My Once Upon a Time...

Our annual girls trip was everything I hoped it would be and more. We decided on a house in Sedona again, which is only about two hours from Phoenix, and for the first time in months, I decided to take the entire weekend off...no work, and no studying whatsoever. These girls tried to get the fire started and it kind of exploded on them. No one got hurt, but they all had a good scare. What I love most about these trips is that there is absolutely no pressure to do ANYTHING. Some people played games, some read, some took naps, some went hiking, we all just did what we felt like doing and it was amazing. Tilly is the queen of charcuterie boards! A few of us went on a chilly, but sunny walk, which was probably my favorite part of the trip. Hot tub and snow, the perfect combination! We played some games at night, which is always one of my favorite things to do. I was really sad when the weekend ended, and I think we all wished that we could've had one more day, but I'm grateful for ...

Our friend Stephen turned 40 in November and we had the best time celebrating him. I missed it on the invite that everyone was supposed to dress up in 80's gear until someone told me thirty minutes prior, so I had to improvise with things I had in my closet.  We started the night off with bowling and the most amazing taco bar. Next up was laser tag, which was a blast, even though I sucked at it. After laser tag, we got to play two hours of free arcade games. I love these girls so much! It was the best night!

To celebrate the end of summer (because no one in Arizona actually likes the summer), I invited some friends over on the last weekend before our kids started back in school.  The kids swam, the moms drank, and I'm not sure what the husbands did, but everyone seemed to have a great time.  All the Mamas, I love them so much! Fox and Miranda have become such good friends over the summer, and I think there may also be a little crush developing.  Finn and his bestie Simon It was a great day with friends, and just what I needed after a long summer at home! 

Our friends invited us to join them at their beach house rental in California during the month of July. It was 120 degrees in Phoenix, and the perfect time to escape the heat for the boys and I. The first night we got there, we picked up some pizza and had a picnic by the beach, it was perfect. Fox and Jake have been friends since they were babies, and no matter how much time passed without seeing each other, they pick up right where they left off. They worked for a good hour to bury Fox in the sand. This picture made me laugh. The next day we went to a different beach and Fox got to boogie board for the first time. He was a huge fan. This kid keeps me on my toes, but I'll try to remember that one day he will let me sit down with my friend to chat, and play alone, and I will miss the days of him needing me so much.  On the third day, we decided to take the boys to Warner Brother Studios, since they both love Harry Potter. We stopped for a little walk by the beach beforehand. I call...