garth. take two.

Wouldn't ya know it but Garth Brooks came out of retirement.........

AGAIN!

And lucky for us, we snatched up tickets for this special engagement just in time!  Unfortunately Dad and Ann had a prior engagement so they couldn't attend.   So instead, Chris and I each brought a close friend; not a bad "Plan B".

It was an amazing time and two things proved very true:

1.  GARTH is the most incredible performer of all time.
2.  VEGAS stole our money.

The show ended at 1am (already way past my bed time) but we couldn't resist hanging out with our cousins & Vegas locals, Kenny and Cindy!  Soooooooo despite going to bed at 4:30 in the morning, I actually felt fine the next day!  Anything was better than the food poisoning I took home last time!

Garth - are you done now??  ;)

A great afternoon of relaxing by the pool!

QT with my sis!

The man needed eye drops but you would think he was dying.  We had to capture the dramatic event.

Jay made it to the airport literally with 30 seconds to spare!  Not something this "Type A" gal can handle!

We're coming Garth!

ramos family visit!

When I say highlights, this is what I am talking about!

We got the pleasure of hosting Jen, Jake and Madelynne for a few days and I didn't want them to leave!  Do I ever when they visit?

It was such an enjoyable few days of quality time and with a house full of 3 toddlers, a LOT of cleaning!  For those of you with more than 2 kids: I admire you!  Nonetheless, the kids had a great time together and Madelynne is so precious; there are no words.  Beautiful...just like her mommy!

After their Tempe visit with Monica (thank you again Mon for all you did!!), the temps shot into triple digits before we could blink.  Regardless, we attempted a very "short" visit to the train park and then opted for the air-conditioned Children's Museum the next day.  My favorite part had to be Cowboy Ciao on Monday night sans babies (thanks again Mer!).  The four of us love love love that restaurant so with great food and excellent company, we were set!

And once again on this trip, Chris and Jake prove to click almost as well as Jen and I do!  Crazy to think Jen and I have now been friends for over 10 years.  It's a friendship I'd be lost without.  She is a woman to watch and I love everything about her!

Missing you already Ramos family!

Heading to Saint Mary's!

Look at this gorgeous family!

My kids seem absolutely miserable!

Cowboy Ciao!

there have been better months...

Yes.  There really have been better months than this May.  It's been an emotional and trying month but nothing we all can't handle.  And despite these unexpected bumps in the road, there have also been some excellent highlights throughout.

It's time to start fresh though and get back to this memory-keeping-family diary of mine!

Here are a few of my favorite videos from this past month.  The kind of videos I watch over and over.  My Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Fire station visit! 

Counting!

Women drivers!

12 Months!

Hard to believe this is my last "monthly sticker" post.  And of course, I feel proud that I've stayed true to form through all of them:  posting late.

My little 12 month old below is now almost 14 months!  But these are a must (as I always say!).

Warner did great at his 12 month appointment despite 4 shots and an unusually loooong wait for the doctor to arrive.  He weighed in at 24lbs, 11oz!  I'm pretty sure we have crossed that 25lb threshold by now ;)

Warner turning One marked the end of the "baby" chapters in my life.  It's a house of two growing toddlers and I love it.  I will always cherish the moments of holding these sweet blessings so easily in one arm but have big plans for big hugs all throughout their lives.  These poor kiddos will be smothered  and snuggled as long as I can possibly get away with it!  In my opinion, every stage just gets better and better!

flying solo.

Chris was out of town for business last week so I was truly flying solo with the kids.  Not to worry.  I see it as a challenge and have no trouble falling asleep on those nights!

The less dependent Avery becomes of me, the easier it is to expand my options of activities.  One place I never thought I'd step foot in alone is the Train Park.  But I was determined and knew we at least had to try!

I like to have at least one activity or outing for the kids each day.  Some are selfish and they tote along on my errands but the Train Park is a guaranteed treat!

We made it out with only one scratch to the knee but mostly smiles!

All aboard!

My daily workout!  ;)

Finally getting in the action!

I'm such a nervous nelly mom but let her climb...

And she did it!

back to the zoo we go!

Another cousin date, another day at the zoo, another splash pad adventure and all in one day?  Now that was a fun morning!

The only way the Phoenix Zoo stands a chance of business during the Summer would be adding splash pads!  So to the zoo we went regardless of the rising heat!

My little stripper, Aves, had a great time with cousin Brady.  And although Hudson was trying to play with Warner, he just wasn't having it :(  A bit of an off day for him but still a trooper!

So sweet.

Life ain't shabby!

Another great gift from Kristin!  So handsome in his suit!

This phase better stop before high school!

Okay.  There's a sign of modesty!

Pretending to be a "lion" like Brady!

Absolutely classic.