Trip to Phoenix

We recently went on a weekend trip to Phoenix, AZ. Jim had to go down for a conference, so Abby and I just tagged along. The weather was beautiful (in the 90s the whole time we were there).

What's a trip without taking a dip in the pool?

We visited the Rainforest Cafe. Abby loved it there with all of the animals(they were fake but came to life every so many minutes). She didn't so much like the thunderstorms that came every 20 minutes.

We visited a place called Castles and Coasters. It was just a small amusement park that had a few rides along with Miniature Golf.
We are at the airport enjoying Jim's Red Carpet Club membership that his company pays for since he travels so much. Abby very much enjoyed the free hot chocolate that they gave her.

Abby's First Race

Abby ran in her first race today. She wanted to originally run in the 5k, but I convinced her to try the 1 mile for her first race. Considering that she didn't train for it, she did an awesome job. She finished the mile run in 13 min. She took off like a rocket; I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to keep up (but good old Mom made it). After the race, we needed to refuel at Panera Bread.

Halloween Party

Last night, we went to a Halloween party with a few of the kids from Westside. The kids had a good time playing some games. Nicholas and Connor were decorated like mummies, and the kids carved pumpkins with the help of some adults. Abby had quite the night. She bumped her head a few times and had a knot on the top of her head. Next, she "accidentally" bit into a glow stick and swallowed some of the liquid inside. Just in case anyone's children does this, just have them rinse their mouth and drink some fluids (Jim called Poison Control).

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

First Snow

Can you believe it? We got around 7 inches of snow overnight and into the day today. Of course, I had to take my parents to the airport early this morning. The roads were horrible. Jim and Abby had to take time to play in the snow after church this morning. I think perhaps Jim had as much fun as Abby. This Wednesday the temperatures are supposed to be in the 70s, so I think the snow is short-lived (thank goodness). Jim said we would be moving back to KY on the next snow. Just kidding

Estes Park

Yesterday, we took my mom and dad up to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, very beautiful sights. At our house, the weather was in the 70s and up in the mountains probably around 50s to 60s.

One of the sights was Bear Lake. Abby thought it was pretty neat to see snow when we didn't have it at our house.

We saw some mule deer and right before we left we finally found some elk hanging out on the golf course. I think the highlight of the day was the elk. All of us were so excited to get so close to the them.

Abby is NOW 8

Abby is now eight years old. Her Grandma and Grandpa Neely came in to stay with her this week. For her birthday, she got a new bike, Star Wars movie, baby doll, Super Peach for her Nintendo and a few instruments from her other grandparents. I think she made out ok!

Abby's PRE-birthday

We decided to have an early birthday party for Abby at Casa Bonita. We invited some of her friends from our new church, Westside. For all of you that don't know what Casa Bonita is, a very corny mexican restaurant that have cliffdivers, fire jugglers, shows, caves for the kids to go through, and an arcade. The food isn't very good, but Abby loves it there. Happy 8th Birthday Abby!