The Magic of Pretend Play

Every so often my mind is forced, without prompting, to take a step back and look at my son. Wow, how amazing it is to be Landon's mom! Each moment he gets bigger and brighter and I get to experience it all with him.

For our mommy-son day outing today, we ventured back to the Children's Art Museum. He was at a better age than our last visit, so I was hoping he would take a lot more out of it.....boy, did I underestimate that. Thankful I had worn my running shoes, I took a deep cleansing breath, prepared in my runners stance, and the gun went off, or should I say, Landon took off on his 2 fast feet. He bolted, zig-zagged, ran, pushed, and shoved through each exhibit he was interested in seeing. Anything that looked like a "baby" toy or "not real", he wanted nothing to do with. If it wasn't nailed down, he would just push it out of his way or toss it behind him. The areas that appeared to be "real", such as the grocery store and kitchens, he was completely enthralled. He instantly found a shopping cart (or should I admit, he stole it for another kid) and chose his grocery items, dropping them in his cart, and then darted for the checkout, obviously, quite familiar with the shopping routine. I am quite certain I am raising a little chef. His overwhelming interest in the kitchen and what mom is cooking is apparent in our house. Landon had no problem walking right over to "pretend" kitchen and stove and start preparing a meal. Without prompting he reached for a skillet, utensil, then opens the refrigerator to see what to make. Smart boy!!!

With that said, what did I ever do before him? My days alone were never this exciting, fulfilling, and full of love. Landon has added so much to our family and our lives. As I buckled him in his car seat to leave, he gave me a big kiss, as if to say "Thanks mom! I love you" (or that's what I think in my head).

Yummy Day!

The afternoon was spent at the West of the Western Culinary Festival at the Phoenix Art Museum. Personally, I think it should have been named the Best of the Best. The food vendors today were by invitation only and needless to say we ate our way through the day. Landon, Scot, and I were fortunate to have VIP passes for the day (compliments to bro Anthony) and enjoyed every second of the festival. Those of you who know Scot's and my fond appreciation of food and dining out, know this is a little piece of our heaven and we are definitely introducing Landon into the fine art of foods. His favorite, agave pomegrante limeade.....I think he would substitute apple juice for this tasty treat any day!

"Lets eat!"


Landon had no problem picking out his Uncle Anthony in the crowd, walking right over to him, and ask te be picked up! So sweet!


Dancing to the live music! This boy has some rhythm!


"Follow me I know the way"

We stopped to take a few shots of Landon and the waterfall he was dying to plan in. He caught the attention of a few ladies near by. He was more than happy to flirt and strut his stuff for his photo shoot, showing off, of course. The ladies were so taken by his adorable-ness, they offered to get behind my camera and take our family picture....which can be a difficult task to get us all on cue!

Little Boys and All Their Big Toys

Beckett and Landon...two little peas in a pod. Each one has a personality that compliments the other. They are learning to play so well, getting to know one another, and showing each other new things. We explored a new park and between the slide, crawl-through-tunnel, sand, water, and PB&J picnic, we filled an entire afternoon.

After a 3 hour nap, we headed out to Tommy Bahama restaurant at Kierland. Our little man was quite social, dancing to the live music at dinner and stopping to wave "hi" to everyone sitting down on the benches. He high-tailed it to Cold Stone Creamery....I think the delicious smell coming of waffles cones tempted him to get a sugar high.

Sunny Days

Fabulous weather, leads to fabulous outdoor play time. We can fill most of our day outdoors exploring, playing in the grass, and watching the birds. Today I brought out a water mat with a hose attachment that posed timeless amounts of fun! The absolute curiosity and excitement in his eyes makes everyday so worthwhile!!

Todder Play Date turns Mommy Play Date

Deep down our strong effort is to socialize our boys....but I'll let you in on my little secret, I plan play these dates for me too!! I love getting Landon and Beckett together, but the added bonus is Becca and I can sit, chat, and share secrets about life and our boys. Couldn't be any better to have friends like that.

"Let the cookie decorating begin"


"These sprinkles are everywhere"


"Here friend, let me top off your cookie with a few more sprinkles"

Poor Landon was so excited to so show Beckett his walking skills, but the pain from teething won. Sure, a little Tylenol helped, but my sweet boy just wanted to cuddle and watch Beckett. Becca and I got sugar cookies ready for our boys and they dove into the sprinkles, full force, in their own Toddler Food Challenge event. After a quick dunk in the tub, which I quickly realized Landon does not like to share that private time with anyone , we let the boys do as they wish. They moved from toy to toy to refrigerator magnets to toy again. The boys were pooped by the end of the afternoon and passed out.


"Don't drive too fast boys"


"Checkin' each other out"

Can't wait to do it again soon!

Restoring the Z's

Z life had been slightly off balance the past week. ....our poor kitty, Mia had to be put to sleep 4 days after we lost our dog, Tyson. Yikes! We needed to restore the Zen Zee life we love. Landon knew just how to do it! Our boy has such a sense or humor, he keeps us laughing and definitely loves being the center of attention.


Up and coming American Idol star and yes, our son is singing naked!!!

Thanks to Grandma, Scot and I got a much needed date night. We headed off to a favorite restaurant, Cartwright's, for cocktails, oysters on the half shelf, and adult conversation.

As usual, Landon spent the rest of the weekend hamming-it up for this parents. He has recently become obsessed with his accessories (he is sooo our son). He loves to have his shoes put on, for play or going out, and he gets such a kick out of wearing sunglasses. His recent toy of choice, a bouncing zebra. He laughs so hard when he jumps and spins on his horse!!

The household life is resoring itself, planning our summer trips, and if Scot has his way, perhaps another dog!! Stay tuned for that drama!

Mellow days!

Just a few photos of our weekend of family time! We kept our days as mellow as possible.

Saturday evening we got a great dose of laughter with the fam!!! I just love these times when we all get together.

Our sweet Tyson!!

"Dogs are not our whole life, but make our lives whole."

Our sweet dog, Tyson, was our 1st dog. He had been with our family for over 6 years. We purchased him at Christmas time from the pet store in the mall.....our little doggy in the window!

This week he abruptly developed intervertebral disk disease and in a matter of hours, the active quirky pup we love, was no longer the same dog. He became paralyzed in his hind legs and the life that he knew and loved was no longer the same. This morning our brave dog passed away....

Ohhh, our house seems quiet, our hearts are missing a piece that was once there, and Scot and I are filled with so many memories of our dog that was our best friend. Tyson was our baby before Landon blessed us. Kenzee, our other pup and Tyson's shadow, has already noticed Tyson's absence. She was always 1 step behind him and at his heels and we worry she is going to get depressed. Our wonderful T-Bear...we will always miss him !!

It doesn't get any better than this!!

The celebration of my 30th birthday with Scot was magical!! My entire day was surprise after surprise. My amazing husband and son took me to the Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium, allowing me to strecth my wings or lens with my new camera. He knew this was the perfect location for me to practice my photography technique. I was in camera heaven for the afternoon. The scenery and my company was ideal. Landon enjoyed watching the fish tanks and "oooh" -ing at the waterfalls.

Are we there yet?






Looks refreshing, until the shark swims by!

My mom met us at our home to watch Big L, as Scot whisked me away for a shopping spree, before our dinner plans. We arrived home and what did I find.......my husband has hired us a personal chef and attendant for dinner. He knows me so well, my love for food, cooking, the comforts of home, and a lot of spoiling!!! Our evening was so romantic, just the two of us, completely relaxed. Did I mention our menu was French cuisine, my favorite!!!

Chef Cynthia and Server, Scott of Entree Nous (www.entreenous-phx.com)


Formaggio platter and champagne on the patio


Main courses served in the dining room

Do I look surprised?

Oh, the day was wonderful, but my husband, without a doubt, is the most generous and thoughtful man!!

2 Little Monkeys

Such a fun afternoon!! Landon had a much needed play date with Beckett this afternoon and the moms got the much needed time to catch up. These boys are 2 little monkeys...climbing up and down everything. All the other kids in the play area seemed a little too hopped up on sugar with no manners and the parents to compliment them. Becca and I naturally knew our 2 boys are the most well behaved kids. They were quite content playing, sliding, and sharing snacks. Landon has never been too fond of slides, until recently. Beckett taught Landon how to slide on his tummy, which Landon proceeded to perform repeatedly. No fear at all...lots of giggles and smiles. The boys move around that place at lighting speed, so getting photos was a difficult task, but I managed to sneak a few snapshots in. Can't wait to do it again next week.

"You play with the top and I'll do the bottom!"


"Where am I?"


"Hi friend!"

I just had to get a video of Landon sliding to show Scot.