Days of Fun and a Quick Day Trip

Summer is officially in full swing. The kids actually have not been up to much these past few weeks other than lots of swimming at our new gym, which they love. On Memorial Day weekend we headed up to my parents house to check on the house and use the pool. The kids were trying to do the craziest jumps for the camera. This was their first summer weekend so they were pretty pumped!

This past week, the kids and I pretty much hit the gym everyday. They love the child watch area and they love to swim there. The weather has been pretty hot, so one day we stayed inside and went to play at Pump It Up. It is basically a bunch of inflatable rides and slides.

When at home, Carmen is still into playing doctor and plays dress up quite a bit. This week I walked into her room and caught her in full gear, taking care of her favorite patient of course, GIANNI!!!!!!! Gianni had a bottle rocket event with cub scouts this weekend (pictures on the left). They used a bottle with water and an air compressor to launch these rockets into the air. Super BOY fun!

Okay, on to the good stuff. This week Abel and I were sitting at the kitchen table talking about how it would be nice to do something different this weekend. We decided to explore the Sedona area with the kids and take a one night trip out of town. On Saturday, we left around 3pm from Gianni's cub scout event and drove 2 hours to Sedona. When we arrived, we hit an upscale shopping area called Tlaquepaque. The shops are beautiful and super fancy. I thought the kids would be bored, but they loved walking around and exploring the artwork and sculptures that were in the shops.

After an hour or so of walking around and exploring, we decided to eat at the Oak Creek Brewery for dinner. Abel and I had the most delicious beer I have ever had. It was called Orange Blossom. It was brewed with citrus and vanilla and it was so unique. I had an enormous grilled shrimp spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, and Abel and the kids had a brick oven pizza with fresh ricotta, roasted garlic, Canadian bacon, and fresh basil. After dinner it was more fountains, coins, and wishes for the kids. Every fountain required a coin and a wish.

Let's not forget dessert. "How Sweet It Is".....yup that was the name of the shop. This little shop was filled with fresh fudge, chocolates, and ice cream. We were in there for 20 minutes before they decided on an ice cream for Gianni and a giant peanut butter cup for Carm.

After dinner we crossed the street to a Spiritual New Age shop. The kids each picked a little treasure. Carmen picked a pretty necklace and Gianni walked through and read about every stone and crystal. He picked three stones: one that calms the body, one that helps with fear, and one that opens your heart and mind. Very interesting! Each stone has 5 different things it helps with but those were the ones that stood out to us. After our little "new age" experience we rushed off to our motel that was on top of a mountain so that we could catch the sunset. We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge which is an older motel with little cottages, gardens, and fountains throughout the property. We found it online and it looked so sweet. Definitely old, but the view was spectacular!

This was the view from our motel. We were able to look out over the entire town. We got there just as a crowd was starting to gather to watch the sunset. They had a little cafe off the lobby and people were buying drinks and getting ready to settle down in the grassy area to watch the sun set. The kids thought the view was "cool".

As we watched the sun go down, the kids and I snuggled up near the garden where all the hotel guests were gathered to watch the sun fade away. It was very relaxing way to end the day. Oh but wait..were we done yet? Mommy the pool closes at 9pm. Okay, a quick swim in the pool and then off to bed.

On Sunday morning, we headed to McDonald's for coffee and pancakes. From there we hit a local grocery store for a big sub sandwich, grapes, and some chips. We packed our cooler up and checked out of the motel. It was off to Slide Rock for hiking and a little creek adventure.

For those that don't know, Slide Rock is a natural slide in a creek. The water has run for so long that it has made a smooth water slide for people to slide on like you would at a water park. It was a little scary and the water was 62 degrees. Carmen sat down and was ready to go. Abel and I were not in position to grab her and the next thing we knew she took off. I started snapping pictures and Abel ran to grab her from the water. She cried afterwards because she was not sure what to expect or that Abel was going to grab her.

Here are two video links of the kids sliding. You have to check it out!

http://youtu.be/_-0qLiw67NQ

http://youtu.be/q0qYx7vJCS8

Gianni kept saying, "mom I love to climb, let's keep climbing." He also enjoyed picking up stones and rocks as he walked along the creek.

Carmen is my water baby. It's all about the water for her. She was the first one in but was also the first one to dry off. Too cold!

Once the kids were dry, we walked multiple trails and "explored" as the kids liked to call it.

We left Slide Rock around 11am after about two hours, and headed slowly out of Sedona and Oak Creek. Every spot where there was an area to pull over and look at the view, we did! We also found a place to have our picnic lunch.

Our final stop before heading home was the Holy Cross Chapel. It is on top of a mountain and built into the rock. We climbed to the top and said a few prayers inside. The view once again is completely amazing.

Although we were in Sedona for less than 24 hours, it was a fun 24 hours. We would definitely go back again with the kids. Sedona was a quick, easy, and cheap little get away.

One last picture, so all of that sliding and no injuries to report. We are home for 1 hour and as I am returning from a quick run to the grocery store, Abel calls me on the phone. I can hear Gianni screaming in the background. He banged his finger on the bed in his room. Now Gianni won't let me touch it or even look at it. I figured, ohh he just jammed it. It was really swollen and puffy, but that was about it. Didn't even want to take him to urgent care because I thought, what will they do?? Splint it maybe? Doctor did an x-ray and came back in the room laughing. "Dude, how hard is your bed? Mom...you aren't going to believe it, he broke it!" I really did not think it was broken. We are supposed to follow up with an orthopedic specialist this week. Wonderful right : ) Poor kid.

Hopefully this injury will heal quickly. A big week ahead, Gianni's birthday weekend and Father's Day. Will keep taking pictures for you mom.

Summer - Bring It On!!!!!!

Finally, it is here. I know my friends and family back East are thinking, "Summer....already," but in Arizona SCHOOL IS OVER!!!!!!! The last week of school was as hectic as ever. Carmen had her preschool graduation and was so excited to be done. Of course, we had to buy a new dress for the occasion. This poor girl is ready for kindergarten and has been for a while. It has been two years of what has felt like never ending preschool. She is over prepared and more ready for kinder than Gianni ever was when he went. Being that she will start school in August and then turn 6 two months later, she will be one of the oldest in her class. She missed the cutoff of September 1st by 6 weeks. Those darn rules!

This is her "bestie" Sophia S. Sophia and Carmen did two long years of preschool together and are super excited to find out that they will be in the same class next year as well. Mommy was able to leave Western Sky and pop on over for her ceremony.

We are so proud of our "Carmelita Mommasita" as the family, including Gianni, often refers to her. She is so smart, tries new things, has no fear, and is always making us laugh! You go girl!

Gianni had a busy week as well. His baseball team celebrated after the last game of the season. Gianni played in Little League and was on the Reds again. His team was fabulous and we made some wonderful new friends. After the last game they went to Freddy's for burgers, fries, and custard. Coach Gary gave out the trophies and said a few words about each player. Gianni has really enjoyed playing catcher this season and feels very confident in that position.

Gianni had an awards assembly in the classroom as well this week. Mommy and daddy made it to the school to find out that the school went into "lock down" 5 minuted before we arrived. Goodyear police were in pursuit of someone in the neighborhood and so the school went into lock down for a few hours. Unfortunately, we were not able to get in so it was back to work. The situation in the neighborhood was safely resolved and the kids were kept cool and calm. I was very proud of the school and how things were taken care of and explained to the children. Once things were settled down the awards assembly continued. Gianni was voted as "math whiz" and "most athletic boy" by his peers and was happy to be recognized for those two things.

On Friday, the last day of school, Abel picked up Gianni and his entire cub scout den met at Chase Field for a Diamondbacks game. They got to march in a parade out onto the field. You can see Gianni looking for daddy here. After the game there were fireworks, and the best part was that the pack spent the night on the field. The boys played baseball and watched movies on the big screen all night long. They brought in their sleeping bags and caught about 1 to 3 hours of sleep (off and on of course).

In the morning they left the ballpark, grabbed some breakfast (Gianni fell asleep in the restaurant), and went straight to a Memorial Day flag ceremony. The den went to the cemetery and placed flags on the graves of soldiers. It was an amazing experience for him and opened up lots of good conversation about the holiday. Gianni and daddy came home after that and slept from 11am until 3pm. They fell asleep together in my bed which is where I found them when Carm and I got home from dance class. I wanted to take a picture so badly but was afraid the camera would wake them. Well, we kicked off summer with a bang. Lots of fun planned for the next few weeks. I will keep you posted!!!

Cub scouts, dance recital, and some soul food

Last weekend, Gianni was able to participate in the Pinewood Derby Car Competition. He was a finalist and so this event was round two. He did not place but said to me, "mom, I'm glad I just got to do it!" I was so proud of him when he said that to me.

After the Derby, we got in the car and headed for California. Abel's family had a party for his mom and for his sister who is about to have a baby any day now. The mariachi band showed up and sang for Abel's mom. Throw in a pinata and food, and it was an official party!

This weekend Carmen had her dance recital. Her song was "L-O-V-E". She continues to love the stage and going to dance class. The outfits, hair, and make up make the event even more special. It always ends with flowers that she keeps in her room until they are completely dead.

Click on the link below to see the video. She is on the left side.

http://youtu.be/WeK4KAWnWPQ

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Holly and I were matching in black shirts and jeans for our Spring Supper Club. 

The theme was Soul Food!

Neeley's Peach Iced Tea

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

Okra Fritters w/ Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Chicken and Waffle Monte Cristo w/ Rosemary Maple Gravy

Boozy Braised Collard Greens

Dessert was a Sweet Potato Pie, but apparently I forgot to take a picture. Whoops!

 

 The kids were with Nonna and Papa and it was nice to enjoy time with Abel and my friends. Abel took the day off on Friday and I came home to find out that he was super productive! He cleaned the entire house, did all the laundry, and cleaned the car. He even picked weeds in the front yard. He knew our weekend was going to be crazy so he took care of it to relieve my stress. I am a lucky girl to have him as my partner!

Baseball, baseball, more baseball and some swimming

 Baseball is in the air in the Casillas house! We attended two back to back spring training games at the end of March. The first was with the Goodyear Little League and the second was with Gianni's class at school. The kids had fun on the lawn and the weather was so perfect.

 After a long day of baseball, we have been heading up to Nonna and Papa's house to cool off in the pool. The kids love to go to up there for Saturday Night at Papa's as we call it and it usually surrounds a great dinner, time in the pool, and Carmen falling asleep in the car on the way home.

 We had the most beautiful Easter this year. Nonna did an amazing job of planning a weekend full of fun events. Breakfast on the patio, swimming, a bunny cake, coloring eggs and an egg hunt, and gnocchi for dinner; so really who could ask for anything more.

 Gianni has been a busy little man! He recently won the Pinewood Derby with a car he built for Cub Scouts. He received a trophy and gets to race against other scouts this Saturday. In addition to scouts, baseball is in full swing. His Little League team is the Reds again. This year it is machine pitch and kid pitch which is a whole other level for him. He is doing great and is learning a ton. He has played multiple positions and hit a triple this past weekend.

 At opening day for Little League, there were bounce houses and rides. Miss Carmen decided to do the rock wall and went very far. Only one problem, "how do I get down?" We kept telling her to let go and that the guys would bring her down, but she wasn't having it. After about 5 minutes of me yelling for her to just let go, she finally did it. 

Spring Break

We started our spring break off with a bang and hit Legoland with Abel's family. His sisters Stephanie and Toni, their husbands, and all the kids joined us as we spent a fun day at the park. 15 of us total including baby Jordin.

It doesn't matter how many times we go to this place - THEY LOVE IT! It is a great place for kids this age. Gianni is so sweet because he continues to have some fear when it comes to rides. Carmen is the exact opposite. She is the girl that is on the ride and people look and say, "I can't believe that little one is on that ride!" I love them both the way they are, but they are so different.

The best day of spring break was the beach. We brought a picnic, all the cousins played together, and I got a chance to run a few miles solo on the sand. Very relaxing!

The water in San Diego was 54 F. My kids did not care. Carmen loves the beach and would swim even if it was 48 degrees.

Uncle Richard and Destiny decided to bury Gianni!

When we returned from San Diego we still had a few days to relax before going back to work. This break felt much different than most. I think it was because I was studying and stressing about my AEPA Principal Exam. I took it yesterday and I am so glad that it is over. I did the best I could to take my mind off of it. This week we enjoyed some time with Nonna and Papa, went swimming, cleaned out bedrooms, and went to baseball practice. Yup, it's time for baseball. Tomorrow it is back to work for the last and final quarter before summer break. I do hope it goes fast.