clean, clean, clean.

This morning before I take off for the softball games, I did a scrub down of the house. While cleaning I listened to some of my beloved music as it seemed to make the chores go quicker. First, I listened to the CD we created and handed out to wedding guests; an enormous variety of exquisite music chosen by Neil and I. Second music choice, Muse. I have a major obsession with Muse; they are a fantastic mix of dark and retro. Typically I will listen to country, but after toby keith's last night with the girls, I had my fair share.

take me out to the ballgame

entrance to Big League Dreams

Minnie and I are on our way to watch Neil play softball at Big League Dreams ballpark. It is only .5 mile walk for us to get there, but I don't think little Minnie could make that stroll in this humidity. Neil loves his softball so I figure we will go out and support him! Last softball game we went to Minnie was a hit; she tried to chase softballs, ran with kids and found it amusing to climb up and down the bleachers..... ahhh, the life of a dog.

Baby Minnie supported her dad even before we met her :o)

summertime means monsoons

I love soooo many things about Arizona, it is not hard to love this state. One of the things I really enjoy: the wonderful monsoon season that rolls around every summer. A sweeping dust cloud rolls in, clouds grow large, fluffy & white, lightening lights up the sky, thunder shakes the ground and the rain falls like cats and dogs. This is the sweet smell of summertime for us Arizonans. Last night was the first time we have received pounding rainfall; I say bring on more harsh storms Arizona.

working hard in the desert sun

Neil and I enjoy doing yard work. I am the type of person who freaks when they see a nasty yard. We really take pride in our house because it is one of the biggest purchases we will ever make. Today, we made a day of yard work and sprucing up the house; I made kool-aid and we played country music while taking care of the front and back landscape.

When we first moved into the house we hired landscapers to remove 13 different trees, bushes and cacti. I am very particular on how a yard should look; it must be beautiful and full of flowers & trees. Unfortunately because of my recent vacation and the lack of precipitation, all of my flowers died. I have decided to wait until the monsoon season is over to replant some of my favorite flowers.

A picture just because kool-aid is that yummy.

breakfast stop

Joe's farm grill in Gilbert is my favorite place to stop for breakfast. The food is delectable and ambiance is darling; the best of the old and the new. The best part, it is down the street from our house. This charming diner was featured on "Diners, Drive-in and dives" on the Food Network as a must stop in Arizona. Check it out here.

vacation success.

Neil & I are trying to stick to our word and go on as many vacations as we can our first year of marriage. So far we have been to Cancun, Connecticut, Boston, California and now Michigan.

Our latest trip to Michigan was much needed. We got to spend my favorite holiday with my favorite people, my family! We went for just under a week and did plenty. It was important for Neil & my dad that we made a trip to Detroit to check out downtown and see the new Tiger stadium, but I was able to see the UofM stadium in Ann Arbor so I am not complaining. We spent a day in German Town USA (Frakenmuth, MI), this town is very historic and so adorable; we shopped, went on a ferryboat, ate & enjoyed the flowers & German-esk atmosphere. A majority of time was spent in my dads hometown, Bay City, where my uncle has a house on the lake. We did a lot of boating, drinking, laughing and spending quality time with my rather large family. The best part was the fireworks on the 4th, if anyone is every looking for the best fireworks in the U.S., go to Bay City, MI. I loved spending 4th of July in the small town atmosphere.

The only bad part of the trip; the humidity. I would take dry heat over humidity ANYDAY.

Neil's dad & girlfriend will be visiting in Mid-September and we are thinking of planning a mini-trip for their visit. Then comes our one year wedding anniversary; vacation spot is up to Neil and I can not wait for this suprise! 

 Michigan photos