the wizard

 My date for this evening.  She was a little disappointed to find out that it is frowned upon to dress like a munchkin and go up on stage - sorry Mimi, no audience participation.  We are all clear now on proper musical etiquette.  I am so excited to go.  I love musicals - grade school, middle school, high school, professional - I don't care.  They're all delightful.  Details about Haley's performance to follow.....

purple pants and head tilting

There's nothing like a new pair of purple pants to make you smile in the morning.  Mimi was very happy to have some new threads this morning.  I was happy for her to have something that fits.

New pants always put a smile on my face!

I love this next picture for a couple reasons.  One, Eric is helping Mimi.  He is always quick to help his sisters.  I have said it before, but it is worth saying again, they are so lucky to have a brother like Eric.  He is so kind to them.  That is something you just can't teach;  it is innate.  Mia had started to write the six backwards - Eric helped her out.  Secondly, I love that he is tilting his head.  It is a perfect example of the father/son genes at work.  I tried to find some examples.  Here are the best I could come up with.  They all make me smile.

Tilting whilst wearing a scout uni.  Love it!

 Fiftieth wedding anniversary tilting - tells people you are up for a good time!

 My favorite - Full body tilting, while cooking, while lecturing the ASD kid.  I love that you can still grind the pepper (without looking), tilt, and lecture all at the same time.  Haley is not so impressed - she has her eyes shut.

Happy Saturday, Robert!  I love your tilting. Maybe it helps me stand a little straighter.  I think Eric got all the best of your qualities.  He's a lucky boy.  P.S.  I wish I had a picture of you tilting while driving, while drinking a coke.  Also one of my favorites.

lazy friday night

I guess it is all catching up to me.  I have had a rather busy week;  I am sick of cleaning the house.  Enough about that.

  I got Robyn and Eric (along with Sabrina, Kylie, and Rory) off to Haley's play and then I came home to relax.  Mia had Sienna over to play and Q was 'watching' TV.  I sat down on the small couch in Eric's room and promptly dozed off.  I probably only slept for about 15 minutes, but boy did it feel good!  After my little nap I went searching around the house to see what the girls were up to.  

I found Sienna on the computer.  I think she is pooped from a long week also.  She usually goes to bed quite early at her house.  She was asking Mimi if she could take a nap on her bed.  Sorry Sienna, a nap at 8pm is called bedtime.

 I found Mimi at the table coloring a picture.  She had a rough day at school.  She walked into a wall.  Oops.

 Dirty or clean, I love little hands.

 Mimi and Sienna put on some makeup.  Purple is always the best color for eyeshadow.

So what was Addi-Q doing you ask?  Oh, she was in the bathroom of course.  Where else would she be?

 She was lining up the toothpaste and toothbrushes.  We all have our autistic traits sometimes.

 Getting ready to make a gigantic mess on the counter that I have cleaned three times in one week.  Why not make it four?  She actually did a pretty good job of keeping the toothpaste on the brush.  Look at that concentration.

I don't think she had any purpose in getting on the counter.  She got up and then got down.  She is such a funny kid.  On the plus side, her teeth are ready for bed!!!!

I tried to take a picture of my hair.  A new hair color is always nice, especially when it hides the gray.  I think I need to stick to taking pictures of the kids.  The self portraits are not so great, but you get the idea.  I kind of have a crazed look in my eyes.

a mimi video...

...just because it's cute and funny.

single digits

There is excitement in the air!

Gateway Academy

On Monday, I was post call so I went to see Gateway Academy in Scottsdale. It was a nice facility and they'd only been there two weeks. I don't have any pictures of the new location, because I would have had to think of pulling out my phone and taking some pictures while I was there! Duh! Anyway, despite the short time they have been in their new facility, I thought the school was very organized and well-equipped. Haley, I hope you can work out a trip here to see the school and meet some of the other students. I really do think it would be a good fit for you, with lots of incredibly personalized learning. I have high hopes that we can make things work out so you can go. Maybe you can be in the school's rock band. I have lots of information about the school that they gave me when I was there, as well as a CD with the yearbook on it. I will try to attach a few photos from that soon so you can see some of the other students, and I'll make sure I bring the packet when I come for Spring Break. The thing I liked most about what the principal said was that they try to set up the students for success, not failure. That means they will give you a lot of help in areas you need it, and not waste too much time on the areas that are strengths for you. She said they had high expectations, but not unreasonable ones, and the expectations are totally tailored to you as an individual. I liked the school a lot! Pics to follow soon...

What did those trees do to you?

I have been remiss in my posting duties, as you can all see. However, I thought you should know that I successfully used my new chain saw the other day to cut down 3 citrus trees. I was sad to cut them down, but there was really no way to save them. The 8 months without water and the 50+ years old they are didn't make for a pretty tree. I hope to plant some new ones in their places soon! I do love citrus trees. I'm planning the back yard right now with Uncle Paul, so I should know soon where all the new stuff will go. That doesn't mean I'll get any new stuff right now Kim, just so we're clear!!

Yumminess awaits

Oh yes, that's right...I'm finding all the little dives. Right next to the temple is a big sign, "Tacos al Carbon" Yum yum. Remember the little double corn tortillas and the greasy meat? It's all here my friends. Complete with onions and cilantro. I forgot to ask for "limón". When you come, we can relive the old Mexico days without the danger of getting our heads chopped off by drug lords. In the area of Mesa where these tacos are sold, they just shoot you. Much better! Can't wait for you to all get here!! Love, Dad.

p.s. I think we'd actually be safe eating here, because it's close to the temple:)

Maybe an electric car???

Wow, I think it's time to sell the Suburban!! Not a very efficient commuter car! I can't wait for $5.00/gallon gas. On the bright side, I can sure rack up a lot of sky miles on my Capital One card this way...