Today...

... we're already off to a fun day!

Colorado Tragedy

Photo from The Denver Post

I have wanted to post something about the shootings at the movie theatre in Colorado for days. I just haven't been able to organize my thoughts. I've read several items that have been inspirational and moving. Today I came across a blog post from a woman who was there. Since I wasn't there, my words could only describe what I think it might have been like, or what I think I might do in that situation. They would carry no authority. Please check out this account. This is what I hope I would be like after surviving a tragedy.

Photo from The Denver Post

The Science Center

Thanks to my friend Joanna, we enjoyed a visit to the Arizona Science Center yesterday. Jessica, Sunny, and I joined Joanna, Kat, Brody, and Quinn for a fun time. I wasn't sure Sunny would be old enough to appreciate it, but she had a blast! Of course, anything involving her friends is fun for her. I didn't want to lug my big camera, so I used one of Dan's appraisal cameras. The photos are not very good, but you'll get the picture...

TUSAL and Grandkids

I'm still only working on Katie's stocking. I haven't posted a picture in so long, because I think it's hard to see my progress from week to week. I promise there is a picture coming soon. Here's my TUSAL for this month. TUSAL stands for Totally Useless Stitch-a-Long. It is hosted by Daffycat. You can click here to join the fun.

There was some good sharing going on at my house on Monday. Sunny and Thunder played with puzzles together and then Thunder was very good at sharing his hammer. In fact, he's a much better sharer than his big sister is!

Happy 1st Birthday, Thunder!

Thunder turns one year old today. Wow. Gabe and I were talking about how quickly this year has flown past. Katie had an Ice Cream Social for his birthday party. A fun time was had by all...

The decor

Gramps and Thunder

Thunder and Abuela

Skye and Tia Jessica

The party goers

Aunt Kelly and Thunder

More party goers

More party goers

Skye trying to pick Thunder up...

...it didn't work out!

Grammy with Skye and Thunder

One year old!

"Why are you all singing?"

Ashley, Grammy, Skye, Aunt Kelly

Opening presents

Alphabet Summer: "M" day

This summer I am working on teaching Sunny to read the letters of the alphabet. She picks a letter for the day. We do a workbook page for that letter. She traces the letter and then tries to write it on her own. We also make a list of words that begin with that letter and I take pictures of her with those items. I send the photo page and the worksheet, along with a number worksheet home with her. I'm saving the photo pages on the computer and will present her with an "Alphabet Summer" book at the end of the summer.

It's simple, but we are enjoying this! Here's some of the photos from "M" day:

Mirror

Minnie & Mickey

Marshmallows

(you can totally tell she's getting ready to say "m-m-marsh...")

Mailbox

Milk

The Day Gigi Came to Play

Gigi came over to play the other day. And oh! the fun that ensued. I'll let the pictures tell the story...

The visit started off with snack time featuring Pirate's Booty

Next up was a rousing game of Candyland

There was time for adoring looks...

... snuggling...

... and some kisses!

"Hey! What's going on in there?! And WHY am I out here?"

Playing in the playroom

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

My SIL scored some tickets to the Diamondbacks/Padres game for Tuesday night. I don't know when was the last time I attended a game down at Dbacks stadium. I think it was before they changed their team colors to Sedona Red. We were in the 14th row out near the 3rd base foul pole. We had so much fun! Dan is a Padres fan and he was thrilled that they won the game 9-5. Thank you, Kelly!

me with the Mark Grace character (sorry it's so dark!)

our view of home plate

ready for a great game!

Happy Independence Day

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Happy 26th, Katie! (Ignore the xstitch mess on the table)

Today is Katie's birthday. Katie was our surprise baby. She was born 12 mos., 2 weeks after JD. She's the best surprise we've ever received! Katie is the child most like me. You would think that would mean we would be at each others' throats. That's not the case with us. As she likes to put it, she has all my good qualities, only better; and none of my bad qualities. Haha... Katie is warm, friendly, cheerful, and fun. She is also pragmatic and practical. You can always count on Katie to be honest about what she's feeling or thinking. She is generous. She is a terrific mom. Happy Birthday, Katie. We are so proud of you and love you!

Family Fun

Jessica told me that there is a Disney Store outlet down at the Arizona Mills Mall. Since that's kind of by where Zach and Ashley live, we arranged to meet them there Saturday. Katie, Thunder, and Sunny went too. We met at the Rain Forest Cafe. Lunch was good, but oh my, VERY expensive! The animals, thunderstorms, and jungle was a little overwhelming for Sunny. Afterward, we walked the mall and made some purchases at the Disney Store.

Zach and Skye

There's just something about Thunder that makes Skye want to hug him every time she sees him!

Big hug...

Skye and Tia Katie

Gramps, Sunny, Grammy, Thunder, Skye

Sunny wanted a photo with the elephant, just not by herself!