Phoenix - the other 'down under'

I hadn't really noticed before - but living in Phoenix is almost like living in the Southern hemisphere. Last night the low was actually 67- so we opened up the house, and started to get ready for the 'outdoor season' here in Arizona. We can't wait until the end of September, when the weather starts to get nice, when we can go outside and get fresh air - and maybe do some clean up inside and out. Sounds like March in the Midwest, doesn't it?

Travis starting riding his bike to work today, and Lesley and I are finally settled into a routine - again. She's growing so fast! I'm studying in the mornings and doing housework in the afternoons. Lesley is starting to play with her toys - i.e. looking at them, grabbing them, and pulling them to her mouth. She likes to giggle, and she has a "killer smile" as her Grandpa Long says. Now that it's getting nice outside, we'll start taking walks in the morning, too.

Grad school is going well - my thesis research is underway. I'm also taking 3 hours of classes in human resources. Interesting stuff, but it keeps me hopping! I'll be finishing up my research in February, and I hope to defend in April so I can graduate in May. Kind of a tall order, but as I am not working another full time job (you know, other than being a Mom) I think it is do-able.

We're heading to Washington state in a few weeks to visit Curtis and Glena in Spokane - we are looking forward to visiting some cold weather, and seeing the town. I hear Spokane is a really neat place - and we might even check out some of the wineries. They don't grow the grapes in Spokane, the vineyards are in Walla Walla and elsewhere, but you can go tasting in town, which would be cool.

Hope everyone is doing well - we'll be back to KS for Christmas and New Year's. Something tells me that will be here soon - especially with Lesley keeping us so busy!

Jenny

Lions, oh my!

Ah, remember when your toys
were as big as YOU?

Hope everyone is having a good week - we can't wait to get back to town and see the folks!

Enjoy the rain, heat, sun or whatever is in your neighborhood this week.

Cheers!