Special Visit

This past Saturday, we made a special trip to Tucson to visit our special friend, Marissa. We have not seen her in 10 years, and Bella had yet to meet her. So, we made a trip to go see her. It was awesome! I sure did miss her. Her and I grew up together, our parents were best friends and her and I would get in to lots of trouble together :) We went through pictures of us as kids and laughed at our parents clothing choices! I was so excited for her to meet Isabella and so was she!Bella took to her right away of course. She wanted Marissa to hold her and give her love. Becky made us a fabulous meal, as always, and we just enjoyed the family time.

We also got a preview of what it's going to be like to drive to San Diego next week w/ Bella. NOT FUN! She has always been an excellent car rider, never had any problems. Lately on longer trips, she gets bored very easily. Anyone that knows her well, knows that our little one does not sit still :)So our trip driving to California should be fun! However, we do have portable dvd and a Blues Clues DVD and coloring books and crayons (she loves to color) and other fun things. Should be good times! Here are some photos of B w/ the Rodriguez's and playing outside in their yard.


She even wore her Cowboys outfit just for them :)

My time home

It has been so nice being home the past 3 weeks. Bella and I have been sleeping in, staying up later and trying to do as many fun things that we can. Although, it's pretty hard finding things to do in Arizona as this heat is unbearable! We've taken her to Peter Piper a few times, been to a princess bday party, water pods at Desert Ridge, mall play area, play dates with other kiddos, etc. Next week I plan on taking her to library for a book reading (she is obsessed with books) and some other fun activities they have planned there. In a few weeks, we are going to the Starry Safari at the Phoenix Zoo w/ our Besties (Tortora's). They have water slides, train rides, carousel, fun houses, etc. SHould be good fun!

Today, Simone (her sitter) and the boys came over for pizza, to play , and run in the sprinklers. She had so much fun! I'm sad that 3 weeks of vacation is already over, but so enjoy my time home w/ her. Come the 1st week of August, I will be working more than just my part time school job. I am sad about that, but am thankful to have been home w/ her during her this year.
In 2 weeks, we leave for San Diego. We are sooo excited to get out of this heat. We are going to visit Lego Land, go to the beach, and visit family. It will be perfect! Here are some photos of the last few weeks, hope you all are having a good summer as well!

Swimming at Aunty Jen's


"Where is my PIZZA???"

PLAYING GAMES AT PETER PIPER W/ DAD





AT DESERT RIDGE FOUNTAIN W/ BRIANNA AND MAGS


PLAYING IN JUMPY W/ BRIANNA AND MAGGIE


PLAYING AT MALL KID AREA


SOPHIA'S PARTY


W/ HER FAIRY WINGS






PLAYING IN SPRINKLER

Fun Filled Fourth Weekend

Fourth of July weekend was filled with fun. Saturday, we celebrated Deb's 30th birthday with a pool and bbq party. We had such a good time. We ate some very yummy food and hung out in pool, played ping pong, and played volleyball. Bella had so much fun because they have a big backyard for her to play in. Plus, She is all about having everyone's attention and smiling at everyone, especially men!. Mommy and daddy got to drink margaritas and beer, and celebrate w/ our friends. Good times! Sunday was a family relaxation day. We took Bells to Peter Piper and let her play and eat. It was fun!


SHARING SNACKIES W/ UNCLE KEV

DADDY FLYIN IN THE AIR!




W/ JEN

PLAYING IN ROCKS , OF COURSE!


BELLS PLAYING PING PONG, SHE EVEN MADE IT OVER!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB, WE LOVE YOU!

Isabella reading

When Eric and I read to Isabella, we follow the words with our pointer finger. Much to my amazement, yesterday she got a book like she normally does, and sat down with it and started "reading" while moving her finger across the words! It's not on the pictures, but the words. It is pretty stinkin amazing to me that she can already recognize print! I just had a big workshop on the importance of reading to a child and how important reading is. The fact that she can recognize print and knows that the words go w/ spoken language is so exciting! Ok Mommy is a nerd I know! I am so proud of my baby girl! She loves to sit and read all by herself, but she also will grab a book from her bookshelf and bring it to Eric or I. I have a feeling I have one smart cookie on my hands!