Heaven

Noah had the perfect day yesterday. We (Dave, Grammy, Pop. Noah and I) ventured out to the Arizona Gem, Rock and Fossil Show. It covers the city of Tucson for two weeks at various locations. We ended up at a Ramada Hotel that was completely full of rocks and fossils! Every room was covered in all varieties of products from the earth's crust. It was overwhelming - we spent at least three hours going from room to room studying and touching everything we could. And of course, Noah brought home many more to add to his collection. He got a wonderful display cabinet for Christmas and all his specimen have a place of distinction in it.

After the rock show, and dinner, we came home and cranked up Noah's new chocolate fountain. He purchased this beauty after saving money he raised by giving massages to various family members. He calls it his "spa" and offers many package options - he even cuts nails and does feet! Anyway, he dipped marshmellow, bananas, pretzels and strawberries into the flowing chocolate, making satisfying grunting noises the whole time. Nothing could be better than chocolate flowing freely!

Many times during the day, Noah quoted a shirt he has that says "Life is Good." I'm sure that Noah's heaven will be full of rocks and chocolate.

Visitors!

We were so happy to have Grandma and our two cutest cousins/neices and their adorable puppy come visit us for a couple of days this week. It gave me an even greater appreciation for what my mother does everyday watching the two girls and the puppy by herself.

Sadie kept saying, "This house is so cool" while carrying around all of Noah's stuffed animals. Burnee spent lots of time drawing lines on the chalkboard and copying her big sister. And Beagle (the puppy) gave Ginger a run for her money. Mom and I just tried to keep up. We were always glad when Noah came home from school to entertain them all since he has more energy than all of us put together!

It was wonderful to have them all here.

Making Progress

We were so excited to have Monica's parents come this past weekend. They were a huge help in getting the craft loft set up (first two pics). It is my favorite place in the house and has a great view of the mountains out the balcony doors. I can't wait to start scrapbooking again! It will also be an awesome place to exercise - if I ever feel like it (ha ha). Thanks mom and dad!

Dave's office furniture finally came, so he has made great strides in getting that room arranged. He really loves his workroom. Monica is also loves his workroom because it means that now we can actually eat at the kitchen table again. Dave used it previously as his desk.

Notice who's room is messier?

Happy New Year!

We spent the new year with Dave's parents. We celebrated New York time (10pm our time) and then all crashed out. Except for poor Noah who was the only one awake to ring in the real 2007 in Arizona by himself. We woke long enough to see some fireworks outside, then to bed. When did we get so lame? I remember when I was young that I couldn't believe my parents didn't want to stay awake to see the new year turn. Now I'm just like them - new year, smew year - it's just another day.

We spent the next day playing games and going to a new park in town. It was nice to spend some down time all together. Very relaxing - back to work tomorrow.

Christmas wishes

We really appreciate all the letters, cards and phone calls that have been given us this season. We love hearing from all of you. We are beginning to feel more at home. Once we get some furniture, we will really be in hog heaven.

We spent Christmas morning here at home and then went to Phoenix with Dave's parents to stay with Monica's parents for a few days. We had a great time. It's good to be back home. Time to go furniture shopping!

more of our new place

The living room, great room, entry and pool. Does anyone see the alien?

Our new place

Kitchen - looking down from loft