America the Beautiful

Our trip from the Grand Canyon led us through the Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. These pictures are from that route. We stopped at several points along the road, following a stream that was next to impossible to keep the Hoop-lahs out of. We found a water station and drank some of the coolest, best tasting water. The last stop of the day was at the Wild Horse West, a cash-only bar located outside of Phoenix on a dirt road with the urban sprawl right over there. The sign on the door caught my attention. How long will it be until we see something similar at home?

Checking off the bucket list

Hoop-lah All Wet 2011, Vol I.

Hoop-lah All Wet is back, this time from sunny Arizona where it is 85 wonderfully warm degrees. Everyone had a great time splashing and swimming at the pool, although the kids are a little miffed they can't get into the hot tub. The rules say they must be 18 and these seniors don't mess around! Carly was so happy to finally be able to put her head into the water after a six-month ban following her last ear surgery.

Westward Ho

Bringing home the hardware

Many times the stories behind kids' sports are negative. You know what I mean. Kids who think they're superstars, coaches that give coaching a bad name, parents who embarrass themselves, and on and on. Sometimes though, if you're lucky, you find a team like this.

These 10 boys are talented, hard working, good sportsmen, and some of the nicest kids I know. Their parents and grandparents cheer for everyone and - perhaps more importantly - don't scream at the officials or make negative comments about opposing players and coaches.

This team won the 7th Grade GRBA State Tournament this weekend against 21 of the best teams from across the state. They kept their cool and came from behind in more than one game to go undefeated. I can't even begin to describe how much fun they are to watch. I'm just thankful that we get to be part of it.

Where does the time go?

Yesterday was my sweet Carly's birthday. Riley and I sang "Happy Birthday" to her before she got out of bed, which she LOVED. Big Dog called before school and sang. She took sherbet cups to school, had McDonalds for lunch and Carlos for dinner, and a few presents in between. How can a day get any better?

Pulling out this picture gave me a pang or two of melancholy. I miss my babies, but not enough to recheck myself into the insane asylum of no sleep and uncontrolled crying. The babies were good. It was me that was a mess.

Borrowing an idea from my friend Tricia over at Three Men and a Lady, here are 10 things I love about Carly.

1. She is the queen of one-liners.

2. Her imagination is second to none. Just this week she built a coliseum in her room, complete with stuffed animal spectators and opponents dueling to the death.

3. Her memory is amazing. Don't ever let her challenge you to a Memory game.

4. Sometimes she answers you or the phone with "Meow?" She's part cat, you know. And part bunny. She won't do it for you, but trust me, watching her shake her bunny tail is priceless.

5. She draws the best pictures, full of color and originality.

6. She stands her ground and doesn't care at all if you don't like it.

7. She snuggles every night.

8. She watches action movies with Big Dog and crime shows with me.

9. She sings in the shower.

10. She gives me three kisses when I drop her off at school. Every time, no matter who is around.

My artist at work

I hope your Valentine's Day was as sweet as this.

I wonder if she had someone particular in mind.