Glass Can Be Quite Beautiful

Last Wednesday evening, we went to the Desert Botanical Garden. We had no idea that this beautiful and amazing glass artwork by Dale Chihuly would be there. He is the only American to have artwork at the Louvre! It really was beautiful and inspiring! These aren't the best pictures in the world because I forgot to bring the camera so we just had to use the camera on the cell phone. We want to go back again, though, before the exhibit ends.

This was Skye's favorite piece. Any guesses why? Yep, she loved the balls. The only bad part was trying to keep her from getting into them because she wanted to play with them.

This is my favorite picture!

If you ever get the chance, you should go see some of Chihuly's art!

Women Love Romantic Surprises

It's time to brag about my wonderful, amazing husband. He is the best husband in the world! A couple of weeks ago, he surprised me with a massage at a spa near our house. And a couple of days ago, he surprised me with these beautiful lillies for no reason--just to do something nice! And they smell so wonderful, too! Isn't he amazing?! I love him so much!

Lance had the day off on Monday. Unfortunately he and Skye both had colds, but we were still able to spend a little bit of time out in the WARM sunshine. We went to Camelback Mountain again. Yeah, so it was 80 degrees! And it's the middle of January! This has been an AWESOME winter, but at the same time, I'm thinking, "If it's this warm in January, what's it going to be like in July?" I guess I don't really want to think about that. Hopefully I can escape to Utah a couple of times!

Crayola Color Wonder--the best product ever invented?

This is just one of the reasons why Crayola Color Wonder products are the best thing ever for kids! She wanted the pen I was using so I gave it to her and she started drawing on the pad of paper in front of her. I looked up at the t.v. for a few seconds and when I looked back at Skye, she was coloring all over herself! I gave her a Color Wonder crayon, but that was no fun--it only showed up on the paper and not all over her feet and hands. Kids--what can you do?

We Love the Phoenix Sun

Yay for 70 degree weather in Phoenix in January! It means I get to take Skye to the pool! Don't worry, though, it's a heated pool. The other pool at our complex is freezing cold. But I swear there is something about the sun here in Phoenix. It's just warmer than anywhere else I've ever been. I guess they don't call it the valley of the sun for nothing! Skye mostly just threw the ball or rocks in and I'd give them back for her to throw in again. She also likes splashing her legs or holding onto me while I help her float around.
I wanted to get a picture of Skye by this little palm tree. When I told her to smile, this is what I got! I think she's finally learned what it means when someone has a camera and tells her to smile! So funny!

Wahoo!!!!

Is anyone else totally excited that the new season of American Idol starts tonight? Wahoo! Yeah, okay, probably not. I know I'm just a nerdy American Idol fan. But hey, they did audition in Salt Lake City this year. I hope they found some talented locals there. And it will also be fun to see what local weirdos showed up, right? I just hope that after such an amazing season 7, season 8 isn't a big disappointment. That's the way it happened with season 5 and 6. Season 5 was the best A.I. season EVER. There were more talented singers than any other time and then season 6 was quite a let down. But I'll keep my hopes up. Okay, I guess that's enough blogging about American Idol. I'm sure most readers stopped reading after the first sentence anyway...

Beethoven Wannabe

I'll just leave this to your imagination...!

The Christmas Dress

I forgot to show off pictures of Skye in her Christmas dress. I was thinking about taking her to a studio to get some, but decided it would be best to just wait until her second birthday to get some new pictures of her. So we had to try and take some ourselves. It wasn't easy, though, especially with Daddy trying to get her dressed. Okay, okay, so it's not just Daddy. When the little one doesn't want to cooperate, even Mommy has a hard time dressing her.
And then ya never know if she's going to smile or just pull some funny face.

But in the end, at least we got some pictures and that's what counts, right?!

They aren't fall leaves in Phoenix--they're winter leaves.

I must say, it is strange to see the leaves on the trees finally just starting to change color--and it's January!!!!! Yep, pretty crazy. But Skye sure likes playing in them!

Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive

I'm trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive by finally posting pictures of our Christmas even though it was over a week ago! I realized, however, that I really didn't take many pictures. We used the camcorder more than the camera. But here are the few pictures I did take. Santa left pomegranates in the stockings.

Here's Skye helping Lance open the present she gave him.

And this (Prince Caspian) is what Skye gave me. Isn't she the best little daughter ever?!

Here's the mess, and it's even before all of the presents had been opened!

Skye and all of her presents. Her favorite thing was the basketball hoop my parents got for her. She still has endless fun with it!