Tucson Rodeo

This year we experienced our first Tucson Rodeo, Arizona's celebration of the cowboy. This year marked the rodeo's 88th anniversary in Tucson. Even today, Tucson honors its heritage by closing the schools for a two day rodeo break. Caleb was excited to attend, and he went with the high hopes of finding a cowboy hat. You'll see that he found a hat and wore it with pride. The rodeo held his interest until he could no longer fight his tiredness and fell asleep in my arms.  The rodeo is extremely entertaining, but I now know why the song warns, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"; they're simply crazy!

Cowboy for a Day

Bareback Riding

 Tie-Down Roping

Rodeo Clown-Crash Cooper

Team Roping

Women's Barrel Racing

 Bull Riding

VeggieTales Surprise

A Family Christian store came to Tucson and along with it came the chance to meet Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from VeggieTales! Caleb knew the day held a surprise, but he was kept guessing right up until he saw Bob the Tomato making his way to the front of the store. With much excitement he asked, "Do you think Larry is here too?" After his photo opp with Bob, he discovered that Larry was, in fact, there too! What a day! He loves VeggieTales and I love the biblical truths that are being etched upon his heart!

Taking part in the grand opening with a green balloon and piece of chocolate cake

Bob the Tomato

Larry the Cucumber

VeggieTales encounter, oh yeah!

Friday Fun

Friday, like for most, is our favorite day of the week! We like to fill the morning with extra special things not enjoyed prior in the week. This Friday was no exception. We enjoyed breakfast at McDonald's, a visit to the library, throwing rocks in the river and a trip to the park. We decided to capture our Friday fun in a new way, cartoon style!

The Gift of Love

1 Corinthians 13:13

Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.

Roses, treats and hearts of pink are all very sweet, but the love of our family can't be beat!

It's here! It's here! My Valentine's package is here!

Can I sample the chocolate?

This monkey traveled thousands of mile to deliver one very special hug

Thank you Grandma Sandy and Papa Dave for this deliciously sweet and super fun package 

Baking up some love

Heart shaped toast for my little valentine

Who knew it would taste so much better than regular toast

Fun in the sun with Uncle Mark and Caleb's new buddy, Ernest

Keeping Gram...

and Grandma Sandy near to his heart with every squeeze

Love bugs and super heroes for a super Dad

Luv you Buddy

Daddy, you're better than doughnuts with sprinkles!

Mommy's sweet surprise

The guys who stole my heart

You make the best cookies Mommy

A day to remember

Caleb's Carnival Ride

Caleb perked up when Daddy came home and mentioned that a carnival had taken shape in the Safeway parking lot, just around the corner from our home. Caleb had more questions than Daddy had answers, so after dinner, we took a walk for a closer look. After checking things out, we decided we would bring Caleb back the following evening. After much anticipation, we returned Friday night and purchased tickets. The enthusiasm withered when Caleb realized we could not accompany him on the kiddie rides. Daddy found one ride that we could ride as a family, but of course, it was under repair. We left with a pocket full of tickets and one disappointed little boy. We told Caleb would try back later that weekend. We returned to find the ride up and running. We handed over our tickets, selected our cars and hung on tight. Around and around we went. Caleb had experienced his very first carnival ride, and he loved it!

Our Day at the Zoo

Just a week after returning from Michigan, Matt left for Daytona to speak at the annual STMA Conference. While he was away, Caleb and I had fun making some memories of our own. The Friday before Daddy was set to arrive home, Caleb and I ventured to the zoo for a day of exploration and fun!

A high-five from the Andean bear

Otters have all the fun

Stealing a kiss

Capturing a smile at the duck pond

Hiding out in the tortoise shell

The frog fountain is always a hit

Snack time

Creating the sounds of Tanzania

A taste of Africa

All aboard the Reid Park Zoo Express

Taking our seat in the green boxcar

Here we go

The train took us around the beautiful duck pond at Gene Reid Park 

Ending our zoo trip with a stroll through the park and a visit to the playground