Best week ever!

Why, might you ask?

Because my Nanny came to visit!!!

We did lots of fun things together!

We went to Smeeks!

Check out all that candy!

I had a blast playing with the toys too!

But my favorite? The photo booth!

Nanny and I also spent lots of time reading all the new books she brought!

(Mommy was happy because she is tired of reading the same ones over and over again.)

After a few days, Mommy and Daddy left on an airplane, but I could have cared less. I had all of Nanny's attention to myself!

Dance Party

Silly Lily does a dance party!

For some reason, even as a newborn, any time she would kick her legs or swing her arms, we've sang "silly Lily does a dance party." I have no idea why or where it came from, but it's stuck. And she loves it!

(Yes, this is a normal evening for us. Don't you love Ryan's moves?)

Camelback

Saturday morning, we splurged on a babysitter for Lily and headed out to hike Camelback Mountain, specifically the Cholla Trail. This was Ryan and I's first real hike since the move.

We weren't sure what to expect, and really enjoyed ourselves on this popular tourist destination. However, the last third of the hike had more boulder climbing through steep rocks with severe dropoffs than a nice, easy trail walk. I knew that the older I get, the more fearful of heights I've become, but this definitely made my heart race more than a few times and there was no looking over the edge for me!

the trailhead

approximately 1/2 way, with views looking south

2/3's of the way

that's the top...the end is in sight!

We made it in a little over an hour

The views were breathtaking, and well worth the effort.

Now we have to make it all the way back down! Thank goodness there was promise of a tasty meal and possibly a beer afterwards.

Quality Time

Friday afternoon, Auntie and I headed out for a girls day. Which of course included shopping....we spent a few hours at IKEA and Trader Joe's. After our full afternoon together, Auntie got to spend some quality time with Lily.

One of her favorite things was to show Auntie 'Patty Cake' using her baby.

I am so thankful for Auntie M. I seriously don't know what I would do without her - there is just a special connection between sisters, I think. A built-in best friend (sorry sis, you can't leave me, I'm family) who knows all your idiosyncrasies and has no hesitation calling you out on them. With a sister, you learn more about yourself, your faults, but also your strengths. Because you can see part of yourself and your upbringing in your siblings...good, bad and evil. I miss a ton of people from home....but my sister is one of a few people it physically hurts not to have nearby. I'm so thankful Auntie got to spend some quality time with Lily, but selfishly more happy that she got to spend some quality time with me!

Friday morning surprises

After a good night's sleep, Lily woke up to a few awesome surprises on Friday morning.

First, while eating breakfast, Auntie M popped around the corner (she had flown in late Thursday night to spend the weekend with us!). Lily yelled out "Auntie" and was the happiest niece ever.

A few minutes later, Daddy rolled out of bed and joined the party. He took Friday off so that I could spend some extra time with my sister. Seriously, the day couldn't have gotten much better...two of her favorite people home with her!

Lily couldn't stop smiling all morning.

But life continued to get better and better when we took off for a walk to the park!

Heading up the play-set to show off all her favorite things.

I love the slides!

Daddy, I don't need your help, I'm a big girl!

Weeeee! Hehe, that hair is awesome.

We had a fun filled weekend with Auntie! More adventures to come!

Princess

In my family, I've always been called the Queen. I'd like to say it's because I am regal, a kind and generous sole, but have a feeling it's because I'm bossy and require everything to be MY way.

It appears we have a little princess in the making...

...she's bossy...

...and definitely requires everything to be her way.

Being royalty sure wears a girl out!

Good night, Princess Lily

First hike

We took Lily out for her first hike on a little trail a few minutes from our house. In total, it's a 4.5 mile loop though we only went up a mile and back down. I'm looking forward to running it soon and seeing what I think of trail running!

Getting ready. Hydration is key in the desert :)

Half way to our turnaround. Lily had a blast watching all the people and puppies on the trail (it was busy!)

The stroller did well even though it wasn't exactly a smooth ride.

Ryan had himself a pretty intense workout.

To the right of the closer hill is our neighborhood.

One amazing advantage of living in Arizona...60 degree days in January. And NO SNOW. Hope everyone back home is cuddled up to a warm fire enjoying the weather. Wish you all were here!