Patrick's Graduation

On May 13th, 2009 Pat had the opportunity to see President Barack Obama speak at the Arizona State University Commencement Ceremony. He was only 20 rows back. He said Obama was very inspirational. Then on Friday, the 15th of May, the whole family attended Pat's convocation ceremony for his college. This was so neat to be able to see Pat walk across the stage and hear his name read aloud in recognition of all of his hard work. His degree is a Bachelor's of Science from the School of Applied Arts and Sciences with a major in Exercise and Wellness. He even graduated with honors, Cum Laude. It really took a lot for Pat to be able to stick with it and graduate. He started out at community college and the entire time he has been at ASU he has been working full time as a manager at Dillard's. For the last 4 1/2 years he has been the sole provider for our family while still pursuing his degree. We could not be more proud of him!! Congrats babe!!

Brother Love

As much as they fight, and argue and destroy each others stuff... it is nice to know how much they truly do love each other.

Easter

Easter this year was so much fun!! We had our First Annual Ganes Family Easter Party at our house. Pat used to get together with his side of the family when he was a kid for Easter and he really missed it. So starting this year, we are going to do an annual party at our house!! I just love having people over and watching everyone hang out and enjoy themselves!

The day started with Sawyer waking up without us knowing and checking out his Easter basket. He told me yesterday that Easter and Christmas are his favorite... I wonder why?? Then when Thatcher woke up, we showed him his Easter basket and he could not have been more excited about the Disney Princess coloring book that the Easter bunny had brought!!

Nothin like candy for breakfast!!

When everyone had arrived we did our egg hunt in the backyard!! This was the first year Thatcher could really get into it!!

After the egg hunt we all sat down to eat. Everyone brought some really delicious food and we had honey baked ham and lemonade. After dinner we all sat around and talked when Sawyer decided he wanted to fly a kite. I wish I had pictures because it was too funny watching Pat trying to get the kite up in the air!! The boys had tons of fun playing outside and it was just such a perfect day. I am so glad we have started this tradition and hope we can continue it for years to come!!

Easter Eggs

I love dying Easter eggs!! The boys had so much fun seeing what colors the eggs would turn. Sawyer kept asking me, "What color does blue and orange make? What color does green and yellow make?" Why aren't their more holidays where we can dye food different colors?!?

Our Masterpieces!!

3 for Free!!

The first Sunday of every month, you can visit the 3 museums in downtown Mesa from Noon to 5 for free!! That is right totally free!! So after Grandma's Birthday Party, we dropped Thatcher at my mom's house for a nap and Pat and I took Sawyer to the museum!! First we went to Sawyer's favorite place... the dinosaur museum. Otherwise know as the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Then we just took a short walk down to the Arizona Museum for Youth. I love that Sawyer is only 4 years old and he actually gets excited about going to a new museum!! For more info on the 3 for Free check out http://mesaartscenter.com/3ForFree.htm

Sawyer playing with the dinosaurs at the dinosaur museum.

Spinning Sawyer around at the Az Museum for Youth


Doing a rubbing in Artville

After we visited the museums we took Sawyer for a haircut. When the haircut was done he got a lollipop... guess what color!!

Happy 75th Birthday Grandma Mary!!

Sunday, April 5th was Pat's Grandma Mary's 75th Birthday!! She had the whole family over for a breakfast party!!

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Pictured from the left is Kristin's Parents, Geoff (Pat's brother), Pat, my mom, Thatcher and I, my dad is hiding behind us, Pat's Aunt Melody and down in front is Kristin (Geoff's fiancee) with their son Lucas, and Grandma with Sawyer hiding behind a balloon!!

Geoff and Pat with their Grandma

Health Fair

Pat's internship is almost over!! YEA!! His main project during his internship had been a Health Fair that was this past Saturday, April 4th. It was excellent. There were approximately 45 vendors that ranged from massages, Jamba Juice and Yoga for Kids. It was from 9-12. Jamba Juice left at 11 because they had already given away all 225 of their samples!! Pat was very excited and was walking around with a huge smile on his face the whole day!!

There was a fire truck that the kids were allowed to climb in!!

Thatcher did not want to get out!!

Pat with ASU's own Sparky!!

McCormick Stillman Railroad Park

I love it when I can find fun, affordable things to do with the family. Pat had off this weekend (YEA!!) so I thought it would be fun to get together with my cousin Stuart and his family. His daughter Opal is one of the kids favorite cousins. We decided to meet at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. We had so much fun. For $10 we got 12 tickets. We were able to take rides on the big train, the little steam engine train and 2 rides on the carousel!! We had a nice picnic lunch and got some ice cream as a treat. The whole day cost $13!! Got to love it!! The weather was beautiful, although it was a tad windy. Luckily Stuart had thought to bring a kite. We had so much fun and can not wait to plan our next trip.

Sawyer all ready to play!!

The big train.

Opal and Sawyer sat in the back, the cargo area!! I know Sawyer with have never done this by himself. When he first got in he said, "Hey guys... it's a little bit scary in here." But he said it was "super fun" when he got out!

Sawyer and Opal in the cargo area.

Stuart and Sawyer flying a kite.

We all got ice cream and Pat offered Thatcher (who was supposed to be sharing mine) a bite of his cone. Next thing you know, Thatcher totally stole it!! We kept telling him it was Daddy's but he kept saying, "No, my ice cream. So yummy!"

Sharing a bite with Daddy.

Opal and Thatcher sitting under the tree eating their ice cream. So cute!!

Thatcher's Basket

A couple of days ago, Thatcher "stole" this basket from my mom's house. He walks around with this basket all day. He goes around the house picking up little treasures. Inside his basket he has 5 "Cinderella" necklaces, a rubber ducky, mickey mouse play phone, an old cell phone, a plastic necklace (that is really a play-doh toy), a toy car and a plastic palm tree. The really funny thing is, he thinks the palm tree is a flower and he has you smell it. When you smell it he says, "Smell yummy. Like grilled cheese." He is just too funny!! You have got to love flowers that smell like grilled cheese!!

Desert Mountain School Carnival

Friday, February 27th was Desert Mountain Elementary School's carnival. My mom is a first grade teacher at DME. For $10 Sawyer got a wristband and was able to play all the games and do all the bouncy's. Every time you played a game, you got a stamp on your passport. When your passport was full you got to trade it in for a prize. There was all kinds of food and fun to be had. The boys had a really great time. Thatcher was free because he is only 2 and he even got to play some games!! It really is getting to be tons of fun now that the boys are getting older and are able to participate in more activities. Sawyer was so big, he looked like one of the students!!

They even had a little bouncy house for Thatcher to jump in.

This was the first year that he was able to do the BIG moon bounce obstacle course by himself.

Trying to golf

Sawyer getting an S painted on his face.

Sawyer playing the horseshoes.

Ready to go get a prize with his passport all full of stamps.

Thatcher eating ice cream with Daddy.

Playing on Mima's computer in her classroom.