"mormon" margarita's, chick flicks, suntans, shopping, etc.

Who needs alcohol when you've got friends like these...the stories, the laughs, the whole experience made me miss my own friends. Thanks to Amber and the "Chandler Ladies" for letting me crash {or initiate} their Girls Night Out.

The award for "greatest story-teller" and "most embarrassing moment" goes to Denia. Hands-down, diet coke out the nose laughing, winner! Her stories will go with me to Connecticut and I WILL NEVER own a baby monitor {thanks for the heads up}. Hilary has a great house and "fantastic" designing sense.

Amber, well you're just the best friend a girl could have. And really, I would have been happy to just lay on a raft and sleep the whole time, but your tour-guide itinerary was worth it. Shopping with you is always fun. Realizing the "shirt" we found on the rack also doubles as dress is a memory I could live without. {So ugly, it's cute!} You've helped me overcome a lot in the past, but surviving 115 degree heat is HUGE. You also helped me realize moving to Arizona isn't the worst thing that could happen :) Thanks for the "driving tour" and I'll recommend your accommodations to our friends. The amenities are fabulous!!

a vay-cay...within my vay-cay

Officially the BEST Mother's Day gift EVER!!!

No child, No husband (sorry sweetie).

It's Me, Amber, the pool, and a fun-filled weekend.

*YES! that IS her pool! Who needs Tahiti when your backyard looks like that?

hair today...

GONE tomorrow!

I must give a shout-out to my mom-she's the BEST, not to mention the cheapest, hairstylist around. It's a given that when I come home for a visit a haircut is always on the agenda. I am love, love, loving my new do. It super short, super funky, and super fun to style in the morning. Savanna is even a fan! She keeps petting my head and saying "pretty." Her turns next. Check back to see the results....Monday.

Nana's or BUST

Look Out! Here she comes.

In all her lovely glory...

*Savanna was a trooper. The flight was without drama from here...the storm we passed through made me a bit nervous. I SWEAR our plane was hit by lightening!

what's keeping us laughing lately...

the antics of a little girl.

She's decided that she likes to be just like mommy and it was a proud moment when she learned to wear her sunglasses (gass) just like her mommy does. They are a must have in almost every setting :).

She helps herself to the cupboards. Which makes for some interesting breakfast choices!

And last, but definitely not least, Savanna's take on Mr. Potato Head...or should we say Mr. "Butt" Head? *she came to us for help when she was struggling with fitting the nose into place.

{SLISH-SPLASH}

Today was playgroup. We LOVE playgroup. I LOVE playgroup. It's the day I know Savanna will take a nice l-o-n-g nap! I just plan a day with friends and let her run wild for a few hours & before we've started the car to head home, she's usually alseep. I emphasize "usually."

Today I was able to con, or bribe with new pool toys, a friend into letting us blow off some steam/cool off in her pool. {THANK YOU KIM!} As you can see, Savanna LOVED it! So much so that it was an all-out-scream-fest/tantrum to leave. But I must admit she is sleeping peacefully as we speak...mission completed! Pardon my appearance in the pictures for my hair is the air-dried, clorhine washed, wind-blown style. Gotta love it! I was so excited when Savanna advanced to wearing arm floaties AND would float BY HERSELF. Looks like swim lessons may be in our near future--YAY! {do you not LOVE the new swimsuit on Savanna?? RED ruffles on the bum & all!}

toddler lingo

I am amazed EVERYDAY just how quickly Savanna is growing up. She's catching on to my little quirks {which may not be the best thing, but it's still cute}. Her words are becoming more clear and new phrases are a daily addition. I am loving every minute. So much so, that today we just played. No housework. No errands {okay, we ran to Target for diapers}. No TV. Just giggles and fun. It was a much needed happiness boost for me and I'm sure she loved the "mommy time". These are just a few of the words/sounds/phrases she uses on a regular basis:

Animal sounds are a favorite:

cow = "mmmmoooo"

pig = "quuugh, quuugh" {she tries to snort, but can't}

sheep = "baaah"

duck = "guckie! gak, gak"

puppy or "gogie" = "uff, uff" {whispering}

horse = "eeeha" or "eeehow" {translation: yeehaw!}

cat/kitty = "meow"

wolf = "aaaahrooo"

donkey = "eeehaw"

monkey/gorilla = "aaahh" while beating on chest with fists

She will ask for a drink. Not so much by telling you, but instead, thrusting her empty cup in your hand and announcing her desired contents. Milk, water, or "cuk" or coke. {I wonder where she got that from} Although in her mind that just means ANYTHING other than milk or water. We now have the ritualistic acknowledging of body parts....just the visible ones, of course!! Finding and putting on shoes is the moment we both look forward to each day. It means we are leaving--usually to run errands, but still fun and adventurous. Savanna will now ask questions or state simple phrases. "Where's Daddy?" "Hi, there!" "What the...?" "No, no" "Let's go" etc. I know there are more and they are funnier, but right now, I'm drawing a blank! oops!

what's on my happy list this week...

realizing that one day I will miss these little hand prints on my furniture {not to mention the toys & books peeking out from every little crevice}.