TUCSON PRO RODEO

What an awesome day! We went to the pro rodeo in Tucson & had a blast. Nate's favorite was the Team Roping. I personally loved the Bronco Busting & Bull Riding. He got a new cowboy hat as his straw hat had several holes...some which mysteriously appeared after we got to the rodeo. But his new black hat is VERY cool! We had awesome seats..right across from the bucking chutes & had great views. The weather couldn't have been more perfect at 71 degrees! Here's some more photos for you in my RODEO ALBUM on facebook.

RODEO DAYS!

Rodeo days are here! This week is rodeo week in Tucson...kids get off school for Rodeo days & the pro rodeo comes to the Old Pueblo. I have never been to a pro rodeo before and so on our Friday Family day, we're are heading to the rodeo grounds! Today a friend & I took our kids to see the rodeo parade. Small but fun. After seeing the Rose Bowl & the Fiesta Bowl parades for years, they're hard to top, but we had a good time & the kids did too. Nate is excited to wear his cowboy boots & hat to the rodeo tomorrow. I can't wait! Here's some photos from the parade: RODEO PHOTOS

More Hiking Fun!

The weather turned cold & rainy today, but not before we got in some more hiking on a gorgeous day, yesterday. Check out more photos in my HIKING album on facebook!

Great day for a hike!

What a gorgeous day! I was nosing around Sombrero Peak, looking for a place for Nate & I to hike, when I stumbled on Sanctuary Cove. PERFECT!! Hiking trails, parking, basically a place to relax, meditate & enjoy the beautiful scenery. There was even a little chapel up on a hill. Trails were easy to moderate and we enjoyed the morning there. More PHOTOS on facebook.

Heartfelt Memories

When I was 2 years old, my parents gave me this heart shaped locket for my birthday. It used to have perfume inside & when I was little, I would pretend I was Cinderella with my "diamond" heart necklace.

I've worn the necklace throughout the years & now wear it nearly every Valentines day. When my friends little girls turned 2, they got a heart shaped necklace for their birthdays as well. If I ever have a little girl, she'll eventually get my necklace (and one of her own).

We spent Valentines day night at our church with a special dinner event. I found a dress for (get this).......... 99cents at Ross!!!! Someone spilled something on it & it was stained, but thanks to my friend's miracle cleaner, all the stains came out. Best deal EVER! It was a great night with beautiful songs, salsa dancing, Italian food for a sweet price ($10 per couple)! Can't beat that for Valentines day.

I enjoyed celebrating with my hubby and thinking about our first date 23-1/2 years ago (wow!) And sharing that love with our son for the last 3 years. Happy Valentines Day everyone!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!

Gung Hay Fat Choy! (basically..."live long & prosper"). It's Chinese New Year again & the year of the tiger. We went to the Tucson Chinese Cultural center again to celebrate & had a fun time. Nate made a tiger mask, watched dragon dancers, ate tasty dumplings & enjoyed the afternoon. More PHOTOS on facebook.

SUPER BOWL 2010

Despite a rainy day, we had small but fun group for our Super Bowl party. (we won't talk about who won. Grrr!)

I made Caribbean Wings...first time for the recipe & they were awesome! Definitely a keeper. Our friend, Ryan, made ribs & they were to die for. Mmmm...I can still taste them! I also made cocoa rice krispy treats in the shape of footballs...also very good! Recipe was on the Cocoa Krispies box. It was nice being with friends and enjoying a good game...not to mention the Super Bowl commercials. My fav was "Man's Last Stand" - Dodge commercial (google it...hilarious!)

I have more PHOTOS on my facebook page (click on the word "photos"). And below is the recipe for the.........

Caribbean Wings

1 serrano or habanero pepper (seeded & chopped)

1/4 c soy sauce

1/4 c honey

1/4 c brown sugar

2 Tbl sugar

2 tsp fennel seed

2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp allspice

2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp ground ginger

4 garlic cloves chopped

4 gr onions chopped

1/4 c apple cider vinegar

1/4 c lime juice

1/4 c orange juice

6-7 lb chicken wings

In food processor, blend all but the chicken until smooth. Reserve 1 cup marinade. Place wings in large ziplock baggie & pour remaining marinade over them. Seal & marinate in refrigerator 4-6 hrs.

Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 sheet trays w/parchment. Remove chicken from bag & place on baking sheets. Bake 20 minutes...meanwhile, in small saucepan bring the 1cup marinade to boil. Reduce to low heat until thick - 10 min. After 20 min, remove chicken from oven, brush with marinade. Raise heat to 400 & cook 20 min until cooked through.

FRIDAY FAMILY DAY

Fridays are our family day...when we put down our cell phones (or try to!) and put the focus on our family time.

Most of the time, we just wing it on our day off. It seems that we're so busy up to that day, that when it's finally here, we're not quite ready for it. I was excited to find a coupon for my fav breakfast spot..the Jerry Bob's in Oro Valley. So off we headed for a big breakfast. Last time we were there, some poor lady tried parking in the handicapped spot, stepped on the gas instead of the brakes...plowed over the handicap sign and stopped just a few feet away from the big glass window of the restaurant. Very scary. According to the staff, it hasn't been the first time either. Yikes!!

After breakfast we tried to figure out a plan...snow sledding? No, too late to take a trip up Mt. Lemmon (plus I had on flip flops)... Miniature golf? Maybe. Bowling? Another possibility. Ultimately, we took Nate to the zoo. Always a fun family favorite. We like to take a milestone photo of Nate on the bronze elephant.

Later that night, Don & I got our hair done. That's right...we BOTH got our hair cut & colored...well Don's was highlighted & I LOVE it!! We have the best hairstylist ever.

Well that's a day in the life of the Sullivan's family fun day. Exciting, eh? haha.