Gradnma Sharon was ableto make it down here for a VERY HOT weekend to celebrate both kiddo's birthdays. We had a nice weekend preparing for and throwing a party for the kiddos. Each one got their own cake - good thing too since Sammy decided to "dig-in!"      
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Grandma Sharon came to visit us the first week of Jan. Our friends Courtney and Isa had a few extra tickets for the Zoolights that they kindly gave to us. The five of us had a great time at the Zoolights. The highlights of the evening included marching band performances by Auburn and Oregon. The bands were in town for the BCS national championship. That was a special treat. Sammy and Lizzy both really enjoyed the shows.    Grandma Sharon visited over Labor Day weekend. So while she was here we had a 5th party for Lizzy's 3rd birthday! Both Lizzy and Sammy enjoyed opening the presents - but Lizzy's favorite gift was having Grandma Sharon here and spending the weekend with her.   Above: Lizzy and Grandma Sharon at the Mesa Kid's Museum Below: Lizzy at the Mesa Kid's Museum   Grandma Sharon decided to brave the heat and visit us. There were a couple days of heat adivsories (highs of over 110 degrees) so we tended to stay home during the middle of the day and just go out in the evening. However, we did get out a few times , the highlights being a trip to the new aquarium and the play area at the mall. On the 4th, we had a nice time celebrating our country's Independance Day at home where we grilled and watched the fireworks from our balcony. We also had an early birthday celebration for Tim. Both kids had fun helping daddy open his presents.  All four of us packed our bags and flew to IL to visit Tim's family. This was the first time many of these family members got to meet Sammy. We had a nice time visiting family and participating in vacation activities (museums, parks, dining out, etc). Below are some highlights of the trip.  Posing for a picture at Grandma Sharon's house with Tim's sister Angie and her family. Back row: Tim, Chris, Angie & Shane Middle row: Lizzy, Sammy, Derek (almost 2) Front row: Blake (4) & Austin (7)   Lizzy's favorite part of the trip was probably a toss-up between our trip to the Niabi Zoo and her sleepover at Grandma Sharon's. At the zoo she was able to see giraffes and ride a train (both of which rank at the top of her "favorite" lists). The theme of the sleepover was "DORA" (another favorite). Above is a picture of Lizzy and Austin squeezing into the train seat with Grandma, and a shot of her special Dora bedding.  Tim, Papa Roger, and Sammy taknig a ride on one of Papa's tractors. Sammy LOVED riding the tractor, where as Lizzy was a bit scared of the entire process...    Sammy's favorite part of the trip was probably visiting the John Deere Pavillion. There we were able to sit inside various display tractors including hugh combines. When placed in the seat Sammy right away grabbed the wheel and tried to shift the machine into gear! It was so funny!  Sammy posing with Papa Roger outside our hotel.  Greatgrandma Pruis was so excited that all 13 greatgrandchildren were in town. We tried to get a picture, however between the screaming, tantrums, and camera fright this was the best we could get (i.e. way too close to nap time...).  Lizzy and Derek take a ride on their "horse."  Grandma Sharon posing with the kiddos on our last night there.
 It was Grandma Sharon's last night in town and we wanted todo something special - so we went to the train park (Lizzy's favorite place). Over the holidays the train park is decorated with lights. We wanted to ride the train and see the lights, but the line was too long. Instead we walked around, rode the caurosel, and met some of the characters (including Elmo). It was a bit cold for AZ, so we made sure to bundle-up.        Grandma Sharon was here for Christmas too! Here Grandma reads Sammy and Lizzy a book shortly after she arrives.
 For the first three weeks of Sammy's life we had constant help - for the first two weeks Mema was here, and the third week Grandma Sharon was here. Tim and I really appreaciated all the help around the house and with the kids. While Sammy slept most of their vists, Lizzy tended to fight nap and bedtime in order to maximize time with Mema and Grandma. Her favorites were going to the park with Mema and making monkey cupckaes with Grandma.     As I mentioned in a previous post shortly after I downloaded Lizzy's birthday pictures onto our computer we too down the computer and set-up our new one. Of course I forgot to take off the new pictures! So we had to set the old computer back-up to retrieve them... oops. Anyway, here are some pictures of Lizzy's birthday (Aug 11th) and the weekend before when her Grandma Sharon visited town. We kept Lizzy busy and made the entire weekend about her by going to the Out of Africa Wildlife Safari/Zoo, mall play areas, and the Phoenix Children's museume. Grandma also showed her love by making Lizzy a special elephant cake which we ate at two small parties.  Lizzy by a tiger before the "tiger splash" show.  The zebra herd with the new 1 week old zebra colt.  Lizzy and Daddy making pita pizzas for sunday lunch.  The special cake Grandma Sharon made for Lizzy.  Addy came over on sunday night to help celebrate Lizzy's birthday - and to eat the cake!  Lizzy and Grandma playing in the hanging maze at the Phoenix Children's Museum.  As soon as Lizzy opens a present she needs to play with it or wear it
(seen here wearing her new pjs from Papa Roger).  It took us 5 days, but eventually Lizzy, Mema, and I made it from Kalmazoo, MI to Scottsdale, AZ. Each day we tried to stop and at least do one fun thing. On Sat we made it to Morrison, IL where were got together with Tim’s family at his sister Angie’s house. Lizzy spent most of the 4 hours playing with her cousins, Grandma Sharon, and Papa Roger. On Sun July 19, we drove through Iowa and Kansas and stopped at a nice park and an outlet mall. On Mon July 20 we drove through Kansas and Colorado stopping in Colorado Springs by 4 pm. That evening we toured the Air Force Academy Chapel and walked around the Garden of the Gods Park. On the morning of Tues July 21 we went to the Seven Falls Park and enjoyed the wonderful Colorado weather and views. We spent the rest of the day taking the scenic drive to Santa Fe, NM. The morning of Wed July 22 we spent some time shopping and relaxing (picture above) in historic Santa Fe, NM before driving the rest of the way back to Scottsdale.   The two above pictures show Lizzy enjoying herself at the Seven Springs Park.   The two pictures above show Lizzy and Mema enjoying the gorgeous views at the Garden of the Gods park.  Lizzy and Mema leaving the AFA Chapel.  Lizzy and Austin enjoy being pushed by both Grandma Sharon and Mema.
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