Action Packed Weekend

We just had a super fun weekend.  Ma'am and Dadgum came out to celebrate Gelsey's Birthday and it was Mother's Day.  We started with some delish food, we had truffle mac and cheese, ribs in the smoker and we tried a new cookie recipe - brown sugar cookies.  It was a winner! 

     

 

Then Gelsey turned 20!!  She said it sounds weird to say that she is in her 20's now but it is true 😃  Her birthday was on a Saturday so we got to spend the whole day celebrating.  We started with some chocolate chip waffles and gifts.  Then we have the biggest sushi spread from Pure Sushi, it was AMAZING!!  Of course, it looked so good we ate before we took any photos.  I love that Gels wanted to go to Cracker Jax for her birthday, it was such a fun idea.  We raced in go carts (you know, real life Mario Kart), we did bumper boats and mini golf.  So much fun!! We have some pretty aggressive drivers in our group, LOL!  Then we  came back to the house for stacked green chile enchiladas and games outside.   Of course there was cookie dough and an ice box cake.  Overall, I think it was a really fun birthday!

 

We were all worn out from the day before so we decided to spend Mother's Day at home just relaxing and enjoying each others company.  We did make lamb chops, risotto and a pavlova for dinner and the kids did the dishes so it was perfect!

Lastly, I had to post this one!  My parents are getting chicks, it's all they talk about 😂  I love it though, I am living vicariously through them and am excited to meet their little egg laying friends next time we are out.  Thanks for coming to spend the weekend with us, we had a blast!!  XOXO

 

Miscellany

The word crazy is often overused but I think it is safe to say in this case that it has been an absolutely crazy year!! Luckily, our family is still healthy and well and now well versed in mask wear as well as more than I ever really wanted to know about public safety protocols!

Lately we have been trying to get back to normal as much as possible.  Jillian had her 22nd birthday and we celebrated at Top Golf.  Top golf is like bowling only with a golf club and is fun for even the most apathetic golfer or novice.  

We also went to Sedona and Jerome/Cottonwood for spring break which was a nice getaway.  We did some hiking and shopping and just enjoyed our time with the littles.  In Jerome we saw the funniest (to me at least) sign about their alcohol policy.  Sinning is only allowed in the park, LOL!

We were able to got to church in person for Easter this year which was wonderful!!  We also did our annual egg coloring which is getting more complex as the years go on. 

Frank had his first season of track which went really well.  He excelled at the field events and is planning to do it again next year.  

Until next time.  XOXO

 

Gardening on the Sun

Gardening in Arizona in the high heat of the summer is a bit frustrating.  I should just put some of these plants out of their misery and pull them up.  I can't seem to do that because I have hope that once it cools off I will be ahead because everything is already mature.  This has worked very successfully in the past and that is what keeps me from starting over right about now.  I did cave and pull up my squash and zucchini and start over with pumpkins and patty pan squash. I did however leave my cocozelle squash untouched as it's in the shade of our citrus and doing alright. I do have a few things that were planted intentionally for this time and are loving it!  Pink eyed peas, asparagus beans, blue basil and Armenian cucumbers all thrive over 100 degrees so that is what has been keeping me consistent out there. Other than that I am leaning in to fall planting.    

On a side note, Josh and I have been watching Arrow on Netflix and we are totally loving it.  Great characters, great story and Comic superhero action!!  What's not to love!

We also cleaned up our garage so we could get back to working out in there.  It is still too hot but we have a portable fan we use and as long as it's not too late in the day it is manageable.  About the same as hot yoga and since I pay to do that I can't really complain about the conditions in the garage!!

 Until next time. Amber

Summer Time

Not too much has been going on around here.  We are all back to work which is great! We have gotten out of the house a few times which has been great to alleviate some of the cabin fever; it has been serious during the pandemic.  We did find a tasty new spot down in Scottsdale that had a meal that was so reminiscent of me and my moms time in Paris.  Steamed mussels with garlic, french fries and rose.  What's not to love!!  I have taken the big girls on a few dates.  Jillian and I went to a  vibrant new brewery which is pretty close to our house.  The decor was unique and the beer was tasty!! We also did a socially distanced 4th of July staycation and we lucked out and got a great firework show. 

       

We've had some silly times being at home.  I was told the toilet was smoking and I needed to take a look, LOL!  The dogs have been loving having us home extra I am sure.  They are such snuggle buddies. 

We also really miss these munchkin heads!!  So glad they are safe with Ma'am and Dadgum but can't wait for them to come home!!  They will be back soon as online school starts in a few short weeks. 

Hope you are healthy and well!! XOXO, Amber