The Casa Grande Ruins

So many of you have probably never heard of the Casa Grande Ruins (we hadn't until we had lived here for about 6 months)...they are actually located in Coolidge, AZ about 20 minutes from us. Instead of growing up to be firemen, "army guys", policemen, or "para-dead-ics" the boys want to be "arch-e-tologists-ists" each time we visit the ruins (which sounds a bit less dangerous to me so I'm all for it!)

The Casa Grande ("Big House") is the tallest and most massive Hohokam building known standing 35 feet tall...all made from about 3000 tons of caliche (mud...without bricks or blocks...just mud). It was built in the early 1300's and had beams of "imported" pine, juniper, and fir from mountains over 50 miles away. So there's your little history lesson from our spot on the planet.

Charlie had to work almost all weekend...Diane and Brandon flew in just after a rainstorm that put all construction behind schedule (but gave Charlie a couple "Rain Days" off of work...which I enjoyed since I was sick at the time).

The doors were really short and narrow...the boys think it was a city built for KIDS ONLY.

We really try not to play favorites...but I think Aunt Dan Dan will always be Seth's favoritist Aunt (at least until he's too tall for piggy-back rides).

Aunt Dan Dan & Uncle Brandon

Diane & Brandon flew down for a quick weekend visit (they are living in Oregon again)...and the boys couldn't wait for them to come...every morning we had to count how many days until they got here.

I think the boys attacked Brandon 5 minutes after we arrived home...and the wrestling didn't stop until the weekend was over. But, that's what uncles are for.

Happy Birthday, Lucas!

Luke is already 3! And as sweet as ever...though, I think 3 is the new 2...but with his heart-melting smile, I think he'll live.

When Mommy is sick...

It's amazing to me how resilient kids can be. Even when I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed (and didn't for a couple days)...Dylan was as happy as ever.

Seth and Brendan even tried to "help out" by taking over discipline...I never thought of tying Luke to the fridge...I'm always trying to keep him out!

Wrinkles...they come in many forms

So as to not incur anymore emails asking if I've already given up on blogging...I moved updating the blog to the top of my "Catch-up List."

January was a blur of Dr's appts for us...the flu and bronchitis took a vacation at our house for the month of January (Hurray!)...but we're finding our way back to normalcy...slowly.

(Right before we all got sick) I met my Grandma June's little brother...Uncle Dick...who lives near Chicago. Watching Grandma, Uncle Dick, and Aunt Mickey (their older sister) together was delightful to say the least. I suppose one never grows up too much when it comes to siblings.



Aunt Mickey has been living next door to Grandma June since May '07...but needed to go back to California for "getting too old" reasons...and seems to be very happy where she is at. The boys really miss her & keep telling me they'll sell some toys to by a plane ticket. So sweet.