A Week of Firsts

Eric had to leave to go back to work last week, but before he left, we all went to the zoo.  

This is one of Annie's favorite things to do in Phoenix,  and Siri has enjoyed it as well.  

It was the first visit, though, for  cousin Lisa's new baby Natalie. 

Among other things, 

Siri enjoyed seeing the turtles and ducks...

Annie enjoyed a shoulder ride from Grandpa at the end of a full morning.

And, Siri had her own first:

Her first ride on a merry-go-round.  

She loved it.

as did Annie.

Then, it was time for a first for Annie:

her first hair cut.

Since she was about one, she's had sweet little curls.  

But, no more.  Her hair had grown all the way down her back, and

was in much need of a clean up.  So, Annie practiced sitting still, and

we talked about how birds were going to love having her soft hair for their nests.

The curls themselves are in an envelope, of course.

She celebrated by planting some watermelons with Grandpa

while Siri played in the grass.

Another first for Siri this week is black beans.  She loves them.

She's entered the phase where she does not want to be fed, and so the mess

has really begun.

I know you can't see most of her face, but you can see the smile.

Another item on Annie's "must-do-in-Arizona" is going to "the train park."  A city park not far from my parents' house, it has a little train that encircles it.  We get to cross a bridge, circle a pond, go through a tunnel...Annie has always enjoyed it, and

this time, Siri did, too.

On Sunday evening, we got to meet cousin Micah's new baby, Caleb.  

Here's Siri exploring and climbing, one of her new favorite past times.

On Thursday, I get to have a first, too.  It will be my first time to fly alone with two girls.

I must say there are firsts that I've been more excited about.  

But, its worth it to get to spend here.

We sure have enjoyed the warmth, the sun, and family and friends.