An Oasis in the Desert

Doug and I just got back from Phoenix. He had a principal's conference and I had a vacation. We got to stay at the Desert Ridge Resort and it was really great. I spent a lot of time in and by the pools. The temperatures were between 113 and 115 the whole time we were there. But if you think of it as making the pool water warm, it's not so bad. It isn't like Idaho where you have to get used to the water one toe at a time. I also got to spend some time with my sister, who I don't get to see nearly often enough. It was great. The pictures look like I was there by myself but Doug never went to the pools because he was in meetings all day. I even had to take all of these pictures of myself on the last day we were there because I couldn't bear to come home without any pictures.

How did this happen?

Yes. It's a full pop can turned upside down in the garbage disposal. It's just the right size to fit in, goes down just far enough and is heavy enough that you can't get a grip on it or get your fingers around it. Emmi and I struggled to get it out and couldn't get it. Doug, genius that he is, took a pair of tongs and pulled it out. Life would be so dull without kids to create interesting puzzles for us to figure out. Thanks, Emmi.


Don't miss the two other posts below. It has been a long time since I've blogged.

New and Different Rides

We struggled for a month or so trying to get people where they needed to be this summer. Our van gave out and we were down to one car with 3 people working different times and places. Finally, we decided we were going to have to bite the bullet and get a new car. So we bought me a 2008 Ford Escape! I love it and it drives so well. But, alas, Emmi was driving it more than I was because my work was closer than hers. So I was riding my bike to work while she took my car. AND Doug has been wanting an older truck to haul things in and thought if we could find one that he could drive, we could teach Emma-Leigh to drive a stick shift and give her the Escort. So we went on a search for a truck, found one on Craigslist, and bought it. Then Doug took Emmi out yesterday to begin the driving lessons, and she did pretty well for a first try. With a little more practice, she should do fine. What more motivation does a person need to learn to drive a stick shift than the offer of a free car?

Turning 2

Gwen, our oldest granddaughter, turned 2 this week. She is very fun and had a great time at her birthday party. All of our available kids were there.
Lindsay & I had fun making ice cream cone cakes for Gwen

Gwen knows what to do with an ice cream cone

Uncle Nathan likes them too

Gwen loved her new doll and stroller. She was ready to take them for a walk.

Turning 2 is a hair-raising experience!!!