At work with Daddy

This was a very special morning for Caleb. Daddy needed to go to campus, and he invited Caleb to join him. Last Saturday, the U of A hosted a track meet in addition to the first round of the NCAA Softball Championship. Matt needed to make sure everything was going according to plan, and it was a perfect opportunity to take Caleb with him. Caleb got to inspect the fields, "drive" equipment and meet the crew. He has asked, everyday since, if he can go back to work with Daddy. A turf guy in the making?

Leaving for campus

At track testing out the mower

Posing for a pic on the old baseball field, football stadium in the background

On the U of A Mall giving Daddy a big cheese

Inspecting the softball field

On the softball field next to the 2012 Softball Championship banner

At softball grooming the field with the Sand Pro

Caleb's First "Real" Haircut

I was so incredibly proud of Caleb, I almost burst! The time had finally come for his first real haircut. I had been cutting his hair for quite some time, but it was time to give it over to a professional. Last Wednesday, May 16th, we took Caleb to SmartStyle for his very first haircut. For me just the thought of taking Caleb for his first haircut was stressful. I feared him having a complete meltdown and leaving the salon with a lopsided cut! I discussed with Caleb what to expect and then finally gave our fear and anxiety over to God. I walked into the salon with peace and a very calm little boy. He patiently sat on my lap as we waited for the stylist. We sat him on a blue booster seat and the stylist gave him a cape covered with colorful zoo animals. She was absolutely wonderful! Matt didn't believe Caleb had ever sat so still. He was not fazed by the spray bottle, scissors around his ears, hairdryer or even the clippers. At times he would glance over at us with his eyes and we could see the slightest of smiles on his face. Matt told him that he deserved a special dinner. The stylist reminded him of what his Dad had promised. She told him he was so good and that she would have stickers for him at his return visit. Caleb chose Panda Express for dinner where he had chicken, rice and a fortune cookie! I never dreamed his first haircut would go so smoothly. Everything was perfect, and I will remember that moment forever. I was reminded that no matter how big or small a situation, God wants to be a part of it all. If He can bring peace to a very shy little guy during his first haircut, He can handle our biggest of challenges.

Sitting patiently under the cape....no problem

Using a spray bottle to wet his hair....no problem

Mommy trying not to burst with joy....problem

Cutting around his ears....no problem

Funny face

Looking down while she trims up the back....no problem

Clippers...no problem

Our handsome little guy and his new look

Mother's Day 2012

On Mother's Day, Matt went for doughnuts and we all enjoyed a sweet treat. Caleb and Daddy disappeared briefly and Caleb came running out with a pink bag and said, "Happy Mother's Day!". He then assisted with the opening of my cards and gift. Caleb had picked out a very fitting monkey card with sound and new baking spatulas. It was then time to get ready for church where Caleb colored me a picture. That afternoon, Matt and I enjoyed some quite time in the sun while Caleb napped. For dinner, it was steaks on the grill, Greek salad, French Bread and apple pie with ice cream! Matt then captured some pics of Caleb and I in the backyard. 

Hiding out in the lawn chair fort

Me and my little man

I Love You!

My Mother's Day Gift

The Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, Matt and Caleb took me to Lowe's to pick out plants for our backyard. We selected moss rose, vinca, sweet potato vine and a beautiful planter for the patio. When we got home, the guys got to work on planting my Mother's Day flowers. 

Being Caleb's Mom is pure bliss!

It wasn't long and Caleb was covered in dirt

Caleb helping Daddy fill the planter

Digging holes for the last two plants

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

Caleb carrying the plants over to Daddy

Now for a nice big drink of water

One down, one to go

Caleb filling the second basket with soil

The finished project

Flowering one week later

Just like Daddy

Daddy, I want to be just like you...

Last Sunday, my handsome guys posed for some backyard pics sporting their gray tees, camo shorts and green running shoes. Thank you Matt for being such an incredible example for Caleb of what it truly means to be a father and husband. I trust that as he grows he will not only want to mimic your outward appearance, but everything on the inside that makes you the man I love.

Showing off their muscles

Say, "Cheese!"

Reach for the sky

Hi Mom!

Mommy and her guys

Project Time

Caleb's latest interest has been craft projects. We dedicated some space in the office as the "craft closet". It's stocked with construction paper, recycled cardboard, squiggly eyes, markers, stickers, pipe cleaners and more. We visit the closet daily for that day's project needs and then it's off to the kitchen table to get started. I love watching his creative mind at work. 

Safety Scissors

Last week, Caleb came to me and asked, "Hey mom, now that I'm a big boy, can I have safety scissors?" Despite everything in me wanting to keep him small forever, we purchased a pair of red safety scissors. He had his heart set on green, but settled for red. He is now on his way to learning how to cut and becoming more and more of a big boy everyday!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Last Saturday, we took a day trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The arboretum is an Arizona State Park located just outside of Superior approximately two hours north of Tucson. It was founded in 1925 and is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, temps in the mid 90's. We didn't know what to expect, but were ready for an adventure. The arboretum was spectacular and by far my favorite botanical garden visited thus far!

Caleb's shirt says, "Arizona Makes Me Happy" and it speaks for all of us

After checking the map, Caleb is ready to lead the way

Smith Interpretive Center

Children's Garden

Saguaro Skeleton

Daddy and Caleb at the fish pond

Magma Ridge

Saguaro

Cactus Garden

Ayer Lake

Daddy and Caleb checking out all the minnows

Saguaro in bloom

Picketpost Mountain

Enjoying a quick snack

Australia Desert Exhibit

Collecting sticks along the way

Demonstration Garden