish I had it because I got sea sick on the cruise. I felt so sick I could not even take pictures. We saw whales, dolphins and seals. It was such a shame I was too sick to enjoy it. Nathan was scared at first because the boat was going fast for him. He actually fell asleep for awhile eventually. On the way home from California we stopped at Joshua Tree National Park on 2/28. We only had like 2-3 hours there, but we enjoyed our visit. The Joshua trees were starting to bloom and we climbed some of the big rocks.
Nathan had his class picture taken on 3/4.
I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens on 3/5.
Nathan had his Bug Fair at school on 3/9. He and daddy made a great dragonfly display. I did not go to his bug fair because he initially told me that he did not want me to go. He was disappointed that I was not there, though so I wish that I did go. I heard he did great on his presentation and that he had one of the best bug displays.
I went to the Desert Museum on 3/10.
We went to Phoenix during Nathan's spring break. We went to a Cubs and White Sox game on 3/12. Cubs won! The next day we went to a NASCAR race. Once again Kevin Harvick won, but it was the closest race in PIR history. On 3/14, we went to see the Salt River horses. We hiked for awhile and could not find them. Then we saw them. It was so cool to see them in the wild. There were a few babies, too. After that we went on the Desert Belle cruise at Saguaro Lake. We saw bighorn sheep which was pretty cool. Then that night we ate dinner in Fountain Hills and got to see the big fountain there. It goes off every hour for 15 minutes I think. On 3/15, I went to Butterfly Wonderland while the boys went to the train park. Then we all went to a Cubs and Padres game. Cubs won again! I swear I bring them good luck when I go their games because they win pretty much every time. After the game we went to the Scottsdale Civic Center and took some pictures by the LOVE statue and of the flowers. The next day the boys went to a Sox and Brewers game (Sox lost) and I went to the Desert Botanical Gardens. I was disappointed because there were not many cacti blooming yet. I spent the morning there and then walked over to the zoo. I got to see the baby orangutan so that was fun, but it was hard getting good pictures.
We got home the night of 3/16 so I was not able to cook a traditional St Patty's dinner the next day for St Patty's Day. Nobody eats the corned beef and cabbage except for me anyway. I made it a few days later.
We took Nathan to see Zootopia on 3/18. He liked it. We also got Nathan's picture taken with the Easter Bunny.
I went to the Desert Museum on 3/21 and saw the free flight show for the last time this season. Now I heard that there is a new bighorn lamb so I have to go back! Some of the cacti were starting to bloom as well. I also saw a baby hummingbird in the aviary. I was there on 3/10 when it was born and I got to see in when it was a week old.
Yesterday I went to Tohono Chul Park. There were not many cacti blooming yet. They seem to blooming later this year. I just hope I do not miss a lot of them. I may also miss some when we go to D.C. next month. Nathan colored his Easter eggs yesterday, too.
Today was Easter. Nathan made his own paper Easter eggs for us and hid them in our bedroom. He also made a special craft for me. It has a bunch of "horses" (unicorns) kissing. He made it because he and I are always kissing each other. He was so excited to give it to me this morning. Then he went through his Easter baskets. The basket he got from mommy and daddy was Star Wars themed. Then he did his Easter egg hunt in the house. We went to church and afterward we had a traditional Easter meal....pizza! We went to Grimaldi's. I made deviled eggs and bought honey baked ham from the Honey Baked Ham Co, but I am the only one who eats it. I got Paul to make the carrot cake for Easter, too.
Tomorrow it is back to school. Next weekend we plan to go back up to Phoenix to see the Air Show. We missed the one in Tucson because we were in Phoenix!
Nathan had his class picture taken on 3/4.
I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens on 3/5.
Nathan had his Bug Fair at school on 3/9. He and daddy made a great dragonfly display. I did not go to his bug fair because he initially told me that he did not want me to go. He was disappointed that I was not there, though so I wish that I did go. I heard he did great on his presentation and that he had one of the best bug displays.
I went to the Desert Museum on 3/10.
We went to Phoenix during Nathan's spring break. We went to a Cubs and White Sox game on 3/12. Cubs won! The next day we went to a NASCAR race. Once again Kevin Harvick won, but it was the closest race in PIR history. On 3/14, we went to see the Salt River horses. We hiked for awhile and could not find them. Then we saw them. It was so cool to see them in the wild. There were a few babies, too. After that we went on the Desert Belle cruise at Saguaro Lake. We saw bighorn sheep which was pretty cool. Then that night we ate dinner in Fountain Hills and got to see the big fountain there. It goes off every hour for 15 minutes I think. On 3/15, I went to Butterfly Wonderland while the boys went to the train park. Then we all went to a Cubs and Padres game. Cubs won again! I swear I bring them good luck when I go their games because they win pretty much every time. After the game we went to the Scottsdale Civic Center and took some pictures by the LOVE statue and of the flowers. The next day the boys went to a Sox and Brewers game (Sox lost) and I went to the Desert Botanical Gardens. I was disappointed because there were not many cacti blooming yet. I spent the morning there and then walked over to the zoo. I got to see the baby orangutan so that was fun, but it was hard getting good pictures.
We got home the night of 3/16 so I was not able to cook a traditional St Patty's dinner the next day for St Patty's Day. Nobody eats the corned beef and cabbage except for me anyway. I made it a few days later.
We took Nathan to see Zootopia on 3/18. He liked it. We also got Nathan's picture taken with the Easter Bunny.
I went to the Desert Museum on 3/21 and saw the free flight show for the last time this season. Now I heard that there is a new bighorn lamb so I have to go back! Some of the cacti were starting to bloom as well. I also saw a baby hummingbird in the aviary. I was there on 3/10 when it was born and I got to see in when it was a week old.
Yesterday I went to Tohono Chul Park. There were not many cacti blooming yet. They seem to blooming later this year. I just hope I do not miss a lot of them. I may also miss some when we go to D.C. next month. Nathan colored his Easter eggs yesterday, too.
Today was Easter. Nathan made his own paper Easter eggs for us and hid them in our bedroom. He also made a special craft for me. It has a bunch of "horses" (unicorns) kissing. He made it because he and I are always kissing each other. He was so excited to give it to me this morning. Then he went through his Easter baskets. The basket he got from mommy and daddy was Star Wars themed. Then he did his Easter egg hunt in the house. We went to church and afterward we had a traditional Easter meal....pizza! We went to Grimaldi's. I made deviled eggs and bought honey baked ham from the Honey Baked Ham Co, but I am the only one who eats it. I got Paul to make the carrot cake for Easter, too.
Tomorrow it is back to school. Next weekend we plan to go back up to Phoenix to see the Air Show. We missed the one in Tucson because we were in Phoenix!
Thursday, February 18, 2016
It is Spring!
I am amazed how quickly time flies by. I have not updated our blog since before Christmas. We had a nice Christmas.
Nathan made honor roll the first semester! I am so proud of him.
On New Year's Eve we stayed home. I was the only one who stayed up until midnight!
I turned 41 on 1/2. We went to Phoenix . I went to Butterfly Wonderland while the boys went to the train park. Then we went to Portillo's for lunch. Next, we all went to Wildlife World Zoo. On the way home we stopped at Olive Garden in Casa Grande for my birthday dinner. We also got some donuts at Krispy Kremes.
Nathan had his 6 year old pediatrician appointment on 1/4. He weighs 47 lbs which is in the 60th percentile and he is 46 inches tall which is in the 50-55th percentile.
I started my diet and exercise plan on 1/5. My goal is to lose 40 pounds. I started doing the elliptical every day.
One of my pictures was published in Arizona Wildlife Views. It is a picture of baby prairie dogs taken at the Desert Museum. I was paid $100!
I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens on 1/21, There was not a lot blooming, but they had an abundance of orchids in the butterfly house.
Paul went to Chicago for work 1/19-1/22.
I went to the Desert Museum on 1/28.
2/2 was Groundhog Day or as Nathan likes to call it, Ground Squirrel Day! Phil predicted an early spring. It was a cold, rainy winter so I was looking forward to warmer weather and to spring flowers. That day I also found out that one of my butterfly pictures taken at Tucson Botanical Gardens was chosen as an Arizona Highways Magazine photo contest finalist. 40 photos were chosen as finalists.
My photo of a steller jay taken at the Desert Museum was chosen as photo of the day on Capture my Arizona on 2/5.
We found out some disturbing news about Nathan's school. Sue Lamberson, a friend of ours from church, forwarded us an article. It seems that Nathan's school is one of many STEM schools in our country run under the Muslim influence. We did our own research and it appears to be true, even though I think most parents there are unaware. They supposedly offer a lot of visas to Turkish teachers to teach at these schools. While they do not push the Muslim beliefs during normal school time, they do have a Turkish Club and Turkish is a required foreign language. We really did not want to take the chance that they could be influencing our son's religious beliefs. So we started researching schools. I was drawn to Leman Academy, a new school that opened here in Marana this year. It is a free charter school, but it has a Christian influence. It is getting great reviews. Nathan's teacher from Kid City Christian Preschool last year is now a teacher at Leman, Mrs. Robbins. We took a tour on 2/8. We were pretty impressed so we ended up enrolling him that day for next year. He has already been accepted so it looks like he will be going to Lehman next year. I like that it is closer than Sonoran Science Academy. I was never really keen on Sonoran in the first place. Paul was the one who pushed for it since it is a STEM school and rates so high in Arizona. We were not impressed when we went to their open house, though, and they seem so disorganized. I do have to say that Nathan has really excelled there. The curriculum has been very challenging and yet he has done so well. I feel bad making him change schools again, but we explained to him why we are doing so. He understands as much as a six year old can. I hope this is a good move and that he does well at Leman, too. Right now the school goes up to 6th grade with plans to go to 7th grade next year. I think ultimately they want to go to 12th grade, but we are not sure if they can make that happen or not.
On 2/11, I went to Tohono Chul Park. There was not much in bloom yet, other than some desert bluebells. That day was also Bella's 8th birthday!
On Valentine's Day I was sick with a sinus infection. It started earlier in the week. Nathan made me the sweetest Valentine's Day card. He told me that he loved me and that he wanted me to get better. He and daddy had gone to the Tucson gem and mineral show so they bought me a stone butterfly and a jewelry holder from there for Valentine's Day.
2/16 I found out that my mom went to the hospital with a kidney stone. They ended up doing a procedure on her that night to remove it. She was able to go home that night, but she had to return in a couple of days to get a stent removed. I also found out that day that my Grandma Ariel was sent to the hospital. A couple of days prior she was at Bingo and could not walk when she stood up. They got her home, but the next day she fell in the bathroom and hit her head. Come to find out she has stomach and colon cancer as well as an ulcer in her chest that may be cancerous. It is not good at all. She is still in the hospital getting tests done. They need to determine how far along the cancer is and what they can do for her, if anything. That night I also decided to go to urgent care. They confirmed I have a sinus infection and they gave me an antibiotic. Since the sinus infection started I was not feeling well enough to do my elliptical. I also lost my taste buds so I was not eating as much. I lost almost 5 pounds in one week. I expect I may have lost more this past week. I weigh myself now on Saturday mornings. I am glad to be losing weight, but I am not happy about not being able to do the elliptical. I was really trying to get in shape and get in a lot of steps on my Fitbit.
I was sick for our anniversary, too. We did not do anything special since it was a school night and I was not feeling well. Paul had ordered me Portillo's ribs. They came that day, but he put them in the freezer until my taste comes back! I ordered him Giordano's heart pizzas and they are supposed to arrive tomorrow. Paul also bought me a ring at the Tucson gem and mineral show. He was looking for "peach colored" gems. The ring is a little small right now, but I told him not to get it sized yet because I still intend to lose more weight. It may fit my ring finger if I lose the weight I want to lose. He also bought another gem that we need to make into something. It is pretty big so I am not sure what we are going to do with it just yet.
Nathan stayed home from school today because he was not feeling well and had a fever. Last semester he had perfect attendance. This semester we knew he was going to miss some days anyway because of our upcoming D.C. trip in April. He seemed to do good today, but tonight he is not feeling well again. It is looking like he may stay home tomorrow, too.
I sure hope all of us are feeling better next week because next Wednesday we leave to go to Disneyland. Nathan has Thursday and Friday off for rodeo days so we decided to take him to Disneyland.
Nathan made honor roll the first semester! I am so proud of him.
On New Year's Eve we stayed home. I was the only one who stayed up until midnight!
I turned 41 on 1/2. We went to Phoenix . I went to Butterfly Wonderland while the boys went to the train park. Then we went to Portillo's for lunch. Next, we all went to Wildlife World Zoo. On the way home we stopped at Olive Garden in Casa Grande for my birthday dinner. We also got some donuts at Krispy Kremes.
Nathan had his 6 year old pediatrician appointment on 1/4. He weighs 47 lbs which is in the 60th percentile and he is 46 inches tall which is in the 50-55th percentile.
I started my diet and exercise plan on 1/5. My goal is to lose 40 pounds. I started doing the elliptical every day.
One of my pictures was published in Arizona Wildlife Views. It is a picture of baby prairie dogs taken at the Desert Museum. I was paid $100!
I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens on 1/21, There was not a lot blooming, but they had an abundance of orchids in the butterfly house.
Paul went to Chicago for work 1/19-1/22.
I went to the Desert Museum on 1/28.
2/2 was Groundhog Day or as Nathan likes to call it, Ground Squirrel Day! Phil predicted an early spring. It was a cold, rainy winter so I was looking forward to warmer weather and to spring flowers. That day I also found out that one of my butterfly pictures taken at Tucson Botanical Gardens was chosen as an Arizona Highways Magazine photo contest finalist. 40 photos were chosen as finalists.
My photo of a steller jay taken at the Desert Museum was chosen as photo of the day on Capture my Arizona on 2/5.
We found out some disturbing news about Nathan's school. Sue Lamberson, a friend of ours from church, forwarded us an article. It seems that Nathan's school is one of many STEM schools in our country run under the Muslim influence. We did our own research and it appears to be true, even though I think most parents there are unaware. They supposedly offer a lot of visas to Turkish teachers to teach at these schools. While they do not push the Muslim beliefs during normal school time, they do have a Turkish Club and Turkish is a required foreign language. We really did not want to take the chance that they could be influencing our son's religious beliefs. So we started researching schools. I was drawn to Leman Academy, a new school that opened here in Marana this year. It is a free charter school, but it has a Christian influence. It is getting great reviews. Nathan's teacher from Kid City Christian Preschool last year is now a teacher at Leman, Mrs. Robbins. We took a tour on 2/8. We were pretty impressed so we ended up enrolling him that day for next year. He has already been accepted so it looks like he will be going to Lehman next year. I like that it is closer than Sonoran Science Academy. I was never really keen on Sonoran in the first place. Paul was the one who pushed for it since it is a STEM school and rates so high in Arizona. We were not impressed when we went to their open house, though, and they seem so disorganized. I do have to say that Nathan has really excelled there. The curriculum has been very challenging and yet he has done so well. I feel bad making him change schools again, but we explained to him why we are doing so. He understands as much as a six year old can. I hope this is a good move and that he does well at Leman, too. Right now the school goes up to 6th grade with plans to go to 7th grade next year. I think ultimately they want to go to 12th grade, but we are not sure if they can make that happen or not.
On 2/11, I went to Tohono Chul Park. There was not much in bloom yet, other than some desert bluebells. That day was also Bella's 8th birthday!
On Valentine's Day I was sick with a sinus infection. It started earlier in the week. Nathan made me the sweetest Valentine's Day card. He told me that he loved me and that he wanted me to get better. He and daddy had gone to the Tucson gem and mineral show so they bought me a stone butterfly and a jewelry holder from there for Valentine's Day.
2/16 I found out that my mom went to the hospital with a kidney stone. They ended up doing a procedure on her that night to remove it. She was able to go home that night, but she had to return in a couple of days to get a stent removed. I also found out that day that my Grandma Ariel was sent to the hospital. A couple of days prior she was at Bingo and could not walk when she stood up. They got her home, but the next day she fell in the bathroom and hit her head. Come to find out she has stomach and colon cancer as well as an ulcer in her chest that may be cancerous. It is not good at all. She is still in the hospital getting tests done. They need to determine how far along the cancer is and what they can do for her, if anything. That night I also decided to go to urgent care. They confirmed I have a sinus infection and they gave me an antibiotic. Since the sinus infection started I was not feeling well enough to do my elliptical. I also lost my taste buds so I was not eating as much. I lost almost 5 pounds in one week. I expect I may have lost more this past week. I weigh myself now on Saturday mornings. I am glad to be losing weight, but I am not happy about not being able to do the elliptical. I was really trying to get in shape and get in a lot of steps on my Fitbit.
I was sick for our anniversary, too. We did not do anything special since it was a school night and I was not feeling well. Paul had ordered me Portillo's ribs. They came that day, but he put them in the freezer until my taste comes back! I ordered him Giordano's heart pizzas and they are supposed to arrive tomorrow. Paul also bought me a ring at the Tucson gem and mineral show. He was looking for "peach colored" gems. The ring is a little small right now, but I told him not to get it sized yet because I still intend to lose more weight. It may fit my ring finger if I lose the weight I want to lose. He also bought another gem that we need to make into something. It is pretty big so I am not sure what we are going to do with it just yet.
Nathan stayed home from school today because he was not feeling well and had a fever. Last semester he had perfect attendance. This semester we knew he was going to miss some days anyway because of our upcoming D.C. trip in April. He seemed to do good today, but tonight he is not feeling well again. It is looking like he may stay home tomorrow, too.
I sure hope all of us are feeling better next week because next Wednesday we leave to go to Disneyland. Nathan has Thursday and Friday off for rodeo days so we decided to take him to Disneyland.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
We took Nathan to see Santa on 11/28. Nathan asked Santa for a stuffed animal cat, stuffed animal dog, cars (land, water, RC), remote control airplane, freight cars, Scooby Doo legos, portable dvd player, tablet and coloring books.
Nathan had his school holiday recital on 11/30.
I went to the Desert Museum on 12/3 to see the raptor free flight show for the first time since it started back up on 10/1.
Paul and Nathan made a gingerbread train on 12/5.
On 12/6, we went to see the Tucson Botanical Gardens luminarias. It was our first time going to this event. Nathan liked seeing the Lego exhibits again and he got to see Santa again.
Nathan had his first field trip to the Ostrich Farm on 12/7. He did not want me to go, but he said he enjoyed it. I have never been there so I will have to check it out some time. That day I went to Reid Park, the Reid Park Rose Garden, the zoo and Tohono Chul Park.
Nathan had his 6th birthday party on 12/12. It was at Peter Piper Pizza and the theme was Tom & Jerry. Jade, Jesse, Sachi, Alyssa, Samhita and Eli went to the party.
We went to Winterhaven on 12/13.
Nathan wanted to go to dinner at Grimaldi's Pizzeria for his birthday (12/15).
After Nathan got out of school on Friday, 12/18, we headed toward Sedona. There was not as much snow there as I hoped and we did not have much time before it started to get dark. From there we headed to Williams and stayed the night. The next day we got up and went to Bearizona. That afternoon it was time to surprise Nathan with the Polar Express ride. For some reason he threw a fit and said he did not want to go on it. That was not the response we expected! He loved the Polar Express movie and we thought this is something he would really enjoy. Our whole trip was planned around this surprise for him. He enjoyed it once he was on the train. The next day we headed for the Grand Canyon. It was REALLY cold and overcast. We stayed there overnight at the Bright Angel Lodge. The next morning was a little warmer and a tad sunnier. We walked and drove around the south rim before heading back to Tucson that night.
Nathan had his school holiday recital on 11/30.
I went to the Desert Museum on 12/3 to see the raptor free flight show for the first time since it started back up on 10/1.
Paul and Nathan made a gingerbread train on 12/5.
On 12/6, we went to see the Tucson Botanical Gardens luminarias. It was our first time going to this event. Nathan liked seeing the Lego exhibits again and he got to see Santa again.
Nathan had his first field trip to the Ostrich Farm on 12/7. He did not want me to go, but he said he enjoyed it. I have never been there so I will have to check it out some time. That day I went to Reid Park, the Reid Park Rose Garden, the zoo and Tohono Chul Park.
Nathan had his 6th birthday party on 12/12. It was at Peter Piper Pizza and the theme was Tom & Jerry. Jade, Jesse, Sachi, Alyssa, Samhita and Eli went to the party.
We went to Winterhaven on 12/13.
Nathan wanted to go to dinner at Grimaldi's Pizzeria for his birthday (12/15).
After Nathan got out of school on Friday, 12/18, we headed toward Sedona. There was not as much snow there as I hoped and we did not have much time before it started to get dark. From there we headed to Williams and stayed the night. The next day we got up and went to Bearizona. That afternoon it was time to surprise Nathan with the Polar Express ride. For some reason he threw a fit and said he did not want to go on it. That was not the response we expected! He loved the Polar Express movie and we thought this is something he would really enjoy. Our whole trip was planned around this surprise for him. He enjoyed it once he was on the train. The next day we headed for the Grand Canyon. It was REALLY cold and overcast. We stayed there overnight at the Bright Angel Lodge. The next morning was a little warmer and a tad sunnier. We walked and drove around the south rim before heading back to Tucson that night.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Almost Thanksgiving time
On November 1st we went up to Mt Lemmon to see if we could catch the last of the Fall colors. There was some. We ate at the Cookie Cabin. Dawn felt a little sick going up and down the mountain, probably because of the antibiotics she was on at the time.
Paul and Nathan went to the Cops n Rodders show on November 7th. Then they went to Caleb's birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza. Caleb is one of Nathan's classmates.
Tulla turned 9 on November 9th. Her Golden Birthday!
Nathan had off school on Veteran's Day (November 11). Nathan and I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens so that he could see the Lego Exhibits as well as the one he entered in their contest. Then we went to the movies to see The Peanuts Movie. That place was crowded! But it was a really good movie.
We went to meet Kyle Busch at Hot Rods on November 12th.
We attempted to go to the NASCAR race in Phoenix on November 15th. It started raining shortly after we got there. There ended up being a long rain delay. They raced later that night, but we left before the race started. We needed to get back home because Paul had work the next day and Nathan had school.
Paul left for Hartford, CT the next day for work. He was there 11/16-11/20.
Dawn went to the Reid Park Rose Garden on 11/18.
This week will be a short week. Thanksgiving day we will be going to the Alvirs.
Paul and Nathan went to the Cops n Rodders show on November 7th. Then they went to Caleb's birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza. Caleb is one of Nathan's classmates.
Tulla turned 9 on November 9th. Her Golden Birthday!
Nathan had off school on Veteran's Day (November 11). Nathan and I went to Tucson Botanical Gardens so that he could see the Lego Exhibits as well as the one he entered in their contest. Then we went to the movies to see The Peanuts Movie. That place was crowded! But it was a really good movie.
We went to meet Kyle Busch at Hot Rods on November 12th.
We attempted to go to the NASCAR race in Phoenix on November 15th. It started raining shortly after we got there. There ended up being a long rain delay. They raced later that night, but we left before the race started. We needed to get back home because Paul had work the next day and Nathan had school.
Paul left for Hartford, CT the next day for work. He was there 11/16-11/20.
Dawn went to the Reid Park Rose Garden on 11/18.
This week will be a short week. Thanksgiving day we will be going to the Alvirs.
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