RAWHIDE

We had not been to Rawhide since it left North Scottsdale about 2 years ago, so yesterday we made the trek south to see what the new location was like. Although we had some fun, we've decided that we don't need to go back. It was sooooo much better before. The temptation was strong to leave them in jail so we could enjoy a relaxing margarita while strolling the streets, but we didn't give in. Instead, we rode the stage coach, the train and drank sarsaparilla.

Kip's 7th Birthday

Kip had a laser tag birthday party this year. I think he really had a great time. All of his best buddies were there. On his actual birthday, I baked a snake cake (idea courtesy of my mother in law) that was deeeeeeelicious. I really can't believe he's already 7. But, then, I guess all parents are blown away by how fast their kids grow. He's so mature in some ways, but he's also a delightful little boy who has a good amount of innocence left.

Based on these photos, you'd think Kip's whole birthday was about cake. Well, it was . We ate lots of cake.
ANTICIPATION. ANTICIPAAAAAATION. IT'S MAKING ME WAIT.......



Reid and Quinn enjoyed singing happy birthday. Over and over and over and over and over and you get the idea. Reid really seemed to get the whole birthday concept, but it's still a bit over Quinn's head.

Grayhawk's Fall Festival

Reid and Kip's school hosted a Fall Festival on Friday night. The highlight for me was watching the boys climb the rock wall. That and watching Kip play with his buddies.


Kip and Victoria Fall Festival 2007
Kip and Victoria Fall Festival 2006

These two are best buddies.

A Camping We Will Go

Kip and I had a wonderful time camping with the cub scouts earlier this month. There must have been about 150 people altogether! We went to a great campsite outside of Payson, AZ. Although the day time temperatures didn't get above 65 and the night time temps were below freezing, we stayed warm and had lots of fun. We got to hike, visit a fish hatchery do campfire skits, race in the "Rain Gutter Regatta" and eat s'mores.

Holy Crap It's Huge!

This beauty was right outside our front door. We thought it was a joke because it was so big. It's over 4 inches long and looks almost rubbery. It's crisp and dead, though. It's only the 2nd scorpian we've seen in/around our house since we moved in 4 1/2 years ago. Not too bad for a house plunked down in the middle of the friggin' desert!