Update 3/30/11

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Well, we finally had to break down and get a new car since the van broke down again.  It was finally time to get a reliable vehicle.  We really had no choice at this point since Jeff's car is not doing well either.  The transmission is slipping on it. So,we got a used two year old Black Honda Pilot.  Black was not the color of choice but being that there were not many to choose from, I'm really happy and enjoying being out of the minivan.  FINALLY!

On a separate note, Jason was diagnosed with pneumonia this past weekend. 

Poor thing!  He is slowly recovering and is in good spirits as he is looking forward to our

visit with Grandma and Grandpa Price who are coming in tomorrow for a week.  Hooray!

Desert Botanical Garden

Last Thursday the boys and I ventured with another homeschooling family, The Jensen's to the Desert Botanical Gardens.  We had a wonderful time learning about all the different species of cactus.  There are so many. Here are a couple that we learned about.

The Agave Cactus

Check out the white hair on this "Old Man" Cactus. 

I'm still chuckling as I look at that one again.

The Prickly Pear Cactus.  The pink buds that you see are actually fruit

that you can eat.  We had prickly pear candy and jam that we tasted.

Very sweet and tasty!

We can't forget to add the state tree of Arizona,

Palo Verde.  This tree is interesting in that it has a green trunck.  That is

where photosynthesis occurs because the leaves are just too tiny to

produce food. Interesting, right!

Thumbs up-even the cactus agrees.

Pretty desert blooms. This is the prettiest time

in the desert with all the flowers.

First Visitors

Although it was a very short visit, Uncle Alan and Aunt Irene visited us this past Sunday.  It was so wonderful to see them again!

We had dinner that evening at a smokehouse in Cave Creek.  Although the food was not impressive,

the company was worth it.  Not only did we get a chance to visit with them but we were able to meet Aunt Irene's cousin, Richard and his wife, Leslie who live in Scottsdale.  Really nice people!

By the way, this was the view from our back window this morning. 

I love seeing the hot air balloons!

USS Midway

We spent many hours aboard the USS Midway. It was really cool!

The boys learned soooo much.  When we boarded the aircraft carrier, the boys

were given 20 questions that they had to research while they were on board.

Once they finished, they had to turn in their paper for grading.  I'm happy to

say both boys passed with flying colors and received their pilot wings.

It's amazing how much they learned.  They were facinated with this ship.

I would say their favorite part of the day was when they were able to be in a

simulated fighter jet. Way cool!

Another highlight, was taking a picture with an F-14 that was featured on Top Gun. 



San Diego Zoo

Since daddy was busy working, the boys and I decided to go to the zoo. 

We had a terrific time looking at all the animals.  We especially loved

seeing the panda bears.  They were so cute!

What a life!

Hang on boys!

San Diego 3/14

Today was a perfect Chamber of Commerce day. Sunny, warm temps, and a comfortable breeze made me wish I was taking a nap in a hammock. Instead, we kept busy exploring the great city of San Diego. We walked a ton today. Not even the boys complained because there was so much to look at.

I love it here! It felt wonderful to be by the water again after being gone from the waters surrounding FL.

We ventured to an area of San Diego called the Seaport Villiage.

We saw lots of navy ships including a coast guard ship. Not to mention the sea lion we saw as well.

Jeff and I just let the boys run around and be boys while we sat in the

shade of trees watching all the action. It was so relaxing.

Later on our way to a Thai restaurant in the Gas Light District, we came across this truck that had movie screens on its sides. The documentary that was playing really upset the boys. It was how our meat industry treats animals inhumanely. It made me angry but I do have to say it really surprised me how it moved the boys. They were ready to go on a crusade to save the animals.

It was great to see this compassionate side of theirs.

Coronado Island

Well a new day, a new adventure awaits us. We left Palm Springs and headed to San Diego. The trip was uneventful. Upon arrival at our hotel, the Marriott Courtyard in the Gaslight District, we discovered this courtyard was different from others that we have stayed at. This Marriott was in a building that was built in the 1920's and used to be a bank. The bellhop says it's haunted but I don't buy it. Of course Zachary thought that was pretty cool but Jason was a bit creeped out. After getting settled in our hotel room and a quick nap for daddy we headed to Coronado Island. We just puttered around and then had a fantastic dinner at Il Forino. The food was amazing!

Visit with Uncle Jerry 3/12

The day began at the pool. After a couple of hours and a Bloody Mary, we were ready to head back to the room and get ready for our visit with Uncle Jerry and his finace, Annie.

We had a fabulous time! We went hiking right on the San Andreas fault.

The boys thought that was pretty cool. We hiked right to an Oasis. I know, it's true, hiking in the desert and we come to this watering hole surrounded by palm trees.

I was definitely not expecting that!

On the way back, Jason finds this log that looks like a Bazooka gun.

Of course, he had to have it so he carried it all the way back to the car. Well, most of the way with a little help from Mom. Unfortunately, after carrying it all the way back,the forestry person wouldn't let him take it out of the desert. He was so disappointd. Bummer!

Then, we visited the wind mill park in Palm Springs. There were hundreds of them. Did you know that each one produces 300 kilowatts per hour, enough energy for a typical house to have energy for a whole month. Pretty amazing. Also, each one costs about $300,000. Zachary says we really should invest in one but I don't think our neighbors would appreciate it.

It really was turned out to be a fantastic day.

We ended the evening by visiting my Uncle's favorite mexican restaurant in Palm Springs.

Meeting Uncle Jerry's fiancé and having the boys spend some great bonding time with my Uncle

was really priceless.

Idyllwild, CA 3/11

The boys & I spent a great day today exploring outside of Palm Desert.

We drove through the San Jacinto mountains to a little town called Idyllwilde.

It was a beautiful drive. I would say well worth it for the drive alone.

The drive was a little over an hour-not bad at all.

The boys would tell you that their favorite part of the day was playing in the snow. Go figure!

Palm Desert

I was not sure what Palm Desert was going to be like but it's actually quite beautiful.

I love seeing all the colorful flowers and palm trees but at the same time looking at the

Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance with snow on its peaks. Breathtaking!

The boys and I spent the day yesterday by the pool. Today we explored the property,

played minature golf, went out for sushi and rested.

Check out the snow capped mountains in the background!

Update 3/9/11

Now that we are in Phoenix, life starts going back to normal. Homeschooling, kids activities, car and house shopping have all taken front seat in our lives. Hence, I've been slow to post on the blog lately. We are really enjoying Phoenix. The boys love it here! There is simply so much to do from skiing to hiking to mountain biking to just plain exploring. And you couldn't ask for better weather. I do miss the greenery though in FL!
We are meeting more people now. Recently, I went to a mom's night out to learn how to make homemade strawberry jam. It was fun and the men in my lives loved the jam I brought home.
Today, we are on the road again heading to Palm Springs then to San Diego. Jeff has to work in both places and we get to tag along. I'm excited because I get to catch up with my Uncle in Palm Springs. He is going to take us sight seeing all over. Should be great fun!

Desert Hiking 3/1/11

We ventured on a 2 hour hike this past Tuesday with some fellow homeschoolers. 

This group is called the Corp of Discovery.  Its for boys ages 10-13 but younger siblings can join in.

We had a blast! The weather was absolutely perfect.

10 boys and 4 moms

These pictures don't do the background justice.

Fun, Fun, Fun

Ski Trip to Flagstaff 2/25

SNOW! It was so beautiful to see all the snow.  It's been such a long time for us. 

Living in FL was not very conducive to us skiing as often as we would like but being

only 2 hours away now, I think we will be doing it more often.

Jason attempted snowboarding this time.  He would tell you, "It's hard!" but

I think he had a blast trying it.

Of course, it was not all skiing. 

Snowball making was in the works. 

The boys couldn't wait till we got of the ski lift to get us.

It was a long day but we can't wait to do it again!

Anyone want to join us???