charlie

Richard wanted a dog for graduation, so he brought home a boxer named Charlie. As you can imagine, the kids are over the moon about this, and Richard is pretty excited too. Charlie is about a year old and his previous owner had done some training, so he is very well behaved. We are past the chewing everything in sight stage and he just runs around the yard. He loves to play fetch and hates the water (just like his cousin Angus!)

pinewood derby

This year was Garrett's first Pinewood Derby and he did a great job! He designed his car after Ramone from the Cars movie. He won 1st place in a couple of rounds and 2nd place in a couple of rounds. He also won Judges Choice for his design. We are so proud! He really worked hard on his car.

happy easter!

coloring easter eggs

This year we were able to color eggs out on the back patio. (Have I mentioned I love "winter" in Arizona?) Garrett decided that he would rather play with his friends that to color eggs with us, so it was just Jack and Grace. They didn't mind of course, it meant more eggs for them to color. Tomorrow they get to take the eggs to preschool for their Easter party.

and jack too

Of course Jack had to have is picture taken too. He is showing off his little marble collection. He always has marbles or rocks in his pockets. He calls them his babies, such a funny kid!

spring photo shoot with grace

I picked up this dress at a yard sale this weekend for $1 and Grace just loves it. She asked me to take her picture, so we had a little photo shoot in the front yard.

alone time for jack

Today it was Jack's turn to have some alone time in the sun. He is tucked inside the toy chest (which is turned on it's side) with a blanket. When I asked what he was doing he said, "I'm playing rockets."

coloring in the sun

This morning Grace decided that she wanted to color outside. She set up a whole little coloring station and enjoyed a little time to herself in the sunshine!

morning snuggle time

Grace and Jack enjoy their morning cartoon time together, usually snuggled up on the couch. Jack is always trying to make faces for the camera and Grace couldn't care less that I am trying to get a cute shot of the two of them together!

rawhide

Last night we went to Rawhide Western Town at Wild Horse Pass. It is and 1880's western town with shows, burro rides, climbing wall, stagecoach rides, train rides, and even a mechanical bull. It is set up like an old time main street with stores on either side of a dirt road-including a general store, jail, candy shoppe, and saloon. They also have a restaurant and live shows in outdoor theaters. The kids had a blast and we will definitely be visiting there again.

brothers

Even though there is a big age difference between them, Garrett and Jack are great friends. They can play together nicely (most of the time), they even ban girls from the room. Grace gets a little jealous when they do that though.

sunday at the park

It was such a beautiful day on Sunday so the kids and I took a walk down to the park. Grace rode her bike and Jack walked with me. They both love going to the park and playing. They always find some "buried treasure" in the sand. It is a good way for them to run out their energy and a good time for me to catch up on some reading.

Oh, and for Maggie-her hair is smashed from wearing her bike helmet, it was cute in the morning :)