Well, hello. How are you? Me… Well, I’ve been soaking up the Arizona life these days, for what it’s worth! Somehow I’ve made myself very busy again. But I don’t mind .. the weather is nice, it’s good to keep Jace active and about .. and my view lately, no matter how I look at it, is pretty awesome. Life is good, and so is God! I’ve been up to a lot, and I’d love to share.
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Phoenix
I have one word for you. GADZOOKS!!!! If I haven’t said it enough, I’m going to say it again. I have a serious obsession with the enchilada. I L-O-V-E enchiladas. LOVE. Particularly home-cooked ones that involve slow-cooked pork or chicken. Or a lot of cheese and green chile sauce. Oh, my mouth is starting to water just thinking about it. A little missy from my work introduced me to Gadzooks by our office in Phoenix and I’ve been hooked ever since. Plus, they have misters and Dos Equis. I of course ordered the pork. And their home-made cornbread. It’s all so good; I can’t even handle it. And while you wait in line there is bound to be someone talking your ear off about their chopped salad or mashed potatoes or their hand-smashed guacamole, or basically anything on the menu. Here are some moments from this past Friday’s family dinner out after work! We ate our hearts out (and picked our noses apparently, ha!)
Have you noticed how I pair children activities with good food?? ;) Needless to say, I needed it after this outing. On to the story .. I saw a deal come through for the Children’s Museum of Phoenix on Groupon and decided to buy it, wanting something indoor to do with Jace, and something that didn’t involve 112 degree weather and a swimming pool. We set out on a Sunday morning, knowing this was going to be a crazy fun day for Jace face. And boy was it. It literally felt like we were in the mind of a child. And every room was like a different child-like dream. One room you’re in a miniature grocery store where children are stocking shelves and running the cashier. Another you are painting a castle, chasing yoga balls or running through pool noodles. In another area you’re scooping foam ice cream, driving a pickle for a vehicle, building a city out of blocks and shooting scarves out of tubes. And I’m pretty sure they recreated the tree house from Hook (see below). Pretty rad. However, it was utter chaos, every where you looked. Jace is still that age where we need to hover over him most of the time, so it was crazy trying to keep him in check without him face planting into the floor every minute. He was non-stop. My favorite room was the calmest one of all, the reading nook. Perhaps that’s what my mind looked like as a child ;) All in all, it was a great place to take the little one. Lots of things to interact and engage with. But after 2 hours I was ready to get the h*ll out of there (and also swear off any more children!).
We spent most of our time playing in these noodles. Hahahaha
The best part of this day you ask? I would have to say FEDERAL PIZZA!!! It’s been on my list to try for quite some time now and since we were close by in Phoenix, I decided to take us there for lunch after the museum. Best decision ever. It was delicious. We ordered two of their pizzas and some pasta for little boy. Great service, very family friendly and fabulous happy hour. We’ll definitely be going back. Stuffing our faces with good pizza really made all the anxiety of the children’s museum go away. Crazy how food does that;)
My friend Sarah invited Jace and I to the Arizona Science Center a couple weekends back. Yes, I’m 2 weeks backlogged in blogging! As soon as we got to the Science Center we spent a good amount of time at the first exhibit, pictured here with the balls and water slides and shoots. So much fun!! Jace was in ball heaven. From there, we went on to explore and build things… and throw balls in a nose that sneezed. We watched a cow’s eye be dissected .. until it was too gross to watch any more. Jace climbed into a heart, slid down a stomach, heard his heart beat through his hand .. walked on a bridge of nobs, watched more balls float, ran in the hallways, played in the ocean sand and created a cloud.
I think the best exhibit BY FAR was the Immersion Theater in the Forces of Nature exhibit — you stand in the middle of the stage while mother nature takes over. You really feel like you’re in the middle of the storm, feeling the rain from the hurricane, the wind from the tornado, the ground shaking from the volcano erupting and more. It was awesome. Jace hugged up to his bestie James for protection, it was so cute. No tears just excitement! Who needs Mom when you’ve got a new bro to follow around?! Next time I want to go to the Grossology exhibit — look disgusting but so intriguing!
The smile on this boy’s face – melts my heart. Love you James. 
Afterwards we washed hands and went to Pizzeria Bianco, right down the way, for some wood-fired pizza. I couldn’t have asked for a better pair to hang with this Saturday. Sarah and James know how to have fun. I can’t wait for our next outing together, where ever it might be. Love you Sarah! xoxoxoxo
And then Jace crashed hard on the couch when we got home. Best. day. ever. with my son.
On Fridays we’re getting into the habit of meeting at Jace’s day care for a dual pick-up and then to O.H.S.O. Brewery for dinner as a family. We talk about our week, entertain J and then over eat. OHSO Brewery has the BEST patio seating overlooking Camelback mountain. It also has wonderful umbrella coverage, fans and above all – MISTERS. I forgot how much I love and appreciate misters in Arizona. They feel so wonderful when your body is clammy and sweaty. I’m pretty much going to be seeking these babies out every where we go this summer, now that the temps are in the 100s. Plus, it’s so fun to see Jace’s little face get tickled with the mist. It’s the little things in life, right?! OHSO is definitely one of our favorite spots around town. It’s dog friendly, plus family-friendly! Sister met us there for dinner, too and we ordered our favorites beers on happy hour (Orange Blossom, Mr. Pineapple, OHSO Hoppy). We both ordered the kalua pork, Rob the surf & turf. I’m also a huge fan of their garlic shrimp tacos .. seriously amazing. They have an awesome happy hour (and brunch on the weekends). If you’re in the Arizona area, you should definitely check ’em out. But if you’re a local, I’m sure you already have because everyone is in love with this place.
With sister! I’m looking more and more like a 40-year old Mom I’ve decided. Must get a tan ASAP.
I couldn’t be more proud of Jace’s use of Silk & Shine. Such a chapstick pro already!