Thunderbird Trails

Our family loves to go on hikes, if you know us, then you already know that. 

We really miss going on hikes. Real hikes. Not walking up a dirt hill in Arizona. Now, don't get your panties in a bundle you Arizonans. The dirt roads scattered with cacti can have some beautiful views but are they really considered hikes? Really? We still go of course because there isn't really a whole lot more to do outside here in Arizona, especially since the temperatures are going to be hitting 107 degrees this weekend. But the hikes we miss are the ones in Hawaii and Alaska. Not so much  Alaska because of the bears and other crazy animals but gosh were they beautiful. But you really can't go wrong with hikes in Hawaii. Usually the consist of some sort of waterfall or swim hole you can cool off in. I don't even want to start on the views you can experience. 

Enough with my venting about the lack of real hikes. 

We went to Thunderbird and had a good time. We saw a snake and Bells did exactly what we have taught her to do. We were so proud. She brought her binoculars to spot crazy animals. 

She is into animals and the whole National Geographic "things" just as I was. I love it. 

At the top of the hill. This dessert goes on FOR-EV-ER!

Daddy stealing Bells' binoculars to look at the golf course.

Yes yes he did!

I believe this was Bells telling me about the pirates in the distance. Good thing we were to high up for Captain Hook to get us. She said the snakes would get him anyway, whew!

I think we need to invest in clips for our fly-a-ways and a razor for the handsome guy in our life. 

We hold hands when we hike.

We love each other that much. 

I know its not hiking in Hawaii but really it doesn't matter. Its just the three of us and really, 

that is all we need. Well and some sun, we really like the sun! 

He Knows Me Best

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day! My husband knows me best. I thought he had forgot about it all. After all  it was in the middle of moving, finals and I was 81miles away... we had talked about this already and I was fine with it.  But he surprised me and I loved it. 

My new pink, hybrid beach cruiser. The only way it could be better, was if it were Nike. 

What do ya think?

Bells riding Hawaiian Style of course!

She was pretending to be a hummingbird right here.

 I couldn't of had a better day thanks to the two loves of my life.

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Miah took my bike out for a spin and he loved it so much. He wants to get the matching red one. 

I hope everyone else had a great day too!

I love being a mom!

Who Made It Best?

Growing up, our beds were always made. As soon as we woke up. My parents bed was always made. A very strict rule. 

When we move here, we started Bells on her bed. As soon as she wakes up, she makes her bed, even though she has nap time a little later. She wakes up from her nap, she makes her bed. We are the mean parents. Well Miah and I have a rule, whom ever gets out of bed last, makes the bed. Honestly, it works a lot in my favor because I am an early riser. But he does have those early morning tests or study times. Today was his day. 

Now I want you to take a vote...

or maybe just comment about if this is considered "making" the bed or not. 

Who makes their bed better,

Bells or Daddy?

First is our bed, the whole view. 

The view from his side- 

-the fitted sheet not even pulled over the mattress.

-the pillow not on

-the sheet pulled all crazy like

The end of the bed, do I need to explain anything?

Did I mention is was his turn today?

Now for Bells' bed. 

Pretty clean lines, sides, top and bottom. 

Everything tucked in so nicely, animals just chilling at the top. 

Bells came to me and said she didn't think Daddy made his bed, hahaha!

Well I don't really think he did either. Or else he needs to learn how. 

That means 2 votes for Miah not making the bed and 2 votes for Bells is better at making her bed then he is. 

What do you think?

Log Those Miles

My heart sank when I heard about Boston. 

It seems like you can't do anything these days, enjoy a movie, send your kids off to school, or even run a race. After allowing myself to cry and watch the t.v. in disbelief for awhile. And after I received news that my teammates who were running the race were all okay...

I realized I needed to be strong. I should be prepared but not afraid. 

As I went for a run today, I wore a bib and logged in my miles in memory of Boston. 

My prayers are with you.

A teammate of mine posted something I love!

"If you are trying to defeat the human spirit, runners are the wrong group to target."

I also would love to substitute Americans in for runners. 

Either works for me!

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

Easter weekend was a blast! I love being a parent because holidays are so much fun, especially at this age. I think it has a lot to do with how awesome my parents made the holidays growing up. It wasn't just about the toys and getting us things, it was about the small details. The dying eggs, the Easter Bunny's footprints ALL over the house....the legend lives on!

We first dyed eggs and had a blast. Grandma Tiger was very helpful. 

Look at this little girl...

She is so excited!

White shirt wasn't the best choice Grandma Tiger.

Hmmm, I think somebody was cheesin' just a little!

This was just after the white crayon trick and she thought the egg was magic after pulling it out of the dye. Mommy's are magic!

The Easter Bunny left her a flower and then left his footprints all over the house. 

A pink flower, he knows her well!

He even brought her a Ninja Turtle and then went outside....

The eggs were everywhere. How did he do that?

I miss Hawaii!

He hid some eggs outside in the backyard and the jumped straight over the fence!

He sure is a good jumper!

Her eyes sparkled the whole weekend. It was fantastic! 

We had a great dinner with family and just relaxed, which we don't get to do very often. 

Mommy and Dishes

You know you are a mom when one minute you are using your KitchenAid to make rolls for dinner and then next you are using it to make ice cream play dough. 

But since I love my girl...I do it!

It was pretty fun too!

All it takes is 3/4 cup conditioner (cheap kind works great) and 1 1/2 cups cornstarch. We added food coloring and used strawberry conditioner to make it smell yummy!

It does make a little mess but clean up was easy peasy!

She loves helping out with chores. She make her bed every day, twice, nap and when she wakes up in the morning. She helps with laundry, cleaning the bathrooms and doing the dishes. The other day we were in the living room and she had left into the kitchen, we heard some noises and Miah asked her what she was doing...just cleaning the dishes Daddy!

Well good work is hard to come by these days. But this one looked so cute!

She stopped only for a moment to tell me her belly was getting wet and that she needs her apron. 

This mom is definitely going to go crazy between pink goop in my kitchen aid and a daughter that hates clothes!

What is your busiest time of year? I honestly thought it was the holidays but then every time the spring rolls around....it is hectic but lovely. This year has been even more crazy. With Miah winding down his first year of Dental School...WHOOP WHOOP! We have been searching for a house, in which we found, Bells started playing tball, we play coed softball and with keeping up with daily life. 

Maybe there isn't a busy part of the year...it is just life!

A cake I made for my two loves for Valentines day. Chocolate cake, filled with fresh cut strawberries, strawberry puree, covered with chocolate fudge frosting, topped with chocolate covered strawberries and more fresh cut strawberries.

Playing at Papa and Grandma Tiger's house. 

 Helping Grandma Tiger decorate for Easter. 

Blowing bubbles what a kid does best. 

Playing with her monster shoes. Although she doesn't need shoes to be a monster!

Attaching Grandma Tiger with Bubbles.

I am pretty sure they don't make bubbles the way they used to. They absolutely stink, pretty sure it is just water these days. 

Shooting at targets with Daddy. 

Just the girls handing out for my birthday. 

Life is good but life is busy!

But we love it!