Soccer

Harley recently decided that she wanted to play soccer. Today was her first practice. She had a blast! Here's a picture of her after. Of course, we had to make a run to Circle K to celebrate a job well done. (Plus, I just look for any excuse to go to Circle K.)

A fun family day

Today was the first day in a long time that we didn’t have ANYTHING planned. That NEVER happens lately. So, we took advantage of it. Since today was also St. Patty’s Day, we started out with everyone putting on their green clothes, and sitting down for some green breakfast…

Next, we headed over to the San Tan Mountains for a hike. This was my first real hike since my ACL replacement a year ago. Consequently, I was a little nervous. We did this same hike a year ago, about a month before my surgery and I wasn’t able to make it to the top. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went this time. I admit that it was a little harder than I expected it to be, but I made it to the top, and I’m very proud of myself. Here’s a few pics of us at the top of the mountain…

After the hike we ran some errands while the kids did their Saturday chores. Then, we came home and had our St. Patty’s Day traditional corned beef and cabbage. It was as yummy as always! After that, the skies turned gray and the wind rolled in. So, what do you do when the wind starts blowing… Fly a KITE!…

It was a wonderful family day, and just what the Dr ordered!

Busy March so far

Today is only the 17th of March, but it’s been a busy month so far.

I don’t know how, but Harley’s birthday month was kind of crazy. Consequently, her party never happened. Next thing we knew… it was MARCH! So we put together a fun birthday party at kind of a last minute. We did an early Saturday morning breakfast birthday brunch, complete with a fun birthday craft project. It was so fun…

Happy (SUPER LATE) birthday, Harley!

Next, we were on to Shelby’s birthday, which was on the 13th. For her birthday, we did a little ladies’ late night party. At Shelby’s request, we had a salad bar. Then, we played with the Kinect, opened presents, and then headed out to play soccer and red rover. I think they had a GREAT time. Happy birthday, Shelbs!

For her birthday, Eric and I gave Shelby tickets to go see WICKED at Gammage Auditorium. She and I went the day after her party. It was an AMAZING show that I will make the whole family go see if it ever comes back to Gammage. But, it was a wonderful time for Shelby and I to share together.

Lastly, Grandma Stewart has had some health issues over the last few weeks. So, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking and praying for her to feel better. Sweet Harley always makes notes for people when she feels helpless. I thought this one was especially funny and sweet at the same time…

March doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, but it’s all good. As Grandma Stewart says, If it wasn’t one thing… it’d be the next.” So we just keep on chugging, and trying to catch our breath here and there.

Music madness

Chandler and Shelby recently had some great musical experiences.

Chandler was 1 of only 4 kids from our elementary school, and 1 of only 6 percussionists to make the district honor band. It was a great experience for him. He worked with the local high school band teacher, and had a wonderful performance at the Chandler Center for the Arts. We were very proud. (That’s him standing in the very back of the band.)

Shelby also had a wonderful (early) end of the year performance. The teacher’s husband got a job in Illinois, so the last day before break was her last day at the school. It was an emotional farewell concert, but Shelby was so grateful to be part of it. Her teacher taught her so much, and we were lucky to have had her in our lives, even if it was for such a short time. Here’s a pic of her last concert…

It’s fun to be on the parent’s side of all these musical functions. We’re so proud of them.

The perfect pet

We got a new pet last year… Speedy, the desert tortoise. He is the greatest pet in the world… NO MAINTENACE. He eats the grass outside, and goes in a bucket in the garage to sleep for the winter. He recently starting moving around, so we put him out back to get some food and sunshine. Tatum acted like it was Christmas. She loves her little Speedy.

Aren’t they both adorable?!?!

A fun weekend

Back in January Eric and Chandler went on a winter scout campout. I was worried they’d freeze to death, but I guess they stayed nice and warm.

While the cat’s away… the mice will play. The girls and I went and got our nails done, went to dinner, and had a family room sleepover…

When they boys got home on Saturday, I surprised Eric with tickets to the Barrett-Jackson auto show in Scottsdale. We’ve been wanting to go for years, but have never gotten around to it. I wasn’t going to let another year go past without going. WE LOVED IT!!!

 

There were so many GORGEOUS cars! This one’s my dream, come true…

 

And this one was for my dad (trying to convince him to buy one when they get home)…

Barrett-Jackson was everything we hoped it would be. It will be a tradition from now on, and we’ll be taking mom and dad Jameson when they get home in 2 years. Happy driving, all!

Harley’s baptism

Sweet Harley girl got baptized the end of January. It was a beautiful day! Everything was WONDERFUL! We missed the family members who weren't there, but everything went as well as we hoped it would.

She looked SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

Here are some pics from before…

Daddy baptized and confirmed her, and all the special men in her life stood in the confirmation circle. After the baptism, we chose not to do treats or anything at the building or our house. Instead, we went with Grandma and Grandpa Stewart, Ali, Vicki, and Kris to Olive Garden (Harley’s choice). On the way there, we were able to use my super sweet iPhone to call Grammy and Papa in the Congo to share the day with them. That was really special for Harley. While at Olive Garden, she opened up a few gifts people had given her for her special day. She was so grateful for all the thoughtfulness…

The day was everything we hoped it would be for her. We are so proud of her and her decision to be baptized. We all love you, Harley girl!