Care package

The Franceschi's sent Mckaley a package in the mail.  She just LOVES getting mail and it is always such a big treat for her.  The package was full of summer fun!  Mckaley tore through it all and I didn't have the heart to tell her we couldn't play with all of it right away (we had to go to swim lessons), so I let her bring a few toys with her.  They sent these really cool toys to go exploring for bugs with.  She really liked those.  Anyhow, above are a few shots I got via my iPhone.  

Mckaley the Tadpole

We enrolled Mckaley in swim lessons for the first time these past two weeks.  Because she wasn't 2.5 years old yet, we had to do the parent-tot class which meant we were in the water with her.  She did a great job learning how to kick, float on her front and back, blow bubbles, and use her arms.  We aren't swimming yet, but she loves the water and she graduated-yeah!  This means she is now a tadpole!   The best part is, we don't have to get in with her!!!  A big thank you to Marcia for being our photographer :)

The best part about this photo is its all show.  When it actually comes time to jump in, she sits down and waits for us to drag her in. haha!

Her highlight is definitely dunking daddy under the water :-D thanks for being a good sport Ty!

All done and ready for her snack!

First Movie

Dad got the night off, so I took Mckaley to go see the movie UP.  It's a great movie, but a little sad at the beginning.  I would still recommend it for little ones though!  Mckaley was great the entire time.  She asked a few questions, but for the most part she sat on my lap mesmerised. Oh, she had to sit on my lap, because she didn't weigh enough to hold the chair down.  It was pretty funny to watch the popcorn fly everywhere each time the chair would fold her up haha.  After three tries we gave up and she sat on my lap for the movie, which, of course, I loved.  She's getting so big these days, I'll take any cuddling I can get :)  After the movie she tried to run back in because she wanted to watch it again.  She kept saying, "more, more".  I guess she liked it!

If you don't break some rules, you miss all the fun. . .

I had to run to the San Tan Mall to return a few things.  While there, Mckaley saw the splash park and I couldn't resist letting her play in it.  And, no, I didn't have a change of clothes or a bathing suit for her-oops.  Oh well, she didn't complain about being wet once, and I popped the car seat in the wash right after.  Not a bad price to pay for so much fun :)  

I'm not going to lie, I thought about buying her a new outfit at Pumkin Patch to change her into. But,  I had a slight heart attack when I looked into the window for seriously 2 seconds and when I looked back Mckaley had taken off.  Yikes!  Only to the bug park right next to the splash pad, but still my heart skipped a beat so that option went right out the window haha.  

Zoo under the stars

The Watson's invited us to Zoo Under the Stars the other night.  It was member preview night, so we could all get in for free.  It was a great excuse to get out of the house for the night and to keep the kids up late :)  It's been so hot here, that we really can't go to the zoo during the days, so this was perfect.  The weather was great and at dusk all the animals that don't usually move were walking around.  It was really great to see the lions and tigers.  My favorite part was getting to fee the giraffes.  They let you walk up, get eye level to them, and feed them their nightly snack.  I've always thought giraffes were pretty, but up close they are even prettier!  Their eyes are unbelievable.  The zoo also set up jump houses and water slides.  We let the girls go into the jump house, but skipped out on getting wet.  I didn't have my camera (long story!), but Jenna gave me this pic of Tyler and Mckaley looking at the lions.  Thanks Jenna!

Dude Ranch in Colorado

My aunt gifted the entire family with a trip to the C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado.  At first I was a little hesitant about staying at a dude ranch, but I can honestly say it was one of my favorite trips.  They had everything you could possibly want to do there.  We spent a lot of time on the horses, but also dabbled in trap shooting, archery, fly fishing, massages, and swimming in the heated pool.  Thanks for such a great trip Libby!

"Mom, why do I poop all the time?"

-Mckaley