It has been pretty hot here the past few weeks but the day we took the kids to the park it was maybe  80 and cloudy.  We even had thunderstorms which was really really terrific.  It was such a nice break from the sun.  I cannot believe Addy will be starting preschool in a month. She is SO excited.  We are practicing going to bed earlier and earlier so she can be up by 7:30 or 8 to make it to school.  We don't really need to go back to school shopping but we are going to because I think it will be so much fun to get her new shoes and crayons and paper.  She will like it too.  I haven't wanted to drive to St. George Utah because it has been about 100 - 110 there.  That would make for a miserable day of shopping.  We have gone to Page, AZ where Lake Powell is and done some shopping. They don't have as many stores but it is in the 90's and Addy's best friend lives there.  Basically Kanab has a Walmart 75 to 80 miles away in three directions.  East, West and North.  Just today I realized that going North to Cedar City would be a great mid summer option!  Cedar City has a high of 88 today! Whooo Hooo.  We rarely go to Cedar City because the roads can be bad in the winter however in the summer it is a beautiful drive into the mountains. Well, Addy is asking for me so I must go! 

Addy and her buddy Meadow were due on the same day.

It's Friday night - Pizza and Dancing were on the agenda.

Addy and Meadow were due April 8 and Meadow arrived on that day.

Addy as we know arrived on March 21st.

Addy is becoming a great artist and like her mom will draw on anything.

Sporting an outfit from MiMi.

She will wear this on the cruise or "the ship" as Addy says.

Weekend Project!
Daron and Addy spearheaded a project to spruce up the horribly depressing back porch on our rental house. Addy had a ball painting and though we are still in the process of figuring out what goes where I had to take a photo.  Yesterday we had pesto sauce made with fresh basil leaves from the garden.  I also made a homemade spaghetti sauce that included an eggplant from the garden. Unfortunately, it wasn't that good. Whoever made the recipe didn't add enough spices so I plan to teak it a little.

The camel and I had an instant connection ;)

Jen with Cathedral Rocks

The giraffe wanted a kiss too

Sedona, Arizona

We are taking a family trip and not visiting family. It doesn't happen very often but Daron, Addy and I wanted a low key and close to home get away. In fact, Addy had been wanting to go to a "'otel & 'cation" (hotel and vacation) for quite awhile. Of course the second day she wanted to play with her friends and this morning she wanted to go home. After things started rolling again she adjusted just fine.The safari/animal sanctuary was by far the highlight.  The downside was it was like 100 degrees and flipping HOT. Addy was a bit freaked out with feeding the giraffe and camel but as you can see I fed them from my mouth.  Hey the tour guide suggested it and I had to try it.  The camel had whiskers and the giraffe had a 16 inch tongue.  Both animals had very accurate aim though so I didn't get slobbered on.  Ok maybe a little by the giraffe but his tongue was rough like a cats and he had had eye surgery recently!   The people in Sedona are friendly and the customer service is nice since there isn't any in Kanab!  We went to two popular eateries (Oak Creek Brewery and Pub at Tlaquepaque and Picazzo's) and we were not impressed. That was a major bummer seeing as that we were looking for some good food. I must say the ambiance was nice at both restaurants and so was the beer ;)  I of course had a headache the first night from driving and being at the Safari place all day so I didn't drink til day two when we went to the brewery. Then I ordered a beer that had the aftertaste of bananas and cloves.  Yuck. Needless to say I turned it in for a much lighter non fruity beer. 

Addy took a picture of mom and dad in Tlaquepaque.

The highlight was our Out of Africa tour and I think I had more fun than Addy.

Lions are around the corner but she kept wanting to go back and see this little lizard.

Zebras one of her favorites. We couldn't hand feed them because they bite.

Addy catching tadpoles and Red Rock park and relocating them - the puddles were drying up.

Kinda like an African longhorn.

OMG this hyena was growling at a boy who was teasing him it was kinda spooky. They are pretty amazing and BIG close up.

Church at Tlaquepaque

Baby Zebra kicked out of herd by father so he doesn't mate with the mother. Yikes.

At this Sanctuary you could get REALLY close to the animals.  White tiger and this lioness are best friends.

Cathedral Rocks in background. Daron is in river but you can only see his head.

Addy and mom with Big Black Bear!

Beautiful black panther.

Tiger splash where the staff entice the white tiger with balloon toys.  I was waiting for an attack so we could post it on youtube. Ha.  It was cool but probably not the smartest game to play.

There were two grizzlies in a different area their fence was MUCH taller ;)

Finally a hotel room.  She was up past midnight jabbering while Daron and I kept falling asleep. UGH!  Granted she slept the whole three hour drive.

I fed the giraffe who I adore by holding a biscuit in my mouth. 

Addy and Daron at the Oak Creek Brewery

Addy at Red Rock Park with major sun tan lotion on! 

Driving after dinner one evening.

Addy and I shopping

The safari area where they do the tiger splash.  The tiger could just barely see the hyenas and he was very interested in them.

This kid held a rock up and the hyenas thought it was food. They were pissed.

Texas Grandpa and Cousin Hayden Create A Tree House!

Addy, Daron and I are drooling over the awesome tree house that Hayden and Grandpa created! I am not 100% sure where it is but I think it is in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house on Inks Lake.  They sure have a ton of fun stuff at their house. 

Addy and her cold drink in the new sandals Mimi got her

Dad carry my drink while I ride

Addy requested a picnic this morning so we obliged

Her legs are getting so long now she was kicking me

Mommy look how strong I am