Desert Botanical Garden- Chihuly

I've always enjoyed visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix but when I heard that they were hosting a major Chihuly exhibit, I really wanted to go. 

Chihuly's glass was artfully placed to compliment the desert plants and environment.  

And when the sun began to set, the exhibit took on an entirely different look.  

Walking along the path with lots of warnings not to touch anything- cactus OR glass.

Kaden & Mary

I love this picture.  

Kaden's face, "seriously?!"... the fact that it looks like Owen just peed... 

dusk

there were lots of tastefully placed spikes around the entire area

This "sun" sculpture was one of my absolute favorites

A BIG-GIANT cactus!

Even though it's a beautiful picture, it doesn't quite capture how great it looked in person. 

the balloon looking glass sculpture was the boys' favorite

Our little family.

This is the same sculpture as the first picture, but looks entirely different as the sun went down and it became illuminated.

the blue pair of butterfly wings from the gift shop

Just one example of Mary's planning and cooking for every night's meal.  

She knew that we wouldn't be back until after dark, so she threw in some (fast cooking) shrimp so we could eat as soon as we got back.  

...because I love beautiful pictures of food. 

boys' approval

Owen holding up his fork to do "cheers". 

(the clinking of tines)

Spring Training in Scottsdale

One of the main things that Ben wanted to do in Scottsdale for spring break (besides golf) was to attend a pre-season baseball game.  He loves the movie, Moneyball, so we went to an Oakland A's game with the boys.

Kaden with his borrowed hat from Doug.

mommy-boys selfie in the SUN

just so pretty!

Not the greatest seats, but great for us.  

We sat along the 1st base line.  Since the teams didn't have a bullpen, the pitcher-catcher warmed up right  in front of us.

mommy & Owee

Owen checking it all out.

Art Classes

I have been teaching yoga classes at "Burn Studio" for almost 6 months(!) now, but recently I enrolled Kaden in a pre-school art class with Auburn.  

I didn't really know what to expect, but know how much Kaden loves his "projects".  When given the choice, he prefers to be inside drawing and can spend hours coloring & creating at the bar in the kitchen; I thought Auburn's art class would be right up his alley. 

The first time I dropped him off for the 1.5 hour class, the kids used glitter to decorate a tiny pumpkin and boasted on how "awesome" class was.  I figured he'd probably never use glitter in our house and it was money well spent. 

Kaden & Auburn... learning about colors and textures.

 Christmas

Christmas trees on canvas

 photo courtesy of Auburn...

Two weeks ago, they painted hearts for Valentine's Day.  

When I asked him about his heart, he told me that they used "warm colors" and it was "actually an abstract heart." 

When Ben picked up Kaden this past Monday, Kaden walked in the door with his mustache, told me that they talked about (Salvador) Dali & "surrealism" as he showed me his "melted clock".  

Hey... he is really learning!

Owen's Barber Shop Haircut

As much as we enjoy Owen's hair, it got a little out of control.  

Kaaren, who usually cuts it, even admitted that she wasn't sure what to do with it and that I might just take him to the barber shop. 

So we went to the Wolflin Barber Shop, where daddy usually gets his hair trimmed. 

Doing fairly well with a sucker in his mouth. 

Not too shabby!

Valentine's Party

I love this: Kaden working hard on signing his name to every Valentine while Owen kept busy putting stickers on a paper.

On our trip to Target, Kaden picked out "Monster's University" Valentines, complete with character tattoos.  

The chocolate cookies that we made for Kaden's party. 

Party time!

Owen crashing Kaden's party and enjoying some cupCAKE!

Kaden with his valentine art project. V

From not being able to hold a pencil correctly in September to this... I cannot express how grateful I am for Ms. Gloria this year.  She is amazing!

Mommy's helper

Kaden has turned into my little helper around the house.  

We have created a job chart and he is doing things around the house to earn a trip to the movies, a new puzzle, etc.  Kind of like allowance, and kind of just earning his keep around here.  Lord knows there's enough to do with 2 little boys running around every day.

Kaden posing for a picture

Fun With Daddy

This is what happens when it's too cold outside and everyone gets a bit stir-crazy.  

"Daddy, THROW ME on the bed!!" is what I heard one evening as I was getting home from class.

Schatzi completely unphased. 

Hard to see, but Kaden is wearing a Superman cape.