Monday, March 17, 2008

Arizona Highlights

Here are a few highlights/pictures from Arizona. The first highlight was visiting Pete's grandparents, who live in Mesa. They are rapidly approaching 90 and in fantastic shape. Pete and I can only hope to be that active (and that happily married) in another 55 years!! Kate had a blast picking oranges, lemons and grapefruit right from the trees, and also got to help her great-grandfather scatter birdseed to feed all the quail and pigeons that practically live in their backyard.




Kate also loved being able to get outside. We dedicated quite some time in search of a decent playground in Scottsdale, AZ. It doesn't exist. Seriously - we are so grateful for all the wonderful playgrounds and parks at home now!! We didn't realize what a rarity that is! Still, she managed to find some enjoyment...

OK, so she doesn't look to excited in that last picture, but that's more because Mom was making her sit still for a picture. I just love the shot, though. (BTW - who is this grown-up "kid" and where did my little baby Katester go??)

Of course, no trip to 80+ degree weather would be complete without the obligatory afternoons in the pool. Kate is a fish and loved being in the water! When we went in at the start of the week, she had us just drag her around. By mid-week she progressed to holding onto a "noodle" and having us tow her and by Friday she had figured out how to kick those little legs and wave those arms to sort of doggie paddle around the pool under her own steam (all of this while wearing a life jacket, fyi, so don't go signing her up for the Olympics or anything). She was just so darn proud of herself it was so much fun to watch!! Here she is in the "noodle circle" with Daddy.


She also came on a very easy hike one day. Pete and my Dad took off and my Mom and I sauntered with Kate for awhile. Being now in my third trimester, Kate and I are at about the same speed. We saw lots of flowers and cacti and even a Gila monster!! Here she is taking in the wildlife with Grandma.

All in all, it was a great week. Kate has already adjusted to the time change, and was thrilled to see snow again. Wish I could say the same!!

7 comments:

carrster said...

Looks like you all had a great time - but where are the pictures of YOU, Hot Mama?!

carrster said...

(and yeah - that playground pic is awesome! Nice eye!!)

Kate said...

Oh, the warm sun! Looks like you all had a great time relaxing. What a gift your daughter is!

Cellomama said...

In general, I'm the one behind the camera. These days, especially, that suits me fine. Although I would say of the thousand or so pictures we have of Kate, I'm in perhaps 1-2 dozen of them. Sometimes it does sort of bum me out that I'm almost completely left out of her photographic history. However, even when I mention this to Pete, it seems to have little impact. *sigh*

carrster said...

I feel the same way!

Meigan said...

Yay! What great pictures. I almost feel like I'm on vacation looking at them.

Wow about Pete's grandparents - in their 90s!

Kate is just adorable, and yes, I can't get over how big she's getting.

Thanks for posting!

p.s. it helps if you just hold out the camera & take a self portrait with the kids - I do it all the time! But then again pictures are not always good because you might end up on my blog wearing paisley pants.

Test said...

I was thinking the same things as Carrie (sorry for the delayed posts - I've been so out of touch).

I felt all nice and warm looking at the sunshine. Ahh....