Backyardigans, Part II

I'm so proud of us! We (mom, dad, and I) built a raised bed garden. My first crop is in and now I'm just waiting to be able to use what I've planted! Included in my garden are four different lettuce varieties, green onions, and cilantro. The plants were purchased at Mesquite Valley Growers in Tucson a place Granny Frye swore by... I think she said she would not buy plants from anyone else. I figure it'll be a year before I get the return on my investment of bricks and soil, but in the mean time we'll have fresh veggies.

Wow! Busy Weekend

Which way are we going? We've been north, south, and each direction in between several times.

Saturday morning Jim, Elizabeth and I took off north to letterbox in Mammoth, Oracle, and Oro Valley all north of Tucson off Hwy 77. It was a perfect letter boxing day, we were 5 for 5... a first in a long time! Oh yeah, the weather was great also. It was our first day trip as a family of three with a little one so we did forget a few things... including the camera. Fortunately modern technology has cameras in phones so we did take one picture.

Tired, but home just before dark, we unloaded and relaxed. Amy and Elizabeth went to bed early since they had plans for Sunday as well. The day started at the trailer park for breakfast of pancakes, fried apples, and bacon with Grammy and Grandpaw. Jim joined us, but left after eating. After breakfast Amy, Betsy, and Elizabeth loaded up in the van for a trip to the Green Valley Wal-Mart and Tubac. The windy day put a damper on the Tubac trip, but we did go to a few places and found a few things. Elizabeth slept through most of the trip.

It was a busy, but great weekend outside. Stay tuned for Backyardigans, Part II this week as the raised bed veggie garden goes in!

Backyardigans, Part I

For the past several years Jim and I have worked in the backyard... occasionally. Typically before we could get back out to continue the work the weeds grew back. With the help of Kimbrough Work Crew the back yard is now nearly a clean slate.

In case you are wondering... Elizabeth slept through most of the work, when needed mom, Jim, and I would take turns attending to her.

Plans are drawn and trips to Home Depot, Mesquite Valley Nursery, Wal-Mart, and various other places are on the agenda for our first project... a raised bed veggie garden!

Our first crop will be lettuce and our worker bees will be paid for all their hard work in produce!

Five Weeks Old

With the arrival of Grammy and Grandpaw Kimbrough I have a lot of help in caring for Little Elizabeth and getting my house clean. Grammy, who comes over to help clean, gets easily distracted by Elizabeth. Its up to Grandpaw and I to get her back on track. Tipper is enjoying our house and trying to get to know Alex and Emily, except they want nothing to do with him. We think the cats have been on line or looking at the classifieds to find a new home for the winter or until all the new additions leave!

This week Elizabeth has become much more active. When shes full and you try to feed her she kicks her legs. Also, arms and legs are constantly moving when shes awake - sometimes moving too much.When Jim comes home from work and Elizabeth hears his voice her face lights up. She will definitely be a "daddy's girl."

Grammy Betsy's Birthday Celebration

Yesterday was Grammy Betsy's Birthday Celebration. We (Jim, Amy, Elizabeth, Jamie, Betsy, & Tipper) loaded up in the van and traveled to a park in Gilbert where we met Jeff, Lisa, and James. Upon arrival we were surprised by Gary and Carolyn (Jamie/dad's sister). After a lot of hugs and Grammy and Grandpaw happy to have the family together we visited for quite awhile before Jeff started cooking lunch. Grandpaw kept very busy with James on the merry-go-round, train, and other rides in the small amusement area. Lisa said James was very excited about seeing Grammy, Grandpaw, Tipper, and Elizabeth, but it was not really apparent whom he was more excited about seeing... probably a four way tie! Maybe someday Uncle Jim and Aunt Amy will be in that tie.

After the fun at the park we all loaded up to go see Jeff and Lisa's new house, which they'll move into in January. James already has his room picked out and a spot for his bed as well as a space for Little Bits. We are pretty sure he'd take good care of her, at least the best he could. I'm not sure how he'd do with her midnight feedings. We'll wait until she's older before doing a sleep over.

Grammy said it was the best birthday ever!

Happy Halloween

It's Elizabeth's first holiday! Although she wont be going out to trick-or-treat she did dress up... sort of!

The Phillies WON! Elizabeth's daddy is very happy with the outcome of the 2008 Baseball season!

Grammy and Grandpa Kimbrough finally arrived in Tucson and are settling into their digs at the RV park three miles from us! Check out their blog at www.sandcreektravel.blogspot.com.

Elizabeth loves her swing, a present from Grammy and Grandpa. She spends most of her morning naps time enjoying the motion and classical tunes.

Four Weeks Old

Not much to report this week as Elizabeth is going through a second growth spurt. She seems to be eating and sleeping a lot more than in the past. Also, she has developed a major case of baby acne... if she's anything like her mommy and daddy she'll battle that issue her entire life. Actually, I've read that its very common at this age and it'll eventually cure itself as she rids herself of my horomones and developes her own poors.

Each day we plan some tummy time as well as time for her to play with her friends; the giraffe, monkey, and parrot on her mat. She is starting to grab the parrot's tail feathers, but does not hold on for very long. When on her tummy she is starting ot move her legs like she is ready to crawl... I think she would if her arms were stronger and would cooperate.

We are still anticipating the arrival of her Grammy and Grandpa who will be Arizona Snowbirds this winter. Last report had them in Deming, NM and we anticipate their arrival early this afternoon.

This weekend we'll be driving up to Gilbert, AZ to spend the day with Jeff, Lisa and James at a park to celebrate Grammy Betsy's birthday. How many candles will she have? Check back later for pictures and the "fun" report.

The Phillies are still playing in the World Series. As of Monday they are up 3-1 over the Tampa Bay Rays. The game was suspended on Monday evening due to bad weather. We are hoping to finish this off tonight with a victory. GO PHILLEIS!