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got a haircut, finally!

I'm so bad about getting a haircut when I have to find a new stylist. We've lived here for more than a year and this is just the second haircut that I've gotten. It's so intimidating finding someone to cut your hair. It can either go ok, well or REALLY bad.

The first place I tried here was ok, but too expensive, so I said I'd look for another one before I got a cut again. I've been putting it off for about 5 months since I needed to go back anyway. I finally decided to check out the salon nearest me and I think I found my stylist.

She was not very bubbly, which, for me, is a good thing, but still very personable. She explained some technical/scientific details how some of the products I was using were working in my hair which will help me make some better decisions in that regard. And, most importantly, she gave me a good haircut! Her name is Laura English, working at Beauty Express off Frank-Lloyd Wright, so if you live in Scottsdale and need a cut she's my recommendation!

Here's me with my new 'do. First time I've worn it "down" in probably 3 years or more.

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iger Cub Hike

Last weekend Avynn's Tiger Cub pack, led by Tad, went on a hike up Lousley Hill in the McDowell mountain park near us. It was great weather for a hike, and I think all the kids and parents enjoyed it. Here's some pictures from the adventure:

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oo!


I'm back from PDC... it was fun, I learned a lot, I'm totally exhausted, and I have strep throat. So I guess this weekend will be spent recovering from all that.

I couldn't go trick-or-treating with Avynn tonight because I'm still contagious. He is going over to Tad's friend Eric's house to trick-or-treat with Eric's son Sam in their neighborhood. It should be lots of fun for them. Wish I could have gone.

Here's a picture of Avynn in his costume. He's vouging out as spaceman/astronaut. Click for a bigger version.

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DC Adventures
I am in LA this week at PDC. Sorry I haven't posted here in like forever. Life has been more than busy. But I decided to actually post some stuff from PDC and set up my blog last night. Take a look if you're interested.

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vynn's First Day of School


Here's some shots of Avynn's first day of First Grade:

Going to 1st Grade!
Crazy Kid
Goofy Kid

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ike on Waterfall Trail

We went on a hike this weekend to the White Tanks National Park on the West side of Phoenix. It was a really beautiful balmy day, which, for this time of year in Phoenix is something to be appreciated. The temperature was somewhere around the high 70's with a nice cool breeze blowing. My mom came with us for the hike and we brought Zoie, who was very excited to go anywhere in the car with us, though she wasn't quite prepared for the hike.

We didn't get to make it all the way to the waterfall since poor Zoie pooped out when we were a few hundred feet from it. She wasn't used to drinking out of the travel cup that Mom brought, so we had to turn around and head back to the car where she had a nice tupperware container full of water waiting. She rode in TAD's backpack most of the way back on the trail and then I carried her the rest of the way. Poor thing.

At least we got to see a lot of beautiful desert scenery and some petroglyphs. Avynn was fascinated with them, and he, Mom and I spent a good bit of time climbing through the rocks and taking a look. Hopefully we'll get to go back again and get all the way to the waterfall before it gets too hot!

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ake me out to the T-Ball game...


Avynn had his first T-Ball game yesterday and it was truly entertaining. All the kids did well, and there were several good plays on both teams. The funniest, however, was a kid that hit the ball so well it went way into the right outfield... By the time the outfielder retrieved and threw the ball, the batter was halfway to second base... The ball landed right on the batter's head before bouncing off and landing close to the pitcher. Fortunately, the batter had on a helmet!! Not sure if he even noticed the ball, but he made it to second safely.

Avynn was introduced as Avynn "Mr. Activity" Donaghe: aptly nicknamed since most of the time, you could tell who he was out on the field by looking for the kid who just couldn't stand still. He made 3 "runs" in the game and actually caught a few when he was fielding. Yay, Cubbies!

Here's a few pictures of the events (Click for larger images):

	Avynn in Uniform
	Hitting the ball
	Running to first base
	Watching from the dugout. He's number 2.
	Hitting the ball again
	Sliding into third
	Coming home

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pdate

Well, it looks like we might be "safe" from that threat at least...maybe... Who knows what else will happen.

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ust what we don't need

We heard on CNN this morning that someone has given a tip that the biggest nuclear power plant near here is a possible terrorism target, so now this war is a personal threat to our family. This is exactly the kind of thing that I have been dreading, and, unfortunately, expecting.

Everyone cross your fingers and hope that this is all over soon and civilians on both sides are spared. And of course, the troops too, though at least they are mentally prepared for violence, unlike the rest of us.

Sigh.