Cowgirls and Super Heros

The kids never cease to surprise me and Halloween was no exception. I half expected that when I told them they could pick whatever costumes they wanted this year (as long as they were modest) that I would be escorting a couple of Hannah Montanas and Lightening McQueen through the neighborhood.

But the girls choice to be cowgirls was darling especially because they didn't fight about it...

and although he had to constantly be reminded that he couldn't really fly, Jonny made an awesome Superman!

My favorite quote of the year:

Anna: Can I be a cowgirl when I grow up?

Mommy: You can be whatever you want to be!

Anna: (in a southern accent) Great! Then I'm gonna find me a cowboy and some horses and we'll ride em to Texas cuz that's where cowgirls live. (as loud and animated as possible) YEEHAW! (then in a low whisper) I've been working on that.

And what's Halloween without an art project or 200? (For those of you in the great NorthWet... Yes, it's Halloween are we are wearing shorts and t-shirts. Hee hee! Can you sense my delight?)

Beautiful Surprise

The city of Surprise is not totally developed yet and still has some beautiful fields of roses. This is one that we drive by often on our way to watch jets at the Air Force Base.

Our Final Day in Indio...

we tried out a really cool resturant that the concierge recomended. The grounds were super cool and the kids had a blast climbing on rocks and a giant pig.

The Thipgin's, who were on their way into town as we were leaving, met us for lunch and some quality cousin time!

Fall Break - Indio

Fall break found us at a beautiful resort in Indio, CA, a little town sandwiched between Palm Springs and the Joshua Tree National Park. We thoroughly enjoyed BBQing, lounging on the lazy river, and thanks to the relaxed pace of thing, we also enjoyed far fewer tantrums than usual!

The highlight of our vacation was a little side trip to Palm Springs where we took the tram to the top of a mountain. At times, we were tempted to leave Jonny there, but overall it was a great experience.

Although my fear of heights kept me a little on edge during the ride up the mountain, it really was facinating and the kids loved it!

The views at the top were stunning, and as Jonathan raves, so was the food.

It was a great little break for our family, who was longing for a brief escape from our dinky apartment.

Milestones

September brought milestones such as Jonny learning to dress himself, even if he doesn't always get it quite right,

and potty training, which I'm sure no one wants to see pictures of, so instead I am posting pictures of the prize which Jonny waited oh so impatiently for as he struggled with, but finally mastered, the art of using the potty.

Stormy Skies

The monsoon season brings thunder, lightening, and beautiful skies!

Jonny's 1st Swimming Lessons

Jonny loves the water. Maybe a little too much for his own good. Thus, we felt it necessary to enroll him in swimming lessons so that next time he jumps into a body of water with reckless abandon, he may be able to stay afloat. We are still be fans of fences, floaties and adult supervision, we are just trying to cover all the bases.

His lessons took place at the Surprise Aquatic Center which boasts a lap pool, a diving pool, a play area, a kiddie area, a "vortex" pool and 2 slides all for the bargain basement price of 2 buck for adults and 1 for the kiddos.

Jonny quickly mastered the "noodle"...

and quickly won the heart of Miss Paris whom he constantly shower with compliments such as "you are pretty", "I like your suit", and "I love you". This flirty at 3! I fear for his teenage years.

And I'm sure it will surprise no one that he spent his fair share of time on the wall for being, shall we say, too enthusiastic. That's our Jonny!