Happy Hanukkah!
Inspired by the everyday happenings at the Tucson JCC, Paul and I decided to make a delicious Hanukkah dinner! I knew I wanted to make potato latkes after talking about them so much at school and then decided to make a whole dinner out of it. We made matzo ball soup, potato latkes with zucchini, brisket (from local grass fed beef, thanks to Paul), and jicama slaw! We also made a cranberry tart for dessert! Our meal was delicious. I taught Paul the story of Hanukkah during dinner. We didn't get a menorah this year (or a tree for that matter) since we'll both be away from Tucson for the holiday, but who knows what next year may bring! Happy Hanukkah everyone!
Gobble Gobble!
Casey & Eric are great hosts and our dinner was fantastic! Everyone lent a hand and there was way too much food. But, leftovers are grrrrreat, and I made a turkey sandwich for breakfast (twice) :)
On Friday we went out for another trail ride on the quads. Check out the dust beards we had going this time!
Thanksgiving in Phoenix |
Patagonia and Sonoita Trip
Here are the photos.
Sonoita Creek |
Mom & Dad Time
Having my parents visit us was a lot of fun. It had been awhile since the summer heat of the finger lakes when we waved goodbye in our Penske moving truck. I missed them.
Getting from Rochester to Tucson via airplane isn't as easy as one might hope. I appreciate this now as I look for flights home for Christmas. Mom & Dad opted to fly into Phoenix, its a bit easier.
Friday was a relaxing day. We went for a long walk along the river trail, got some groceries, planned our feast (its a Gillio tradition!), and sipped some drinks while soaking in the hot tub. On Saturday there was a bicycle street fair with tons of people selling new and used bikes in preparation for Tucson's big bicycle event "El Tour". Anyhow Sarah bought a new-to-her bike! Its a cool yellow & blue, we'll show you some time. After that search and bartering fun, we headed to the Sonoran Desert Museum. Don't miss the photos below! There were lots of cool animals, hawks flying just inches over our heads, and Sarah got to meet her fear incarnate in their beautiful mountain lions.
Guadalajara Grill is starting to recognize us. All of our visitors have been brought there, but who could blame us with salsa made fresh at your table, awesome chile verde, and BIG margaritas! We made sure to take some leftovers home. This time we didn't forget them in the car :)
What Gillio get together would be complete without a hike? Mt. Lemmon provides fantastic scenery, and on Sunday we even hiked a bit further than planned. We passed thru the bare lone poles of the 2003 forest fire around 8,200 ft. and then down to a cool creek bed that saved the trees on the opposing side from the flames.
For our final dinner Mom & Dad made some home-made gnocchi in a delicious red sauce with mushrooms, aspargus, & steak tips. MMMMmmmmm good! I love my parents cooking!!!
Saying good bye was sad to do, but I'm excited to see them again for Christmas. Thanks for visiting, love you guys!
Check out our photos!
Mom & Dad visit AZ |
Sabino & los Muertos
Sabino Canyon |
Dia De Los Muertos |
Cute Kid Quotes
Here is random assortment of adorable quotes from the past few weeks:
“You know what I learned? I learned that if you don’t wash your hands, you get sick. I learned that from Sid the Science Kid. He knows everything ‘cuz he’s the science kid.” ~ Tea
Annabelle to Miss Sydney whose hair was in many pigtails and bungs on Crazy Hair Day, “You look as beautiful as a rose.”
Me: "Rowa, what is something that you like a lot or are interested in that you want to learn more about this year?" Rowa: I wanna learn where everything is in the whole world!”
After taking a Spanish class that met for one hour, once a week for 6 weeks, Tyler counted his friends in Spanish, Tyler: “Uno, Does, Tres, Quatro!” Tea: “You know Spanish?” Tyler: “Ya, it was the last day Friday and now I know it.”
Me: “Wanna make a puppet?” Haley: “A boyfriend puppet?” Me: “What?” Haley: “Well, my girl puppet is lonely.”
While a few of us were looking at a globe together: With great distress, “Miss Sarah, Talya’s spinning the whole world!” – Logan A few minutes later, “Tyler took the Earth to the rug and now we can’t explore it!” - Logan
At the playground, I was taking a few kids to the bathroom and Sydney told me that Rowa had said that she needed to go so I told Rowa I was taking a group and to come with us. Rowa replied, “I don’t need to go anymore.” Me: “Are you sure?” Rowa: “Yea, it went back up as food.”
San Diego Halloween
IT IS!!!
San Diego is a gorgeous place. We strolled a bit through Balboa Park, we rode the roller coaster at Mission Beach, dipped our feet in the cool Pacific waters, and experienced the stunning views in all directions.
On our way into town Sarah got ahold of her good friend Nate Ladd, from Tufts. So getting to hang out with him was an added surprise bonus. Thanks again for dinner buddy!
We dabbled in some Halloween festivities, we got to visit Elka's church, we had some killer brunches, and absolutely enjoyed our trip.
We're looking forward to visiting again, thanks Elka!
Belmont Park coaster
Click to view more photos!
San Diego Halloween |
An October Ride
Quads & Buses
On Saturday Eric, Sarah, my Uncle and I rode out into the desert mountains on their quads. For those of you who haven't ridden before quads are mini 4-wheel-drive off-road bikes. They are also wicked fun! I didn't take enough photos since I didn't want the dust getting into my new camera. Trust me there was dust everywhere. When we got back I looked like I had a dust beard.
We followed Eric through some of his favorite trails; up steep hills, along dry river beds, twisting through cacti, between rock walls, and down boulder fields. Sarah was the only newbie rider among us, but she kept up with no problem. She charged up embankments that Eric claims a lot of people are too afraid to go up!
After soaking in the pool and relaxing that afternoon we had a wonderful home-cooked paella for dinner. There were a few rounds of Catch-phrase, always a favorite, and we ended the evening under the stars enjoying a fire.
It was a great weekend with family!
Quads & Buses |
Enjoy Your New Viewing Experience!
Out On The Town With The Needham Girls!
If you ask these ladies to a game you're gonna get your butt kicked. They're wicked smart, and a lot of fun to hang out with. No wonder Sarah's been with them through thick and thin since high school.
Kara and Nicky arrived on Friday through determination and some lucky connections. We gave them a proper welcome with some homemade pizza and headed right out to explore the local bar scene. I can't really say we have any favorite spots yet, we've only been to half a dozen at most. At any rate, the girls loved the warm fall evening that Tucson is so generous with.
Saturday morning was a lazy stroll through downtown while checking out nicknacks in various hole-in-the-wall thrift shops. For the rest of the day we lounged by the pool, treated ourselves to some killer mexican grub, and partied with Nicky's cousin Josh.
Sunday was a heck of a day, from scaling cliffs on Mt. Lemmon, back to the pool, to our no-holds-barred game of Taboo :) Unfortunately, Alyssa's flight was delayed. So, when we finally picked her up at the airport that night she had missed our culinary ode to the grill. (That "Weber's Big Book of Grilling" rocks!)
Monday poured more sunshine and we toured a bit around U of A. In the process we found a new section of great outdoor dinner spots.
The days were fun, the evenings a riot. The views we shared were spectacular. The conversations were many and delightful. The worst part was saying farewell. Thanks for visiting us!
Click photo to view more
Needham Girls Visit |
Our First Taste of Tucson Camping
The clouds obscured some of our stargazing, while the constant din of our neighboring campers slightly muddled the rest. But, from a comfy hammock under the trees, not much bothers you! I think next time we'll attempt to find a less traveled campground (if any exist). Perhaps if we own up to carrying our needs and foregoing a few luxuries, we'll decide to pack up and find a nice place in the forest. Aaah, next time!
Rose Canyon Camping |
I Don't Feel More Than Two Weeks & A Day Over 30!
I had a great time for my birthday this year. True, I missed celebrating with my birthday brother Trev, but with traveling that week I was able to see good friends and family. Thank you to Susan & Peggy and all for making that a special Sunday. Thanks to everyone who called, and wrote, and texted, and even flew to congratulate me! I love hearing from every one of you!
The weekend following my (yes 30th) birthday, Sarah told me she had a surprise in store. On Friday I was all set to go out, thinking we were going to a show or dinner, when the doorbell rang. Our doorbell never rings! There's Sarah with a sheepish grin saying, "I wonder who could that be?" Lo and behold my brother Phillip and his girlfriend Kathleen are standing outside. They completely surprised me! (He had convinced me on the phone that the earliest visit they could make would be in the spring)
We had a great weekend. My cousin Eric and his wife Casey also drove down from Phoenix and we all enjoyed some great mexican cuisine. We lounged at the pool, played cards, and even had time to take a hike around Mt. Lemmon (I know, what Gillio event doesn't involve a hike, right?!)
Thanks for a great birthday to all! (And thanks for the cookies Mom!)
Paul's 30th |
Hello Bean-town!
Boston Visit |
Dad and Laurel's Wedding
Paul and I got to head up to Boston for a weekend in September (Paul's b-day weekend as a matter of fact) for my Dad's wedding. The service and reception were very classy and well put together. It was awesome to be able to see so many important people to us in one weekend. Here are some pictures from the wedding.
Ladd Wedding |
Kids Say the Best Things
Cribs - Southern Arizona
I've realized a few things from trying to make a few videos so far. One is that I need a camera with better video quality, that and certainly better shooting, editing, and dialogue skills! Anyone out there making a lot of youtube videos with some bits of advice?
Happy Birthday to Me!
Mo good eats!
Sesame shrimp & tofu stir-fry with veggies. Served on wild rice & quinoa.
Grilled strip steak with sauteed garlic mushrooms. Also roasted root veggies with aioli, & sauteed pepper-butter cabbage.
Grilled chicken satay & roasted veggies. Citrus salad with pomegranate.
Shrimp & tortellini pesto with peas & bell pepper.
Home-made maki-sushi. Typical (cali roll) & not-so-typical (white hot & mustard: ROC roll?).
First Week of Pre-K
Well, I'm officially exhausted. After only three full days of being responsible for the care and growth of 22 four-year-olds I'm gaining a new appreciation for the word. My voice is especially tender from repetitions of "we use our words when we feel sad," "wow, what wonderful artwork," and "I see John is helping to clean up." Of course, there has also been plenty of "we do not hit in this class room," "boys and girls, please show me that you are listening," and "running through the classroom is not safe. We use walking feet." My repertoire of children's songs and attention getting games is quickly broadening (I study my Wee Sing book every night). While I am indeed drained and overwhelmed at times, I feel confident and satisfied that things are definitely going well. I understand that it will take some time for the both me and the class to get into the swing of things comfortably. It would be quite odd for so many four year olds to be consistently sharing, quiet and still. I really feel like things are going great so far. One thing is for sure, the kids are having fun and I am sleeping like a baby.
Floatin in Salt
One Thing I Do Miss (besides people of course)
We recently moved form Boston to Tucson, AZ. After scouting out the local grocers we have yet to find our beloved Joseph's Hummus on the shelves. Could you let me know if Joseph's sells to any grocers or distributers in Tucson? My girlfriend is obsessed with your hummus and I must admit that I'm also quite partial. We have been trying other options, but nothing seems to compare. Please help!
Thanks,
Paul
Adventures with Humming Bird Watchers
Paul and I went to this cool farm that is a private home that became a big hummingbird hang-out. They have a bunch of feeders and anyone can go and check out the lovely birds and other animals at there place (they have a box out asking for donations). Paul and I know very little about names and categories of different hummingbirds but were lucky to be observing with several very knowledgeable folk who had traveled far, brought their professional quality cameras and hiking outfits, and told us a thing or two about the White-Eared Magnificent. Apparently we saw some rare ones!
A Bite To Eat
Grilled local zucchini & eggplant stuffed with herbed goat cheese and spinach. Served with grilled hot italian sausage, fresh tomato & avocado, & sweet-potato wild-rice.
Grilled tangy lemon chicken. Served with leftover broccoli slaw & fresh pineapple, strawberry & yogurt.
Grilled salmon fillet with fresh pesto. Served with grilled zucchini & savory herbed quinoa.
Chicken fajita. Served on blue-corn tortilla, with home-made refried beans, sauteed yellow peppers, guacamole, yogurt, salsa, & cheddar-jack.
Stir-fried salmon & pineapple with fresh zucchini, green beans, yellow pepper & onion.