Hanging with Uncle Paul

Ella and Uncle Paul were reunited and became fast friends. They hadn't seen each other since August 2007!

Christmas at Hamy's and Haba's

We had a nice Christmas in Globe, although poor Mrs. Kim was really sick. It looks like Ella was about to check on her Hamy if you notice what's in her hand:)

A Saturday Hike

Woohoo! We're on our way to becoming hikers! Who would've thought it? :) Here are Phil and Ella heading up Pinnacle Peak, which is only 15 minutes from us. It is a good workout (especially for Phil!), so we will most likely be back soon. 

Post note: I forgot to mention we saw our first javelina on our way out of the park! (A huge pig-like thing, if you don't know what it is) Also, I went back today and hiked the whole thing on my own. It took me 1 hr. 10 min. to hike the 3.5 mile trail which is VERY strenuous! I even jogged some of it to try to get down more quickly.

More Orange Picking!

The oranges are really ripening now; we filled up the whole wagon! I squeezed some for breakfast tomorrow. Anyone have any ideas for how to use up lots of oranges, besides just eating them, of course. We're not big orange-eaters, unfortunately. 

Weekend in Globe

The three of us went hiking with Grandma and Grandpa (not pictured) through the hills of Globe.  It was about 65 degrees and the terrain was fairly rocky with some mild ups and downs.  We toted Ella around in our backpack baby-carrier, and she had a blast.  She even did a little bit of trailblazing herself for about 2 or 3 hundred yards.  

Picking Oranges

"Does this one look ripe, Mom?"

We finally found out one of our trees is an orange tree and the oranges are quite tasty! Our other tree is not a lime tree, but a lemon tree. Ah, well.

In Recent Months

Ella in Arizona

All Bundled Up

We broke out our winter clothes for our visit to CT for Thanksgiving. We all had a great time seeing our family and Ella, of course, loved playing with Mimi and Papa!

Our trip to CT

Here's Ella during our layover in Cleveland, looking at snow for the first time in awhile. We arrived without any delays or issues (hurray!) and we're enjoying our week away so far.

Mmm..Kim Bop!

"Umma"/Mrs. Kim is here this weekend. She is selling Apache jewelry at a nearby church. Anyways, she brought this kim-bop, which is basically a Korean -style sushi, and Ella gobbled it up for dinner. 

Last night, Phil and I got to meet people out for dinner and go see the newest Bond movie. I give it an "okay". The action scenes were way too fast to appreciate.

Scottsdale Railroad Park

We went to this cool railroad park yesterday where Ella rode the carousel. We also rode the little train which goes all around the grounds and through the tunnel. She didn't like the tunnel too much I don't think, because all the kids scream like they're in a horror movie. 

A Visit to the Park

Who needs the swings or the slide when you've got a bike rack? And it's just the right size!

Our Little Daredevil

This was taken last weekend at a nearby Autumnfest. They have a great playground there and the slide was one of the highlights.

Ella "After"

I had to post her after the debacle of trying to get her in her costume. She does look pretty, though, doesn't she?

No costume this year!

We tried to get Ella dressed for a neighborhood Halloween party today, but as you can see, it did not go too well. She kept trying to tear it off (we think because it has black on it), so we ended up putting her in a fancy pink dress. I think she may be taking after her cousin Erin-uh oh! :)

Ella loves her Mimi and Papa!

Ella got lots of attention this week from her Mimi and Papa! We loved having them and went out to a great restaurant in Scottsdale last night, called Mastro's Ocean Club. Our table was next to an open window (which is perfect at this time of year in AZ) and we had a delicious, yet expensive side of lobster mashed potatoes.

Botanical Garden

We went  here the other day with Mom and Dad and checked out this butterfly garden. It was not all that impressive, although Phil got this great picture.

Our New Pet

Mom and Dad Dugan are here to visit this week. They picked up this turtle for us in old town Cave Creek. He now has a home in our backyard.

Sunrise Dance

Saturday morning, we went to see part of this maturity ritual for the Apache girls. This girl is doing a rhythmic dance with her godmother and facing towards the sun.

You Go, Girl!

We went to a rodeo in Globe over the weekend. Ella and I visited while Phil was back east for a wedding. This woman is practicing her lassoing skills before heading inside to compete.

A True Bookworm

I wanted to try this dress on Ella that she has never worn before. You can also see a little bit of Ella's room and the yellow that I painted it.

A Mama's Girl

The other evening was filled with yard work. Phil mowed the lawn and Ella and I weeded. At least Ella had fun!

The Phoenix Zoo

This weekend was gorgeous here, nice and cool, so we took advantage of it and checked out the zoo. This guy looked kind of sad, but I think he was just trying to get some shut-eye. Good luck, buddy! You might want to rethink your resting spot.

A Big Old Tortoise

Ella loved this tortoise, I think mostly because she could see it (most everything else was so far away) and it was slow and friendly-looking.

Kicking off the Weekend

Ella and Phil strummed a few tunes pre-happy hour. 

Eeks!

Ella was surprised by a spray of water on Wednesday afternoon. A friend and I went to outlets nearby where they have this play area.

Ella's New Friend

Yesterday, one of Ella's new friends from the moms' group I joined came over to play. This is Matthew and he's a month younger than Ella. This afternoon, we're all heading to outlets together to try to find Ella some more summer clothes. Yes, summer! The really warm temps are expected to break this weekend but I think we'll be wearing shorts for quite some time...

Mmm...French toast!

This morning we had some yummy french toast bites with some bread we had left over. Somehow, the "bites" are so much more fun to eat than regular french toast slices. Here, Ella is licking up the tasty jelly (made by Mrs. Kim) she was dipping her toast into.

Sorry, no new picture yet!

We, like the West Hartford Dugans, have also been busy, but I promise to take some new pictures soon. There have been many times this week that I have thought, "If I only had my camera!" Phil is crazy busy with work and I am just busy with Miss Ella. We don't have much going on this weekend, although I am in the midst of painting Ella's bedroom, a light yellow called "Bamboo Mat." I am using the non-toxic paint, Mythic. It has no fumes which is nice, although it does not go on nearly as nicely as BM or SW.

Big dogs are scary.

We went to this really lame fair on Saturday with the Kims. (It sounded so much better than it turned out to be!) Basically, Ella's favorite was the petting zoo and her least favorite were the big animals and people in costumes.

Pirates are scary.

Ella is not at all into people in costumes, as you can see by how she is clutching onto me.

Grocery Shopping

Ella decided she would do the grocery shopping this weekend, even without any clothes!

"Sand! Icky."

Ella is showing me the despicable piece of sand that she got on her finger. 

Our Park

Here is the nearby park that we sometimes run/walk to in the morning. People I have met there say they have seen coyotes, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes there. Yikes!

Roadtrip, anyone?

Keys? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Let's get a move on!

Phoenix Children's Museum

Mesmerized...

Trike Wash!

It appears that Phil is having more fun than Ella!

Whee!

Ella loved running down this ramp. It's hard to imagine just a few months ago she wasn't even walking yet!

Easy Decorating with CDs