Splash Pad Fun!

Here in AZ the splash pad is a normal part of summertime fun.  (Remember that "summer" for us is 8+ months of the year.)  I've learned that they can help to keep moms sane and keep us all cool.
Within the last month Asher has gotten mobile enough and really started to love playing at a splash pad.
Last month we went to one at Altadena Park in Phoenix.  It was great as it wasn't crowded at all and even had park play equipment for ages 2-5.  Still a little big for Ash but he'll get there.  He had so much fun!!

What a face!!

I really enjoy the splash pad at Scottsdale Quarter as well and we were able to go last week.  The way it's set up it rarely feels crowded and it's also really shaded.  

Where are you Brock??

He loved just being able to walk around and check everything out.

So fun spending time with my friends and their kiddos!!

Apple Picking

I know I've mentioned, but I love fall!  And to me, apple picking is just one of those quintessential fall activities.  "Can you pick apples in Arizona?" you ask.  Why yes, you can.
We chose Date Creek Ranch which is just past Wickenburg. I appreciate their opposition to skepticism that many may not believe that you can pick your own apples in AZ, so as you drive in their signs read, "Yes, there is an orchard in the middle of the desert."
I felt a little like we were getting away; yet it was still hot so I knew I wasn't far from home.  But the atmosphere is super cute and the prices for organic apples are great!  (You pay by the pound- no entrance fees or anything like that.)  You actually go out into the orchard with wheelbarrow and apple picker and pick until your heart's content.  And the best part, as the apples are organic (and they gave us permission), we could eat as many as we wanted while we worked.  The kids especially loved this.

Such a fun experience!

 We chose to put the little ones in the wagon- which I would highly recommend.  

I would also say cool, comfy clothing and closed-toed shoes are good.

They also raise pigs and cows on the ranch, and you can get some good meat prices- if you are in to that sort of thing.  We chose to go on the Apple Festival weekend.  This meant they had a BBQ going on as well.  This year they made Brats- can I say super yummy!!

After the big adventure comes the fun part- making apple treats!!  So far I've made apple bread, 2 apple cobblers (they are more like a cake and so good- check out The Pioneer Woman and her blackberry cobbler #1 recipe and substitute apples) and applesauce.  We have loved them all and I think our waist size can prove it. LOL!!

Overall it was great and we plan to go back next year. :-)

Rain!

Arizona rain- many times an oxymoron here.  I think I have a love/dislike relationship with the rain.  If I can stay home it's great.  I love the smell and the way the outside always seems fresh and new after a good rain.  And, I think I'll stay positive and stop there.
Having a child really does make me see so many things in a fun, new, and more positive light.

Asher is an outdoor boy through and through.  Which Brandon and I laugh about since he didn't inherit a love for being in nature from us.  Don't get me wrong, we appreciate God's creation, but I think Asher really LOVES the outdoors.  So far anyway. :-)
Every day he presses his little hands and face on the back door longing to be on the other side.  Now while we do take him out sometimes, let's be reasonable- it's been stinking hot and the bugs are out in droves lately!!  Still Asher doesn't care.
These latest storms are the first time Asher noticed the rain.  And after seeing his little face and hands on the back door one afternoon, I said why not and ventured out with him.  What's a little rain going to hurt anyway?!  His sheer JOY was more than enough reassurance for me that we should have fun in the rain!!