a break.

spring break that is. we decided a bit last minute to head to the beach for the second half of the kids spring break. it was glorious to be together as a family and just spend time together in such a peaceful and gorgeous environment. something about seeing the ocean, smelling the air, hearing the waves, and looking out at the vast open water gives me such peace. 
hard to come back, but so appreciative to get away and just be together. until next time cali....i shall dream of you.

batman.robin.cat woman.

a terribly warm, yet lovely halloween this year! we went with declan's lead of wanting to be batman and followed up with a family theme. it always seems such a whirlwind but nonetheless so much fun dressing up, hanging with friends and family, and of course eating lots of treats! 

fall getaway.

this past weekend we were fortunate enough to take a wee break from the pretend fall weather in phoenix to visit some real chill just a few hours away. north and east, we headed to a charming little area in payson called christopher creek. it was just perfect. a camping feel but with a tiny cabin and kitchen; a playful little creek footsteps away, a wild visiting squirrel mikey was all too amused with, an adorable little playground,and a sky full of stars to gaze at wrapped up in coats and winter hats. 
they had a go with fishing as well nearby; although it really wasnt fishing. the easy kind where youre guaranteed a fish. back in phoenix we cooked it up for dinner and felt refreshed to be back; all the while really wishing we had a good week there to escape reality a bit. 
feeling truly thankful to live in city where such beauty is just hours away!

7 years.

we celebrated a wonderful seven years the day after easter with a fun family day at the science museum and a wee picnic. i woke up to breakfast in bed (which was apparently ruby's idea) and honestly completely forgot what day it was....so terrible i know. 
so we look forward to a night out soon to actually celebrate. a fun night at an old phoenix classic, Durants and a visit to the Heard. i dont think ive been there since grade school so it should be a fun adventure. 

ps. royal coffee is open now at heritage square. you should go!! super cute. 

happy happy easter.

 another beautiful year. each year better than the last. mikey was in heaven with all the candy and treats (his most favorite thing). it is always a joy to be together on this blessed day as a family, counting each and every blessing. hope you had a marvelous easter weekend! 

6 years old.

so we officially have a big six year old in the house! make this growing up thing stop already!!!

the morning of her birthday she actually had school so free dress was in order. fortunately i had this dress to offer or she was set on wearing the 'shaky dress' (red flapper dress) that her coolest godparents ever got her in the shiny gold purse full of dress-ups! not that i mind, but i didnt want to be the one to put a ban on birthday free dress up if for some chance it was not approved:)

so it was a pretty perfect birthday with uncle al and aunt mary in town (two of her favorite people); we had a nice requested dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, and brownies for dessert...which they had a bit of fun mixing and tasting. 

she wanted to go on a picnic for the actual birthday day so after school we headed to tempe town lake for a change of scenery and she flew her bday kite. the weather was rather perfect. we'll have to head back soon for a boat ride...perhaps without kids? 

ps. can i mention how hilarious mikey is;  in so many pictures he is found looking over at ruby. he sure loves his siblings! 

so happy happy birthday to you Ruby girl! 

we love you too much!!

bike riding.

with the lovely winters we have around here, and a nice break from school, these guys have been partaking in their fair share of bike rides. dec in particular could ride forever it seems. i cant blame him. it is one of my favorite things. 
btw, ruby's extra gear is b/c she received roller skates for christmas...needless to say she has a ways to go before they are actually rollin. haha.