The Cubs, Swimming and Book Reports

 This past weekend we went to the Cubs vs. Diamondbacks game. This is the game that we gifted Andy tickets for Father's Day. Max's friend was also there with his family so we caught up with them prior to the game. The stadium was PACKED and there were a lot of Cubs fans. The Diamondbacks also handed out hats to the first 15,000 kids to enter so Max got himself a hat and supported both teams.

We had seats behind first base and 13 rows back so they were good seats. Andy ended up catching one of the promotional items the promo girls threw out into the audience. He didn't get a ball like last time, but you can't always catch a ball at the games.

We got some swimming in this weekend and it might have been my last weekend but we will see how the weather is. It's still hovering around 100 degrees in the late afternoon but since it's been cooling off at night our pool has been cooling off too. This past weekend the pool was at 86 degrees. Max will continue to swim for a few more weekends, but I am not sure about me.

Max handed in his first book report and presentation. He ended up getting 100% on the presentation portion. He also had to do a commercial to convince his class to read the book. Think of a YouTube video. He had to be excited and creative with his video. I borrowed a ring light and a green screen from work to make this happen. Max thought the equipment was cool but he was not excited to record himself. Ultimately he did a really good job on his first book report and commercial. 

Now it's time to get ready for Fall break.

Another Concert and the Theater

 Max went to his second concert ever on Saturday night. It was Pentatonix and it was held at Ak-Chin which is an outdoor venue. We went with our core group of friends and when we bought the tickets way back in March it sounded like a great idea, but fast forward to 110 degrees in September it was pretty hot outside. Our family did not know who Pentatonix was, but we learned quickly while we were there. They are an acapella group and they were fabulous. I am glad we bought lawn seats because we were able to relax on our blankets and we weren't within the crowd of people where it was probably extremely hot. I am not going to lie, I was going to bail on going that night due to the heat, but I didn't. I was focused on hanging out with our friends and enjoying a "nice" evening listening to music. It ended up being a fantastic night.

Jessica brought all the kids' cooling towels to help with the heat. I have heard of these things, but this was my first time using one and they are definitely worth it. The towels really helped cool everyone off. It was a hit with the kids...and adults.  

Max had fun using our cell phone to wave the light from side-to-side. He's starting to get in the groove of concerts...even though he still says concerts are not his thing. I think he gets that from me.

It was a late night and Max can't handle late nights. He tried to fall asleep on my lap, but the music was too loud. Our family ended up leaving halfway through the concert because Max was soooo tired and it was already 10pm.

On Sunday, we went to see Stella perform at the children's theater. She played Lucille in Junie B Jones and she did a fantastic job. It's so fun to watch her do what she loves. Max isn't that into plays but he likes to go support, and watch, Stella perform.

Labor Day Weekend

 I hope all our friends and family had a nice Labor Day weekend. I know I enjoyed my four-day weekend. On Friday I had a "disconnect day" at work and that's where we can disconnect from our computer and take the day off or choose to work with no meetings and no emails from within the firm. Based on the week I had, I chose to take the day off. Andy and I went and took a pickleball lesson at Pickleball Kingdom on Friday for lunch. It was a lot of fun and we are now looking into joining Pickleball Kingdom for something to do together. Max is also taking Pickleball after school on Thursdays for four weeks. After the first lesson, Max came home all excited about it. He said it was a lot of fun and now he wants his own paddle. With Max enjoying it and Andy and I having fun at our lesson we plan to get a membership at the Kingdom and play more. 

I recently ordered life vests for the dogs in the hope they will swim in the pool and not be afraid. On Friday afternoon I put their vests on them and we went swimming. I did not get pics of them in the pool but here are the before pics. It was the first time Zoe didn't panic swimming in the pool and relaxed a little more. Sammy never relaxed and still hates it. I tried again on Sunday, but I need Andy's help getting Zoe swimming in the pool because she is 100 pounds so she is too heavy for me to lift into the pool. So, Sunday was a bust. I am not giving up though. I will try again this weekend.

On Saturday we went to the Kids Bop concert with Mona and her mom. We started out with a fancy dinner at Wren and Wolf in downtown Phoenix. The waiter stated they didn't have much for kids on the menu, but they could do mac n cheese for them. I told the waiter these are not chicken nuggets kind of kids and they will be fine. Max ended up ordering the filet with a side of fancy Mac. Max really liked the restaurant especially since there was a stuffed wolf he petted in the middle of the restaurant.

This was Max's first concert and we sat in the sixth row. Max said his concert experience was ok. He liked the music and enjoyed the show, but said he doesn't think concerts are for him. That's OK, he tried a concert and decided he didn't like it. I enjoyed that the concert started at 6pm and was over at 7:30pm. Bonus that it wasn't very loud.

We were also sitting across the aisle from Rob Schneider so we found that to be pretty cool. He and his wife brought their daughters to the concert.

On Sunday, Max and I went to see Gran Turismo. What a good movie that we both loved. If you are looking to go to a movie I would recommend this one. Andy decided  he didn't want to go, so he missed out on a good movie.

We spent Monday lounging around the house. Max also worked on his first book report for school and we spent some time in the pool. The pool is still pretty warm, but it's slowly "cooling" off outside so I know it will be too cold for me coming in the next couple of weeks.