Lake Powell

Me wake boarding

Man down!

Elliot wake boarding

Jaycie the navigator

Hollywood!

Me, Jaycie, my mom, Danielle, Brekin and Kennedi took my little sister Brielle to LA as a graduation present this week. We left on Wednesday and Bri had absolutely no idea where we were going, who was coming and how we were getting there. We made her think we were driving, but ended up at the airport where she discovered our destination. Once we arrived in LA we took the shuttle to rent a car and who walks in after us but our favorite El Paso-ans! Since Danielle's girls knew nothing about the trip either it was the greatest screaming fest Advantage Car Rental had ever seen!

We had an awesome hotel on Hollywood Blvd and we walked almost everywhere because we were right in the center of the action. We got to see lots of interesting things and even more interesting people. The highlight and purpose of the trip was to see the Broadway show "Wicked" - my new favorite for sure!  What a wonderful trip with some wonderful ladies!

Flavors of Phoenix

Last night was the annual Flavors of Phoenix fundraiser at the Westin Kierland hotel for The American Liver Foundation. Most of my family was there (sorry Ash and Bri) and we had such an awesome time. Each table had their own chef who planned the entire menu and prepared the food right in front of us. All of the tables were decorated differently and they were exquisite! There was a silent auction and hors d'oeuvres for the first hour, then we were all seated in the Grand Ballroom. They started the program and I was asked to speak again this year to help raise money for research grants. After that we enjoyed five courses of amazing food thanks to Chef Rick Dupere of the Ritz Carlton. It was really neat having my family there to support me and I hope that they all had as much fun as I did.

Paper airplanes

The other day Elliot taught Jaycie how to make a paper airplane. Let me preface this story by telling you that Jaycie always wakes up before we do. She's pretty independent and finds ways to entertain herself until we get up. This particular morning as I walked past her room to start a load of laundry I did a double take and this is what I saw - about 40 paper airplanes crafted by Jaycie! It felt like some kind of Sci-fi film and I thought it was so funny. When I asked her what she thought we should do with all of them she said that she wanted to give them to all of her friends. They are in a plastic bag at our house so if you stop by soon, you're gettin' one!

Dinner at Yard House

We got the news on Friday that we are officially certified to adopt! We started the process right before Christmas and after mounds and mounds of paperwork, fingerprints and interviews we are done. We went to the Yard House to celebrate and had a great night... that is until Jaycie threw up alllll of her mac 'n cheese - Gross!

Miss Piggy

Another day at the ranch and who knew they were hiding a huge pig in the back. Jenny, the horse trainer promised us she was friendly so Me, Jaycie, Jaxson and Mya (they were having a sleepover) ventured in. She was the oldest, ugliest, hairiest pig I'd ever seen. The kids weren't sure what to think of her so I was the first one to make my move. As I rubbed the brittle porcupine-like hairs on her belly she let out noises I'd never heard before. I'm not sure if they were sounds of pleasure or warnings for me to get away, but I told the kids that it meant she was happy. So they joined me in getting to know her better. Well, except for Mya. She wouldn't go near the thing except to point at her with a furrowed brow while she made her own little noise. If you know Mya you know what I mean! Anyway, it was pretty funny and I'm sure we'll pay Miss Piggy another visit soon!

Happy Mother's Day!

I love Mother's Day. Every year I can expect breakfast in bed. I usually have to force myself back to sleep because I can still hear clanking around in the kitchen. They were super creative this year and I licked my plate clean - YUM! Happy Mother's Day to all the women in my life - mother or not, you have an influence for good!

Cowgirl

On Saturday Jaycie became a true cowgirl. She has talked about her love of horses for forever and we decided to try her in the saddle. Her first riding lesson was a success and had to be the cutest thing we've ever seen. She was so serious and focused, taking everything in... But then when she passed us sitting on the fence she would have a sweet little grin on her face - translation: "I'm loving this!!!" Her horse Arizona is as tame as can be (she's really old and has arthritis so we don't have to worry that she's going to buck Jaycie off). Her next lesson is on Friday and she wants everyone to come watch. Literally, everyone we see receives a verbal invite. Elliot and I really enjoyed just sittin' on the fence at the ranch watching her try something new. I think I'll get myself a pair of boots!