It's the little things mcdonalds: 2015

POOL RENOVATION

Before summer arrived we decided it was time to give our home's 17+ year old pool a facelift! We chizzled out the old grey pebbletech (left pic) and replaced it with a vibrant blue mini pebbletech (right pic) and added a new baja step (top left corner) so Gwen can just sit in her chair and enjoy the water !

GWEN , MISS CASSIE, AND Q ENJOYING THE NEW STEP!

MAY

SEDONA

Five of us drove up to Sedona for the day to experience Cathedral Rock and Buddha Beach, "considered to be the site of a powerful vortex. Believers come to meditate, chant and create whimsical rock cairns. The vortex energy here is said to be feminine, a very nurturing experience."

We attempted to build our own rock cairns, but ours didn't quite stay erect so I don't quite know what they says about us.....

JUNE

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Thanks to Miss Mandy, Gwen was able to attend VBS again this summer at our church. One of the highlights this summer for me as a parent was when the children were asked to write down, "Where have you seen God today?" A few of the children answered, "Gwen"....now that'll melt anyones heart!

MUSIC

Tempe History Museum offered free music events for children this summer. We went to the Mariachi performance and surprisingly Gwen LOVED the trumpets, singing, and upbeat tempos! We went around and made our own music then found a nearby splashpad to cool off!

CAMPING ON THE RIM

Yes, I did it! I finally went camping (in a tent trailer)...baby steps people! Jesse's dad's side of the family invited us up for the annual McDonald camping trip and eventhough we only stayed one night (trial run without Gwen), it was a blast! It's amazing how refreshing it is to be out in nature with no cell, no iPad, no tv....just some good people and good ghost stories around the campfire ;)!

BON VOYAGE MISS MANDY

After two incredible years, we had to say goodbye to our dear, sweet Mandy. She moved to Colorado for med school to fulfill her life's passion. She has such a wonderful connection with Gwen, I know she will be a part of our family forever!

MY LITTLE FISH

Just like his sister, Quinten loves to swim! I enrolled him at AquaSafe Swim School, a local indoor swimming school, and he has just flourished! He graduated 2 levels and now we are working on freestyle and backstroke. He's so proud of himself!

IT'S A BOY!

Uncle Cody and Aunt Lauren found out they're having a boy this November!

JULY

PINETOP

It was that time of year again to head up north for our annual summer vacation! The kids and I had no plans (Jesse still had to work), so we joined Papa and Grandma McDonald and Aunt Diana for two whole weeks!

We wen out on the boat and fished....a lot!