$30 Hamburger

Have you ever spent $30 for a hamburger, fries, and lemonade? Seems quite ridiculous, don't you think? Well, I did for the first time this past weekend.

Ryan had a retreat this weekend at La Paloma Resort & Spa with the other residents to "socially bond". It is located right here in Tucson. I got a call around 4:00 pm on Friday from Ryan saying that his "roommate" was not sleeping at the resort. Apparently he lives close to the resort and would rather share his bed with his wife. So, Joshua and I took his place.

La Paloma has the coolest swimming pools that I've ever seen. There are 5 different pools---saunas w/ waterfalls, water slide, kiddy pool, adult pool w/ volleyball net...etc. It was all made out of rock and it was just incredible. This is where we met Ryan. He had to leave for dinner at 6:30 that night, and Josh and I hung out at the pool a bit longer.

I had asked Ryan if he'd bring Josh and I leftovers for our dinner. But around 9:00 when he hadn't returned yet, we started to get a bit hungry. Then Ryan called. He said the restarant that he was at wasn't the type that had you bring home "doggy bags". But told us to order room service.

So, I saw $16.00 for a burger. I ordered a pink lemonade on top of that (I don't know how much extra that cost...it must've been $8!). But, apparently they add on taxes and gratuity on top of that. So when I got the bill for $27.00 and they left a space for a tip, I didn't even think about it and added $3 more. Sneaky, sneaky! Still, I'm not sure how it came to be that much money...but I guess that's what you get when you sleepover at an expensive resort. They can't serve cheap food! These are rich folk! They have a reputation to maintain.

It was a fine burger, but not "the best I've ever tasted". The fries were amazing, though. Josh kept saying, "Deez fries are YUM-mmmy!" And we got 2 small glass bottles of ketchup, 1 bottle of dijon mustard, and another of mayonnaise. Maybe that's what added up the bill!

Anyway, it was a terrible night sleep for all of us. Josh was SO excited to be sleeping at a hotel, that he stayed up until 10:00 pm. Ryan snored and so I was up most of the night...and I kept poking Ryan to stop snoring, so he got a bad night's sleep, too. But it was fun to get out and do something different. Even if I did pay $30 for an average hamburger.

Birthday Boy!

Yesterday was Ryan's birthday! It was sooo much fun to spend the day with him. He was on post-call, so he only had to work 1/2 day.

The night before his birthday, he got an emergency page from the chief resident. It said to go to a room that he'd never heard of before...down on the 7th floor. So, frantically Ryan was running all around the 7th floor looking for this room. You can imagine the panic Ryan was feeling when he couldn't find it. He kept asking himself, "How could I work here for 6 weeks and never been to this room before?" Finally, another doctor found him and led him to the "emergency" where his co-workers had a birthday cake waiting for him!

Joshua and I brought up some birthday pie from Marie Callendar's and ice cream the next morning to share with everyone. 2 parties! He totally deserves it.

Last night, our neighbors watched Josh so that we could go on a date. Ryan wanted to see Batman: The Dark Knight. Wow. What an amazing movie. Although dark, (all Batman movies are, though) it was so clean. I love not having to cringe when I hear swearing or close my eyes during an intimate scene. It was really a well-made movie. The only thing I didn't like was Batman's voice. It was quite annoying. Everytime he talked with that costume on, I just wanted the scene to be over. It sounded like Marge Simpson's sister. Eek. And although I enjoyed it immensely, I kept thinking the movie was over...and then something else happened. I think I had that thought at least 3 different times!

On our way home, there was a huge thunder and lightning storm. As we were waiting at a light, we saw about 7 bolts of lightning at the same time light up the sky followed by immediate thunder. Then we saw flames light up a tree! Yes, we witnessed a tree struck by lightning and it was amazing. It was about a football field length ahead of us, and unfortunately by the time we drove to that point, a fireman had already put out the fire. But it was seriously a sight to see, even from a distance.

Anyway, it was a fantastic day. Joshy sang the "Happy Birthday" song all day long to daddy. He gave him 2 6-packs of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. He got a certificate to Border's Books from me. He was pretty excited and he went and bought a book that he has wanted right after the movie finished.

Oh, I just love Ryan. I'm glad he had a great day & I hope all his wishes continue to come true this upcoming year.

Apple Annie's Orchard

The last time that Ryan checked up on our blog he asked, "Do you EVER write single entries anymore?"

So, here's my single entry.

Last Saturday Joshua and I went to Apple Annie's Orchard to pick some peaches. We went up with some friends of ours. Imagine my excitement when I found out that there was a peach orchard in Arizona! I could hardly contain myself. Ryan makes the best peach jam I've ever tasted! I was quite disappointed to leave Chiles Peach Orchard in Virginia, so I felt very fortunate to go here---even if it is a 100-mile drive from Tucson.

Ryan had to work last Saturday and my friend, Kako, extended us an invitation. The website stated a free hayride, apple-smoked burgers (expensive, but delicious), and a lot of treats. Sounds fun, right?

Well it was fun, but I was quite disappointed with the peaches that I picked. They were a little bit larger than apricots. It was kind of tough being 35 weeks pregnant, dragging a 2-year-old across the 100 degree orchard, take pictures, and pick ripe peaches all at the same time! Plus I had to make sure that Josh was NOT eating the dirty, rotten, insect-infected peaches off the muddy ground (and he had plenty). It was quite the chore!

When we got on the "hayride", which was just a trailor with benches being pulled by a tractor, I was shocked to see that the other passengers had bags full of HUGE RIPE PEACHES! Apparently we went to the wrong part of the orchard! But I wasn't about to go back...it was too much work the first time & I was exhausted and starving.

I was quite shocked to see that the apple-smoked burgers were $10.00 a person. It did come with a bag of chips, a can of pop, a spoonful of beans, and a dessert (pie or homemade peach ice cream) though. We did have to eat it on the fly-infested tables. The girls we went with kept asking to move away from the flys. I got a kick out of that. Like the flys couldn't follow our food. :)

All in all, it was great. Especially to get away and be able to talk with Kako in the car for hours. Too bad that when I got home Ryan looked at the peaches, laughed at their size, and said, "Um, I think they're too ripe to make peach jam with...we'll have to go back another time and I'll help you pick them." Good thing because I don't think I'd go back with Joshy by myself again!

I found this wheelbarrow at the side of the road. Joshy was walking SO slow that I had to do something to keep up with the friends we went with! So, in he went!



This last picture was taken at the zoo. We went there on Monday. They have a small water play area for toddlers. I think it's hilarious that they choose to use a cow as the statue that squirts water. There are no cows at this zoo---isn't it a farm animal, anyway? I'd think an elephant would have been more appropriate. :)

Tucson Kid Fun

We are really enjoying our new city. Tucson has many, many things to do and see. These are two activities that we like to do on a weekly basis. The first is storytime at the library. "Miss Tammy" reads books, sings songs, blows bubbles, has puppet shows, flannel board activities, and lets the kids play as long as they want with the toys after she's finished.

My only other storytime experience was in Charlottesville. I thought it was good...until I went to this one. Now I know what my friend Desiree meant when she said that the one in Charlottesville was lame.

Joshy's favorite toys are the trucks, telephones, and the wagon with blocks. He runs across the room with that wagon every chance he gets. He also looks forward to the "Teddy Bear Song and Dance". See video below.

Our other favorite weekly activity is the Tucson Children's Museum. Now, I don't mean to knock Charlottesville again...but they don't even compare. This museum is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Just to tell you a little about what they have here: A life-size fire engine that kids can sit and play in, a life-size police motorcycle, dinosaur statues, sandbox, submarine, puppets galore, art cave, music room, computer room, art room/classes, tumbling room, education room (right now they're exhibiting teeth), grocery store, Mickey Mouse room, play kitchen, dance-dance revolution room, "yoga"/exercise room, space room, electric room, train station, and an under-the-sea room. It's just incredible. We paid $40 for a year membership. We can go anytime, stay as long as we want, and make messes without having to clean it up! They also have free activities going on all of the time. I am just plain impressed. Josh talks about going there all the time and likes to tell Daddy about his adventures at the musuem. It really is perking up his imagination!

Here's Joshy in the music room. It's one of his most favorite places to play.

Today him and Finny really got into the submarine scene. Josh called himself the "captain" and enjoyed pushing all those buttons and moving those knobs without getting into trouble! (We went to the eye doctor yesterday and I had to keep telling him not to play with the medical instruments.)

Here they are playing "grocery store". Such cute friends.

And finally lunch after 2+ hours of running around. I met Finny's mom there and we had a fantastic time talking, oooing, and aaahing over our boys.

Here's that cute video of the "Teddy Bear Dance".

Lipstick + Carpet = Help!

I am hoping that I am not the only mom out there that's had to deal with this. Joshy got into my make-up case this morning and rubbed lipstick all over his hands, feet, and carpet. My little artist found a new artistic instrument, since his crayons are tucked away high up in the closet.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone out there in the blogging world knows how to get bright pink lipstick out of the carpet. I've tried a few things, but have been unsuccessful. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you!

P.S. As I was attempting to clean it up, Josh got out a towel, started helping me wipe it up while saying, "No, honey, no-no!" I guess that was what I said to him when I saw the mess! They seriously copy EVERYTHING that you say and do at this age. :)

Reid Zoo

We went to Reid Zoo on Friday. I actually quite enjoyed myself. I took Joshy and the boy we're watching, Finnegan. I try to get out everyday with the 2 boys. They get along quite well, except when Finnegan bites Josh. It happened twice at the zoo. I just hope Josh doesn't pick up that habit (Josh is a hitter...to each one his own!)

Anyway, the zoo is pretty cool. It's small, but perfect for toddlers. I actually liked it better than the National Zoo because the animals were a lot closer in walking distance and closer up in person. Plus it's super shady. I walked past a water play area that I was not interested in at the moment. But, it looks fun for future trips without an extra boy to watch.

Josh and Finny (about a minute before the first biting attack)
Josh liked the statue elephant just as much as the real deal.

I love giraffes...they are the most fascinating animal!

Let's Go to the Movies!

This past Saturday we took Joshua to see his very first movie in the theaters. Ryan and I haven't been to a movie in a LONG time (Charlottesville theaters are really, really bad) and we also wanted to spend time together as a family. So we went and saw Wall-E. We snuck in some candy popcorn and snacked on that, too. Joshua did really great about 85% of the movie, but was ready to bust out of there the last 20 minutes of the show. If those darn movie trailors didn't last so long, I think we could've made it!

We saw the movie at the Park Place Mall that has an awesome kid's play area. After we ate dinner, we went over there and watched him play for about 20 minutes. By 8:30, we figured we better get home and put him to bed. It was a very successful family night. We have missed Ryan and was glad that he got to get away and have fun this last weekend.

BBQ x 2

We had not 1, but 2 BBQ's this past weekend. On Friday night, it was with some friends in our ward that live in our neighborhood (Pinnacle Heights Apts.) There are 5 LDS families with kids. They are all so very sweet and I feel lucky to have them in close proximity. The RS President joked that we could start our own little branch. :)

Here's a picture with Joshy and a sweet girl named Katelyn. They are just 2 months apart in age (Joshy being older)

Here are a few kids and adults that were close-by that I snapped a picture of. This is 3 out of 5 of the families.

On Saturday night, we attended a BBQ with a bunch of Doctors. It was at Dr. Maciulla's house (he's my personal OB/GYN doc as well). He has a great pool in his yard along with his gorgeous home. We had a great time getting to know the people Ryan will be working with.

I love this picture of Joshy. What a cutie! He absolutely loves swimming with his daddy.
Such a patriotic kid. He is kind of obsessed with flags (along with umbrellas).

Joshy loves to push me and Ryan under the water when he's in his boat. He thinks it's hilarious! When I showed him the video, he kept saying "See da bubbles, Mommy?" I guess that's what he thinks is funny!

Weekend in a Nutshell

Last weekend was a little crazy and a lot of fun. On Friday we went to the Mesa, Arizona temple. We are so fortunate to have medical school friends, the Webbs, who live in Gilbert, Arizona. They very generously offered to watch Joshua while we attended a session. It was so great to see them and the adorable area they are now residing. Thank you again! The temple was extremely beautiful, peaceful, and enjoyable. We started the day with a Hematology appointment at 9:30 am, went straight to Mesa, and arrived back home to Tucson at 9:30 pm. It was a long, yet wonderful day.

The next evening we attended the Chief Resident's Dinner for the OB/GYN department at UMC (University Medical Center). It was lovely. We were able to meet and talk to a lot of residents and doctors that Ryan will be working with. It was a delicious dinner full of appetizers, fresh garden salad, chicken with a mango sauce/vegetables, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Yum! It was fun to have a free, delicious dinner. Perks of being a doctor's wife, I guess! (We have to get some rewards for all the hard work put into this.) Dinner was followed by a lovely ceremony for the graduating residents or Chiefs. They say the 4 years go by quickly...we shall see.

Joshua had his first real babysitter. In the past, we've always had friends watch him. But, we actually picked up and paid a sweet 15-year-old girl to take care of him. By the way, is $5 per hour standard now? It still seems quite expensive to me. But then again, I am cheap. But, she is a great babysitter and we have actually hired her since. Josh was so excited when he saw her at church the next day, so we knew they got along great.

Here is Ryan with 2 of the 3 girls he is Interns with. He will be working side-by-side with them for the next 4 years. They are very sweet and seem to get along well.

Katie, Marissa, and Ryan

Not pictured: Katherine

Ryan had to talk the next morning at church. Not me! But he did an amazing job and got a lot of compliments on his talk. It was on following the promptings of the spirit...something that I'm sure he will rely on while being a doctor.

That evening at the dinner, Ryan found out that he had a quiz on the first day of orientation. A quiz on a book that he had not yet received. A book that was supposed to come in the mail, but didn't. That night, Katie let us run over to her house to borrow her book. Ryan crammed all day Sunday. It was about 300 pages. He passed the quiz. Whew. Good thing he's a good test taker. What a way to start orientation.

This week was quite busy for him. He had review classes late into the night (but started at 8 am), picked up his 3 new white coats, had a "family picture" taken of the new interns, and still found time to be with Josh and I. What a crazy year this is going to be!

We do have one last full weekend together before the craziness begins. It is already quite full. We have a Swimming/BBQ tonight with a few ward members that live in our apartment complex (there are 5 active LDS families). We are going swimming tomorrow at Reid Park and tomorrow evening we have a OB/GYN BBQ at Dr. Maciulla's houses. It is to welcome the incoming residents. Sunday we plan on napping :)

Sonora-Desert Museum

Last week, our little family went to the Sonora-Desert Museum for a little day trip. It was super hot, but we had a great time, regardless. It's an indoor-outdoor musuem (mostly outdoor) with lots of cactus, desert animals, Smithsonian art (on planets), mineral cave, and zoo-like indoor exhibits. We had a lot of fun as did our Curious Josh. He's such a smarty-pants. He loves to learn, just like his daddy.

And isn't he just dang cute as well? A total "catch" for any future gal.

Climbing the cave--not quite a big as Luray Caverns, but more fun because he got to get out of the stroller!
This was the coolest snake that we saw. We, at first, just saw his head peek out with his long, slithery tongue and then the rest of his long body came out of the ground.
We saw many-a-hummingbird.
Yet another new desert plant discovered.
I just think this picture is super cute of my boys.
The mineral cave, where we cooled off, was Ryan's favorite part of the trip. It's amazing the jewels that are found in AZ. My dad would love this as well. He's a geologist at heart. Joshua Porter....meet Joshua Tree.
A Family Picture with "Joshua Tree"
Seriously...beautiful. This was in the bird observatory. There were a ton of different kinds flying all around us, including a parrot and some flamingos!

Ryan likes to call this picture, "Indiana Josh"---minus the hat, I guess. It's real gold, my friends.

And at last, we present "The Otter". If you have been keeping up, we have a similar video at the D.C. Zoo. But can you blame him? Who can resist an adorable otter?

Ar-i-zona is the Place to Be!

Well, we made it to Arizona in one piece. Thanks to Ryan's mom who drove our 2nd car across the country, we were able to save ample amounts of money. Sheryl, you are truly the best! It took her and Ryan 3 1/2 days of 12-14 hours per day of driving. Joshy and I were blessed to fly out to Utah with Ryan's dad (with our buddy passes---thanks so much, Kim!) and stay with my parents for a few days. It was nice and relaxing after so much stress of packing and moving.

Then, my incredible parents drove us down to Tucson. The first day was an 8 hour drive (with all the stops) and the second day was about 4 hours. Joshy only slept for about an hour and a half total. I sat in the back seat with him and we watched quite a few DVD's. Thank goodness for portable DVD players. It made the ride fairly easy. Thank you to my parents for the sacrifice they made to drive us to our new home. I just don't know what we would've done without both of our families and their willingness and selflessness to help us out. You are such a blessing!

We are settling in quite well. We have 90% of the house unpacked and put away. The office is taking quite a bit longer. But we will get there. I feel so lucky to have Ryan and all the hard work that he has done since the beginning of our move. He is such a hard worker, is thorough, and always does things the way that pleases me best. What a great blessing it has been to have him home these last few weeks to help unpack and get settled. He still has 2 weeks off before he starts, too. We have had a lot of "down time" to relax and enjoy time as a family.

Our ward is great. The very first night we were here, a sweet family brought us dinner. The next day, another family invited us over for dinner, and that evening another family brought us cookies. It is such a friendly ward and Ryan and I feel very welcomed. Ryan already got called to be an Elder's Quorum teacher, which will work well and be flexible with his upcoming crazy schedule.

Below are a few pictures of things that we've been up to since we've been here (which hasn't been much other than unpacking and relaxing). The Madsen's invited us over for dinner and volleyball. We had a such a great time. We enjoy their company and sweet girls a lot.

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This is a picture of Joshy and Gracie playing in the sand/rocks. They are approximately the same age. Gracie is quite scared of little boys (since she is in a family of 3 older sisters), but we'll get her there. She's slowly warming up to our little monster.
We've been swimming in our beautiful pool twice. Josh adores his "boat" and is always asking to go swimming in the pool. We will do lots of this, I assure you.
We are loving the climate. Although temperatures high around 105 degrees mid-day right now, it is nothing compared to the humidity in Virgina. Dry heat is awesome! It is beautiful here. A completely different beautiful than Virginia, but I am loving it. Looking out the windows and seeing the mountains reminds me of home. Then I see the cactus and palm trees and it flips me back to the reality of being in Arizona---not Utah. But it is so much like Utah and I just love it. I haven't seen a cloud in the sky since moving here. Monsoon season starts soon, they are supposed to be spectacular. We're excited to experience something new. Although, we don't miss the Virginia rain in the least. We are definitely blue skies people.

We will post some pictures of our apartment soon. We love it.

Luray Caverns & Antique Car Museum

Luray Caverns is one of the neatest places that we've visited in Virginia. We thought that it was going to be a lot like Timpanogas Cave, but it was a lot bigger and there was no hike involved. This is a must see!!!

These 2 pictures are of some staglimites reflected in water. It looked incredible in person. The water was just a few feet deep, but it looked like a huge pit!

Joshy thought that they were "icicles".






This is one of my favorite pictures because it looks like a huge cake dripping with frosting!
Can you see the 2 "people" in the rocks above?

The Car Antique Museum was great, too. Joshy, Daddy, and Grandpa liked it best. (It must be a boy thing.) Other fun things we did (but didn't get pictures of) were the Green Valley Book Fair, and graduation dinner at the Outback Steakhouse. Gotta love that Onion Blossom!

This video is of the Staglimite Organ. There is an organ with wires attaching to the staglimites that are actually tapping them to play this tune. Joshy, in the background is saying, "Hear the piano?"