Playing it By Ear: Our Desert Break

Spring Break 2013 concluded this week, and it's back to reality and cold weather...

This year was like all others in our past, filled with days lounging by the pool, afternoon cocktails, baseball, friends and family. The kids had so much fun playing in sand, learning to "swim," endlessly swinging, and eating alfresco. Matt and I had some great afternoons and evenings away with friends, quality time with the kids, my mom and Chuck, and just enjoyed a much needed break from the norm. I'm always sad to see these trips come to an end, but so thankful that we have the opportunity to escape and enjoy people we love so much. It always seems that Leila and Nathan develop new tricks while in AZ...I'm not sure if it's all that sun, or the constant attention they are getting, but whatever it is, it is always fun to watch their changes. Nathan's vocabulary probably doubled while away, while Leila shed her fear of water in her face and was dunking herself, jumping under water, and blowing bubbles under water by the end of our trip (thanks to our personal swim instructor, Jaimie!)

My jet-setters, ready to get on the plane!

Daddy and his buddy on one of our many park visits...

Showing off her new suit from Auntie Lauren

Another morning park visit...

Leila's first baseball game! Mariners vs. Dodgers at Peoria Stadium

A typical afternoon...

Cartoon break...

The Team Vacation crew arrives!

On their "boat to China, to get some Chinese food..."

Dance lesson

Adults only baseball game...

Meanwhile, Leila and Papa made orange juice!

And Natey enjoyed an afternoon ride on the swing

Next up, we got ready for Easter!

Leila dyed a few eggs...

Leila and Oma made a bunny cake...

And before we knew it, it was Easter morning!

This is one of my favorite pictures ever.

Leila being so Leila, and Bubba being so Bubba.

Also a favorite. Bubs just up from his nap with his handsome Daddy.

Looking for more candy during the egg hunt

Egg Hunters

Makes my heart melt.

Portrait time!

First up, Auntie Jaimie

Then, the twinzies!

Happiness.

Papa and Oma

Lastly, my wonderful family.

Once the Team Vacation crew left, we had a couple more days to enjoy the sun...

Leila came up with a creative game in which she would pretend the agave plant was a bunch of chickens in a pen and would feed them with rocks from the yard. I'm always probably more impressed with her than I should be, but I thought it was brilliant! She had Bubby "feeding" along with her!