Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

To cooler climates. Even if it is just for one day.

Sedona fits the bill of beauty, cool weather and great hikes.

Doug drove us in the morning for a nice 2 hour car ride. It’s always such a comfortable ride in his car, and the bonus is I do get a bit of work done so I don’t feel so behind. He took the day off which was so kind of him.

We arrived at Oak Creek just in time for the clouds to be rolling in. Just the ticket to cool us off.

Doug pointed out immediately the foliage surprises which Tot and I did not know. He is an expert. Especially when there is a food involved in the greenery. BERRIES!

Ready to go hunt for more. The water was what we were waiting for.

Come on, Doug!

Now, on the way to the creek, we stopped often to check out the ruins.

Fireplace, chicken coup, living room remains. Who knew!?

We finally found it. The creek!!!  Luckily Doug helped Tot across as he gracefully balanced as Tot yanked on his arm.

We looked up and wow.

Stop right there and take it in. We are under the rocks where the creek flows.

It was time to pretend we were not wearing shoes and slosh around.

Tatum finally convinced me…I was the last one to just make my shoes transform into water slippers.

OK!

After we checked out the creek a bit more, I had dreams of rain.

Nope. Time to head back and see what we could see. Like…..

…  a caterpillar!

We let him pass.

More walking.

Breathtaking really to think of the work God did to make this place.

Thank you DOUG for such a lovely time. This bridge took us back to reality.

And food!

We will see you soon Sedona.
(Thanks again to my dear guy for being so snappy with his camera). Love you!!!

fell back asleep. That little stretch made him sleepy!
Everytime we visit the OdySea aquarium, Sqydney the sloth slumbers. ZZZZZZZ. So, you can imagine our excitement to see him.

The day started as usual: a bit of reading. Tatum is on a roll with her books.

Then we hit the gym, store, coffee, runs to visit our favorite clerks. Off to the Aquarium to see what we could see.

Our visits always promise to see something new. The catfish the size of Tatum.

The sleeping fish. I had not noticed before, but they rest on the bottom.

He seems to be sayin, “can you just move on please!?”

More camouflaged fish. I say this because they hide in the seaweed or blend with the rocks.  See that little guy hiding under the other fish in the “weeds?”

Tatum took this picture. She asked if they would pinch her if she got near him. I said if he did, I’d just eat him.

Then….dadadaaaaaaaaa! Sqydney!!!!! He was moving when we approached him, then did a big long long long stretch, and fell right back to sleep. That was the most action he had all day.

His little face! Just so adorable. But sleepy!

After hunting more fish, we ended our fun day with her last day of Sportball for this session.

“What’s your favorite sport at SB?”

“ALL OF THEM.”

Coach Stephen, you have done it again.

It always is when I get to hang out with my dear friend, and her kids are Tot’s friends.

Today, we got to hang out with Shannon’s kids, Vivian and Riley. They put on a show for us! (Vivi and Tot her did their duo act)

The best part? We got our girl time in too. Thank you Shannon for a lovely chat, funny laughs, and bonding time.

Tatum is always planning. I did not know this the other day when she just casually picked up a coloring sheet from her school. No big deal, right?
Well, it was because in the back of her mind she planned on creating a ring from it. She strategically picked a super hero and a dog, and carefully cut it out. Then, she glued it in a circle around her finger and made a design for the top.

This is the norm in our house. If she sees something that she wants, instead of saying, “Will you buy that for me?”, she’ll make a copy of it.

The other day, she needed a shield to help her stop sucking her fingers (another post for another day AYE!), so instead of asking me for one, she made one. Proactively. On her own volition.

I love her brain. I love her creative mind, and I tell her all of the time.

After her lesson with Grant today, Tatum said, “Mommy, I’m ready for my own skates.” We then headed over to Dave (who helped me with the purchase of my skates). She had to try some on, ya know!
So he fitted her teensy tinsy foot and whammo. She made it known that they fit!

He then asked me if he could post this picture on the Ice Den Facebook (also Phoenix Coyotes Hockey) page. It’s already gotten a few shares. I wonder why!? John Travolta, you ain’t seen nothing!

Now, the next step is how do they take to the ice? Can she keep this pose?
The Great Skate continues!

Pouring. Storming. God was changing many light bulbs tonight!

What did this mean? Tatum and Coti were scared. Actually, Coti was scared and Tatum needed an excuse to come out and hang with Mama and me. So….the storm pounding on her window was the perfect opportunity. Also, we were watching the Next Food Network Star (my favorite show), so I think she wanted to check it out with us.

I had just bought Tatum a “My Pillow” so she decided to bring it out to the chair.

Coti shared it with her.

Then, it happened.

Coti took over.

And Tatum? She snuggled next to me on the couch and we watched who would beat Bobby Flay.  She got to watch them duke it out over shrimp and grits, filet and duck with red eye sauce. Go figure.

And me? I got the opportunity to soak in more Tatum Tot. And today, especially, I needed it.

Our verse today: “Let no [unkind] word come from your mouth but only words used to build up.” (Eph 4:29 Tatum version). It was a day to remember this as we will practice using ONLY words to edify not to “rip” down (as Tot would put it).

Good night Stormy Sunday and a full day.

 

 

On Thursday’s after I arrive to hang out with Tatum, I send Steph a picture of Tot with a smile and also so she knows that I arrived and all is good. Steph usually does the same and sends us a picture too.

In the last month or two, when I show Tatum the picture of her mommy, she gets a big smile, puckers her little lips and kisses her (I mean my phone!) and says I love you mommy. This is very adorable and I wish I could snap a picture of this, but my phone is busy being kissed! I’m definitely not showing Coti this because I don’t need him licking my phone screen!

 

BatGirl says good night. We both love you very much!