Weekend with Marty and Angie

Marty and Angie came out to visit us over the past weekend. What a great time we had from the Fountain Hills Art Fair, Spa for the girls while Marty and I played 36 holes of golf, to family and friends over for dinner and going out in Scottsdale. What a weekend, and there was good quality time with Mia by her Uncle Marty and Aunt Angie.

Trip to Michign - Mia and Daddy

Mia and I had a great time in Michigan. For the first time Mia played in the snow and she loved it - well until she fell and her hands got cold. Grandma, who Mia continued to call Nana, and Aunt Michelle help Daddy out by watching Mia so that Daddy could squeeze in some quality time with my nephews Sean, Mitch, Brad and Kyle. Wow how my nephews are growing up fast. Brad and Kyle are in high school and seem to have friends over all the time - play video games all night long.

Mia and I picked up Sean and Mitch from school - which they all enjoyed. The boys introduced me to their teachers - much different then what I remember - Mrs Troy was my 5th grade teacher. Mia had fun meeting all the other kids at the school and loved walking up and down the hallways in the school.

Brad and Kyle played some hockey - and seemed to be the best players on the team. Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to see Brad play in a game since he was not feeling well. Kyle, on the other hand, had a tournament where they won every game. I was able to see Kyle score at least three points...!







Both Sean and Mitch had basketball games which was fun to watch. Sean has hands like Nash while Mitch runs and jumps like Magic Johnson!











The day before we left Michigan, Michelle and the kids made Mia her first snowman. Mia has a book that Jamie gave her about Winter and it has a picture of a snowman. Mia loves to touch and feel the snowman in the book and seeing one in real-life was very exciting for Mia. After she was finished in the snow, Grandma asked her if she wanted to hot coco. Mia continued to say coco. I think she liked how it tasted as well as the sound of the word.











Lastly, Mitch and Sean have some pet birds which were fun to play with. The boys really never played with them before our visit because they bit. Maddy, a friend of Sean, figured out that using a thin glove helped avoid being bit. Mia and the boys enjoyed playing with the birds.

Getting ready for Mia and Daddy's trip to Michigan

Mia and I have our bags packed and we're ready to go - flying to Michigan to see my Sister, Michelle, her kids (Kyle, Brad, Mitch and Sean), and Grandma. Good weekend of Hockey, Basketball and just hanging out with my nephews.

While getting ready, we realized that Mia must be in a growth spurt. Debbie recently order some cool looking boots for the trip, but when we tried the on the other night--they did not fit. Oh no, so we ran out to Target to get some other winter shoes - forgetting that we live in Arizona - and this time of year there were none to be found. They just had a complete line of summer sandals - but no boots. I am sure they will have some in Michigan...

While I write about shoes, I thought I would let you know it's already happening. Mia is starting to be fascinated with shoes. In the morning while we are getting dressed - she goes into our closet and she picks out shoes for Mommy and Daddy to wear. Her favorite pair for me is a bright red which Debbie has for special occasions. Actually, I don't think Debbie has ever worn them - therefore Mia is following in Mommy's shoe fascination "foot steps" - the shoe collector. Mommy has a lot of shoes she never wears and they all seem to look the same to me. Okay, I won't go there.

Here are some snapshots of Mia trying on Mommy's shoes. And interesting enough, she's trying to put on anything that we put on her - clothes, diaper, socks and shoes. While she tries, she still can't figure it out (what's up with that...at age 14 months). Here she is with Mommy's shoes - "How does Mommy and Daddy put these on...hummmmm"

What? I almost had them on!

Cardinals loss

Well, it's over. Arizona lost but what a game. Mia stayed awake the entire game. She even ran down the hall with me when the Cardinals scored the last touchdown. Yes, Daddy dressed her - i was told she wasn't color coordinated. Oh well.


Then came the controversial catch to clinch the came.

Here's a great close-up shot of Santonio Holmes' feet while making the Super Bowl winning catch, courtesy of The Will Leitch Experience. Should the Cardinals have won?

Super Bowl XLIII - Go Cardinals

Mia and Daddy getting prepped for the big game.

Go Cardinals!

A beautiful day at the park!

Mia loves to feed the ducks at the park. Both Jamie and Debbie seem to always forget to bring the duck food when they go alone with Mia (I don't think they like it when the 60-70 ducks surround them completely when we feed the ducks). Well, I guess this will have to be a special thing that Dad and Mia do together.

This park is called Fountain Hills Park. There's a very large fountain that shoots up in the air ever hour for 15 minutes. It's worth a visit when you come out to AZ.







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Together enjoying some backyard activities

Here's Mia enjoying Daddy practicing with his new 3lb fly rod. I am not sure if she's enjoying watching Daddy get into position or if she's laughing at when Daddy hits his head or the tree with his line. They both are funny to watch for Mia.