A Week of Epic Forts

Last week was known as the "Week of Forts" in our home. It began on Monday with a PVC structure and a hunt for materials to create a roof and walls. As the week continued, the creativity grew. I'm not sure who had more enjoyment, Caleb or I, but I had a blast! Kitty even made herself at home at, "Caleb's Place". 

Epic Fort #1

Epic Fort #2 

Epic Fort #2 with addition of secret passage

Epic Fort #3

Epic Fort #3 after a remodel

Epic Fort #4: Pirate Ship

Argh Matey!

Packing Peanuts and More, a Package from Papa Dave and Grandma Sandy

I'll let Caleb tell this one...

Papa Dave sure likes tape

A big smile after convincing Daddy to try out a spinner in the backyard!

The picture says it all

Thank you Papa Dave and Grandma Sandy!
I'll see you in 11 days!

This One's for the Birds

Creating a pine cone bird feeder....

Step 1: Gather supplies

Ready to create

Step 2: Attach string to pine cone

Step 3: Cover pine cone with peanut butter
Tip: Don't begin this project too close to nap time

Step 4: Roll pine cone in bird seed

Step 5: Hang outdoors for the birds to enjoy

Super Hero Caleb

Caleb and I are in my dear cousin Nicole's wedding next month in the great state of Michigan! The time had come to have Caleb fitted, so Saturday we were off to the Tucson mall in search of the Men's Wearhouse. Matt assisted Caleb with the fitting while I simply enjoyed seeing my incredibly handsome little guy all dressed up! Since he was so well behaved during the fitting, we made a trip to the Disney Store where Caleb got to make a Spider-Man mask!

A sneak peak 

At the Disney Store listening to the step-by-step instructions

Our Super Hero

4th Festivities

We're discovering just how wonderful it is to spend a summer holiday together as a family. For several years, Matt spent his 4th of July providing the ultimate experience to thousands of others attending a Lugnut's game. We always made the best of it and even experienced some of the best fireworks in town from the best seats in the house. However, nothing beats a day home together to celebrate our freedom and reflect on all that it truly means. We began our day with one of Caleb's favorite treats, a chocolate covered doughnut with festive sprinkles and ended the day with jumbo "tie-dye" cupcakes. Between the treats of sugary goodness; Caleb discovered water squirtters, Pop-Its and other backyard fireworks! The highlight of his day might just have been puddle jumping and dancing in the afternoon rain shower! We could see the Town of Marana's fireworks from our backyard, and Caleb managed to stay awake just long enough to enjoy the start of the show. What an awesome day!

Red, White and Blue "Tie-Dye" Jumbo Cupcakes

Fun with Frosting

Great family fun with water squirtters

Pop-Its with Daddy

I think it's raining!

"Hey cutie!"

Big hugs for Daddy 

Playing in the rain

It's definitely raining!

Happy Together

Thumbs up for frosting, freedom and family fun!

Backyard Volcanos

aluminum can + vinegar + food coloring + baking soda = explosive fun

Ready to add the baking soda

Taking a step back as the volcano begins to errupt

Getting a closer look

Banana Bread

I love to bake, and I'm always looking tor ways to involve Caleb. I was reminded of a cookbook, my Aunt Carolyn gave me when I was a little girl, titled Alpha-Bakery. I found it among the cookbooks in my collection and flipped to a banana bread recipe, perfect for my little monkey! Caleb was a BIG help in the kitchen, and the bread was delicious! 

Monkey Business: Dinosaur Dig

Last weekend, we returned to Monkey Business for the first time since Gram and Papa's visit in April. Papa had left us a bunch of tokens, and we decided it was time to cash in on some family fun! After ordering our pizza, Caleb and Daddy were off to the arcade. Caleb immediately spotted a game called the Dinosaur Dig where Daddy won him 5 dinosaurs over the course of the evening. He later cashed in all of his tickets for 4 additional dinosaurs. He was so proud of his new dinosaur collection that on the way to the car, he said, "I can't wait to go home and tell kitty the good news!"

Back to the table to show Mommy his first two dinosaurs

Taking a break from the dinosaur dig to enjoy a pony ride

Posing for a pic with the giant blue hippo

A quick trip to outer space

Off to the prize counter with 100 tickets

The prized collection

The Arizona Monsoon

The Arizona Monsoon Season began on June 15th, and on June 16th we experienced our first big storm of the season! We had been without rain for quite some time, and it was a welcomed event. In Michigan, sitting on the porch swing during a summer storm was a common event, so we've been looking forward to this season. As you can see, this first storm brought much hail in addition to intense rain and spectacular lightning. 

Our backyard covered in hail

Caleb's grass under water

The end of the rainbow