Busy Lives

It’s hard to believe how busy we’ve been since moving here.  However, it’s been a good kind of busy.

In the past couple of weeks we’ve made friends with a great woman from our ward who has helped to give me all sorts of great tips on things to do in the Phoenix area that are inexpensive or free!  Along with all of her super great tips she’s taken Kara and I on adventures to the Phoenix Zoo where we endured the hot sun to enjoy our first zoo trip here in town.  While there were several exhibits I enjoyed Kara was especially fond of the monkeys.  She was so adorable pointing at them, following them with her eyes everywhere they went and trying to talk to them.  The next adventure was to the Children’s museum.  I thought Kara would be a little young for the museum, but between having toddler areas in each room and the room specific for children 3 and younger Kara LOVED the museum. I almost thought we wouldn't get her out, boy!  I didn't expect her to fuss like she did when it was time to leave.

I wasn’t able to get pictures of everything she enjoyed, but here are a few of the ones I was able to snap of her.

Kara playing in the kitchen of the 3 and younger - she loved that the play house inside was all her size!

Driving the pencil car

Painting the sandstone with water (though more water ended up on Kara than the stones)

 Along with the adventures that Kara and I have been having exploring the city Brent and I even managed to find time for an actual date.  This one was even accident free!  Friday Brent was at a conference for work at the Diamondback baseball stadium and managed to get an extra ticket for the game for me.  It was nice, a night where Kara was happily and safely tucked away at Grandpa and Grandma’s (where she enjoyed a sleep over).  That left Brent and I with a chance to enjoy some yummy food, a good baseball game, some cuddling, talking, and overall just time alone together.  It was long overdue and wonderful.  

Nice view from our seats!

Along with activities here in town over Labor Day weekend Kara and I made a fast trip up to St. George where we bottled until we could bottle no more.  We bottled Italian tomato sauce (aka spaghetti sauce) and once we had bottled 50 pounds of tomatoes we decided to have more fun and made some tomato soup.

   

It was a fast trip, where we just had time for a couple quick family visits and the bottling we went up for, but the trip was well worth it.  While the girls were away, Brent enjoyed some guy time with his dad and uncle where they went shooting, hung out and do whatever it is guys do.  Brent was also fantastic enough to take care of a couple honey-do items while we were gone.  

We also made the time to just hang out with one another; playing on the floor, enjoying meals together, and spending time with relatives.  We had Brent's mom come to visit and enjoyed a fast visit with her, and have spent time enjoying the company of Grandpa Doc and Grandma Gigi with Brent and Kara even finding time to go swimming while there.

Here at the Nutt House we are excited for what is coming up – we have our very first library story time tomorrow, community culture passes to try and figure out so we can use (free passes to local museums, zoos, etc.) and oh yes!!!!  Kara’s birthday Friday with accompanying party Saturday evening to prepare for.  

It's hard to imagine this sweet girl, who can walk on her own and drink from her sippy cup with no hands is almost one.  Where has this year gone??!!!?

While we here at the Nutt House prepare for our next escapade we hope each of you, our dear family and friends are as busy enjoying life as we are!