{ Fort Worth Stockyards - Day Trip }

We have lived in Texas for the past 3 years, and had yet to make it to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

When my stepmother was visiting, she asked if we could take her to see the Stockyards, and we thought it was the perfect opportunity for us to finally make it down to Fort Worth.

It was a short day trip, actually more like a few hours trip, but it was so interesting and fun that we plan on returning with the kids, sometime in the next few weeks.

{ Saturday Outing }

I don't know about you all, but as much as I enjoy going out with the family and having fun, there is nothing like the minute I return home, kick off my shoes and sit on my couch.

It feels so very good, especially when it's hot outside.

Last night we had the family over for dinner, and then my niece and nephew slept over.

It's always fun when that happens, all the kids have fun and we tend to do things that we wouldn't usually do.......like take a walk to McDonald's at 11:30pm.  Crazy!!!

As usual though, the kids try to make an all nighter of their sleep overs, but it never really lasts as by 3am they're all fast asleep...well except for my Jasmine, who has her father's sleep patterns and can stay up all night, which she did.

This morning though, she jumped right into the kitchen and decided to make breakfast for everyone.  Scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes and bacon.  It makes this mama's heart proud to see her enjoying cooking as much as I do.

She did so well, and breakfast was enjoyed by all.

Some housework was done, and then around lunch time, we all headed to the county fair. I had heard that it was a big one, that it was one of the best in the area etc. Truth be told, it wasn't anything like we expected.

But we all still ended up having fun, you know it's always a good time when you can go somewhere with the family, walk around, laugh, talk and just kick back for a couple of hours.

I always have so much fun watching the kids on the rides. It truly takes me back to when I was their age, and the thrill of going on these fast rides was all I looked forward to.

Nowadays, I'm much happier with my feet firmly planted on the ground.

The boys wanted to try rock climbing, and did quite well, but they both quickly realized that it is not as easy as it looks.

And then of course they quickly moved on to the next thing....some boxing with these huge gloves. It was hilarious watching them try to punch each other out while on a bouncy castle. HA!!

Ooopssss!!!! Needless to say, Nicholas was done after this shot. LOL

It was quite hot too and I think the boys were feeling really hot in those gloves and helmets.

We didn't stay for very long, there wasn't much to see, and we didn't want to wait until 8pm for the rodeo to start, so we said our goodbyes and headed home.

Nothing like walking in the door to an air conditioned house, is there?

Tonight I'm going to find a nice movie to watch, work on my niece's crochet blanket and just take it easy. Tomorrow I plan on pulling my kitchen table apart so that I can finish painting it, and I'm also painting the chairs. Want to get it all finished by tomorrow night. Of course, there's laundry, and the daily housework, and I'm planning on some pool time.

Do hope you're all having a wonderful Saturday.

School Fundraiser Weekend!

On Saturday, the Castles and Coasters Park in Phoenix held a special day for the local schools, like a fundraiser, and since Nicholas got a free ticket at school on Friday, we decided to go ahead and enjoy a day of fun but for a good cause.

We started off with a game of Mini Golf. Jasmine played it once when she was about 4 years old but hasn't since then, and Nicholas has never played it before.

Needless to say, it was quite interesting and comical.

It was like Nicholas thought he was playing pool or polo LOL

I love the way he's looking at her in this pic.

Daddy and daughter on the Magic Carpet

Mommy and Son

We all got to ride on the carousel which is something I haven't done in FOREVER.

We ended the day with a huge dinner at Outback Steakhouse, which we love. I don't think I've seen Nicholas eat that much.

Kids fell asleep on the way home and Curt and I enjoyed each other's company, driving at night, watching the lights splashed out over the city. It was a good day!

Take a Hike!

No, I don't mean in a bad way, not in a "get the heck out of here" way. I mean, let's go for a hike at the White Tank Mountains? What do you say?

We set out around 11am this morning, the White Tank Mountains Regional Park is only 11 mins from base and it's such a beautiful area, filled with trails of all kinds, little nooks and crannies, Saguaro Cactus as far as the eye can see, and even a little waterfall.

So come with me and I'll take you on the hike, it was a beautiful day, 72 degrees, a light breeze and tons of other families hiking and walking with their pets.

We picked the Waterfall Trail which is 0.5 miles long and home to Petroglyph Plaza. I tell you, seeing those up close is just absolutely amazing. If only I knew what they meant.

Getting higher into the mountain and closer to the waterfall. This waterfall is dry unless there's been a lot of rain lately, luckily for us, last week was filled with rainy days.

One of the tanks filled with water, we found out that this is what gives the White Tank Mountains their name........the tanks of water found throughout the park.

Getting to the waterfall was fun, to say the least, we had to climb over rocks and water tanks.

The park has worked hard at making a lot of the place more accessible, up until about a year or so ago, these rock stairs did not exist.

Time to stop for some photographs with the beautiful scenery behind, I just love the ones of daddy and kids.

Of course mommy and daddy were having a lot of fun too....sorry it's a bit blurry.

Stunning HUGE HUGE Saguaro Cactus, you have no idea how tall these things are. Actually if you click on one of the thumbnails above, there is a photo of me and the kids next to one, we look tiny.

Moss was everywhere and I just had to snap a picture, it's such a rich green color, gorgeous.

It was a wonderful day, for only $6 per vehicle to get in for the day and so much to explore, it's one of those inexpensive ways to have fun with the family. If you're ever around the area, be sure to check it out.

I leave you with a view of Phoenix from the White Tank Mountains....the smog is horrible, look at that brown cloud over the area