Roger's Canyon and Mother's Day

Matt, Murph a I went on an amazing hike Saturday. We Started at the Roger's Trough Trailhead, headed down 109 and then finished off on 110. The trail ended at Angel's Basin and the 600 year old Salado indian ruins - cliff dwellings. I did not know that there were other cliff dwellings besides the ones found at Tonto National Monument, but I was pleasantly mistaken. Not only were we able to explore without being held back behind red tape, but we were able to view pieces of pottery and even an arrowhead. We respectfully enjoyed what others before us had left behind, and then we did the same. :-)

The most amazing thing about this hike was all the way down the trail we were able to enjoy the waterfalls. There was a lot of water that fed the canyon all the way down to the ruins. We did take a few opportunities to cool ourselves off - it was a very hot Saturday!!!

Sunday, Matt and I met Kristy, Chad, Shane and Jake at the Lakeside Grill at Club West Golf Club for Mother's Day Brunch. The weather was absolutely beautiful (and can you believe that view?), the food was really great...but the company was the best! :-) Matt and I had a really great time. I am so glad that Kristy asked if I wanted to share my day with her.

We finished off the day with a one hour Skype call with the kids. If I can say that there is anything good that came out of us not being with the kids any longer in Michigan is the fact that I get to spend a little time with them on Mother's Day...never got that in Michigan. It was great. Tyler and I spent some time doing multiplication and division...he is so smart!

It was by far the best Mother's Day I have ever had; it was a day I won't forget soon.

This week has started out pretty rough...do you know what is worse for a Finance Analyst than the last part of the fiscal year and closing the books? The first part of the next fiscal year and getting the budgets set! I hope it gets better!! I don't know if I can take another three days of this.

What's getting me through you might ask????? :-) Four more days and we get the baby!!!!! So so excited!

Today Our Baby Turns 8!

Canoe Trip 2006

Easter 2010

It just seems like yesterday that I was taking a very shy little 3 year old to the zoo with her 4 year old brother. I didn't know if they would like me or not, but I was 100% ready to take that leap...and I fell in love with them the moment I met them. I never thought that I would ever find a man like Matt, and not only did God cross our paths but he brought these two precious gifts into my life. The best gifts God could ever give. I am truly blessed. Melissa, I love you with all my heart, mind, and strength. Happy Birthday Princess!!!

My Girl's a Star & Other Fun Stuff!

Matt and I are very proud parents today! Melissa, for the third year in a row (mind you, she is only in 2nd grade!), was selected to have her artwork displayed at the 34th Annual Troy School District Art Show. Her piece is a lizard and it illustrates tempera paint.

She did a beautiful job!

Tyler had a Cub Scout event on Monday night, so Grandma and Grandpa were asked to pick Melissa up after school and escort her to the opening ceremonies. Mom said they had a really good time. The evening ended with dinner at California's Pizza Kitchen - yum!

But it is these types of events that are really hard for Matt and me. We would do anything to be there next to Melissa cheering her on. I remember the last one we could attend - her Kindergarten year. I have her picture hanging in our den. :-) I remember holding her hand as she drug me through the exhibits trying to find her painting...I miss her...I miss our kids. The next 11 days can not come soon enough.

Matt and I continue to find great new places to explore and more challenging routes to hike each week. This past weekend was Siphon Draw to Flatiron and then to the top of that range in the Superstitions. It was magnificent! You have to do a little of this...

To get a view like this...

This is one mile up! We hiked for a total of 7 hours - a very nice distraction for the weekend!

So, the weekend was pretty fun. We finished off the evening with a bon fire and martinis. I found a new recipe with Stewart's Key Lime Soda and Skyy...yummo!!

Jen has been keeping us up-to-date on Lily. It sounds as though she has had a few up-and-down nights, but I think that is to be expected with just losing all her brothers and sisters. Jon has grown pretty fond of our little girl...he better not kidnap her :-) J/K I am just so thankful that I found her. In fact, we are tossing around the middle name of Grace. I think it is appropriate.

I have gotten her crate ready (almost like having a second child - I knew not to get rid of Baxter's baby kennel) and I even found some of Baxter's old baby toys that are going to get washed up really really good and presented to her when she arrives. There is not much we need to do to prepare ourselves for May when she comes home. I am going to buy her a blankey like Baxter had and I think Jen is allowing her to bring something home from there that has her smell on it. I am sure that the first few nights will be just like when her siblings left, but I think we will be ok.

Jen sent this pic over yesterday of her snuggling up on a towel. She is just so precious!

Well, it is getting late, and I must get to bed.
Another real quick update - I applied to ASU this afternoon! My transcripts should be enroute to AZ by the end of this week, and I should hear something back from them by next week. I am super excited. With Nissan reinstalling our tuition reimbursement and my boss' feelings towards a flexible schedule, school can be a priority again. I will keep everyone posted.