Grammy's Visit March 2013

I have been kind of slack in taking pictures when Grammy comes to visit. Partly because no one ever wants their picture taken around here, and partly because I always think there is tons of time and then the time is over before we know it. Usually it is the request from Aunt Val that she needs new photos for her frames, that spurs us to action.

 Here is Grammy with the boys.

 

April 2010

 

March 2013, looks like someone grew a head's worth.

April 2010

March 2013, Mike looks older, if not taller.

Puzzlemania #5

 

Team effort on this one - Pat started and ended this one, but Grammy did a lot of the in between work.

Happy Easter!

 Easter 2000

 Grandma Connie and all her grandkids at the time.

The Loftus grandkids with Aunt Val.

Update from Emma Reeves

I have an updated photo of the Reeves girls. Looks like Emma's graduation from High School, June 2012. Thanks, Emma, I loved hearing from you!

This one is for Emma and Anne Reeves

 

 Emma and Anne - I have known you since you were born, I watched you grow, first as your neighbor and then after we moved through your Mom's yearly newsletters, Facebook (until I deactivated), and other random catch up letters or emails from your mom. This is just one of the fun "end of year school pictures" we took every year. I think this picture was taken in June 2003. Even though we moved far away, I think of you often, I am aware of what lovely young ladies you have become and can't wait to see what the future holds for you. I wanted to share my Saturday morning bike rides with you. There is a lot of horse property near where we live and many trails to ride bikes/horses or run/walk whatever you please. One of the trails I go on is next to a canal and one runs along the power lines, the one thing they have in common is they seem to back up to a lot of horse property, and that brings me to thinking about you two each and every time. Some homes have huge acreage with jumping areas and then, of course, they are right on the trails to ride whenever they feel like it. I took some photos so you can see some of the things I see.

 They had quite a few horses at this place. I had never seen horses lay down before but there are two of them on the ground. Don't make fun of me I am not a horse person.

 Do you notice the foal there getting ready to feed?

 Here is another foal, pretty brave off by himself not near the mother.

 There were four horses at this property and they were pretty friendly coming right by the fence where I had stopped to take their pictures. Makes me sad that they put the power lines right over their fields, sometimes right in their fields. I don't think that is good, but I am no authority.

 This one had long hair, not sure what breed he is but you probably know.

 This one was super friendly came right up to the fence and followed me along. Isn't he beautiful?

 I hope you enjoyed these pictures and know that I think of you two often and wish you the best in whatever you do.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day 2001

Hiking Phoenix

Sunday was a bit chilly in the morning, but with the sun going full blast you know that doesn't last for long. Pat and I headed to Deem Hills Park in North Phoenix to hike.

 TO THE TOP!

There are a lot of mountains or at least really big hills in the Phoenix area and so it should not surprise me when civilization in the form of endless subdivisions comes right up to a hiking path. It is a lot different hiking in Phoenix than in Sedona or any other even slightly more remote areas. I think people that do these trails are out for exercise of the running up the mountain kind and well that sure isn't me. I like the solitude of hiking in the quiet, no people, no cars in sight. Well people always end up being in my sight but I guess I can't help that. We took the trail around the perimeter of two mountains which totaled almost 6 miles. I am pretty sure Pat could have done it in a lot less time if I were not there, but with me slowing things down it took about 3 hours. Not as pretty as 3 hours of hiking in Sedona, but different and pretty in it's own way and a lot closer.

 Can you see the bumble bee?

Pat loves the saguaros

 

If I look like I am ready to drop, it's because I am. This is near the end of the hike, the sun has taken a toll on me and I am a sweaty mess with a blister on my toe. Fun day, hope to get some more in before it gets really hot.

Baking Cookies!

Baking chocolate chip cookies has always been a favorite thing for us to do. None of that prepackaged slice and bake stuff here - no good cookie dough to eat that way. Yep look at me Mom of the Year letting her little kids eat raw cookie dough. William lived to tell about it and still loves to do it. Some things never change.

Puzzlemania #4

That's right I get to be in the picture for this one. Pat may have started it and he may have done most of it but then when it sat for days untouched I did the hard work of finishing it, so I am number ONE!

Sunday with Madi

My friend Valerie from work has the most adorable daughter, Madi. This is the second year that we went out early in the morning to get some pictures of Madi. She is such a good sport as her mother drags her out of bed on a Sunday at the crack of dawn to catch the early light. The morning started out chilly, but quickly warmed up. We had a good time walking around Tempe taking pictures. It was a little chilly when we started but turned into a perfect day. I so love Madi's patience as her mother and I pose her and try to get some cute shots. She is a trooper.

We had a fun time and I hope we don't wait a year to do it again!

Portillos Moves West

 

 The long awaited arrival of Portillo's is finally here. Portillo's is one of my must haves when traveling back home, so I was very thrilled to know that they were finally going to open in Scottsdale. We made the drive on a Friday after work. I haven't had a good beef sandwich since, well since I was home last November, so I was thrilled. Pat had a beef and a hot dog, William had hot dogs and his to die for chocolate cake shake. I was a little disappointed in the sandwich, seems to me they were a bit skimpy on the beef, but it was as good as I remember and I will be going back.