Goldfield Ghost Town.

My parents are here visiting while the kids are on their two-week spring break. A few days ago, we drove about 30 minutes east of Chandler to Apache Junction to visit one of my mom's childhood friends, who comes to AZ for the winter. We went to Goldfield Ghost Town (an old mining town) for lunch and to tour the town.

Impressive Saguaro cactus.

The kids with a backdrop of the Superstition Mountains.

A look at part of the town.

The kids found their rightful place! 

The kids holding bullet casings. This is as close as I'll ever let them get to anything gun-related.

After touring the town, we made a second stop at the Superstition Mountain Museum. The kids enjoyed checking out the old horse and carriage.

The Elvis Memorial Chapel.
This is a movie memorabilia museum that celebrates western movies and tv shows that were filmed there. Of note is "Charro" starring Elvis Presley. The chapel is still used today for weddings. 

The kids with The King. 

"A" Mountain with Grandma.

Matt's mom was here visiting in Jan/Feb and she hadn't climbed "A" mountain in Tempe yet so the kids and I took her there for this fun experience. While we were climbing the mountain, Matt was able to look out his office window and watch us.

Lincoln, Cassidy, and Grandma.

Cassidy and I stopped at about the halfway point as Cass doesn't really appreciate climbing up high and I don't have the strength or desire to carry a 6-year-old kid to the top.  Grandma and Lincoln made it all the way to the top. Here is a pic of Grandma on the way up.

Grandma and Lincoln on the way back down. 

Flag football. Winter 2015.

It felt a bit odd when I registered Lincoln to play flag football outside in the Winter rather than in the Fall, but it turned out to be a wonderful time to sit outside and take in the games here in AZ.

Hut, hut, hike!

On the move.

Ready for action.

The boys huddled up with Coach.

His team, the Sun Devils, ended up in 4th place. Good season overall. Next up: Spring baseball. 

braces!

How is it possible that I have a kid with braces? 

Genetics and a thumb habit have ensured that a nice chunk of our family funds will go toward providing Lincoln with a gleaming, straight-toothed smile. Unlike when I was a "brace-face" in middle school (late-80s), they seem to do orthodontia in phases these days so Lincoln is in Phase 1. He only has braces on his front 4 (top) teeth, which are adult teeth. These will be on for about a year and then he'll wear a retainer 'til he's about 12. At that time, he'll get a full set of braces if (when) he needs them. 

He not yet 9, but he looks so much older to me with the braces on. 

I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. ~Author Unknown

Go Super Dad!

Matt successfully ran his first 1/2 marathon on January 18th and he did great, running at a pace of 8 min, 22 seconds per mile. The kids and I were tired just watching the runners. It's very inspirational watching people achieve these amazing goals.

A January morning in Tempe, AZ.
Race time temperatures were in the 50s.

Almost at the finish line!
This is where the kids and I stood to cheer the runners on.

A couple of proud kids with their dad.

Way to go, Matt!

 

100th day of school.

The kids celebrated their 100th day of school on January 14th. The Kindergartners had the opportunity to dress up like they were 100 years old. Cassidy enjoyed wearing glasses, a shawl, a necklace, and using a cane for the day.  She also had some gray spray in her hair. Super fun!

Grandma Cassie.

Walking like an old lady. She gets around pretty well for being 100 years old! 

 

Cassidy with her "100 Days Smarter" crown.

Sweet glasses, Lincoln! 

juggle bubbles (as seen on tv!)

The kids received Juggle Bubbles from their Uncle Dave for Christmas. We spent some time outside last week testing them out. The kids had a blast!

Our bubble blower. 

Look! With these magical gloves, Cassidy can hold a bubble without it popping. 

Lincoln squishing his bubble. Magical!

Big bro and little sis passing a bubble back and forth.