it's been a while.

So, I suppose it's been a while! I haven't posted in a solid week and a half. Maybe two? Jeeze. Well, there has been so much going on and today is one of our first catch up days in a while.

Since we spoke last:


Two U of A basketball games: One ending in pure, satisfaction-filled success and one ending in bummer-filled sadness. At the end of the day, it's easy for me to move on because I love my Wildcats (come rain or shine) and am already geared up for next season.

These were from the Duke game. Obviously.

Weekend trip: Grammy and Mom came up and spent a weekend with us and we had a really great time. We saw a movie, went antiquing, and (most importantly) hit up the Casino with Aunt Joanne and Uncle Don. We all lost. Everything. Which is actually kind of surprising considering myself, Chris, Grammy, Mom, Uncle Don, AND Aunt Joanne all spent an okay amount of money. We had a good time, though, and my mom learned she likes roulette (thanks to Christian). We also got to spend a day at the Forbis spread in Queen Creek enjoying burgers with some of our favorite cousins.

Cousin Trevor's horse, Bandit.

Shibas!!! Inspired by my sister-in-law's dachshund meet up group she found for our niece-dog Zoe, I went a-looking and I found the East Valley Shiba Inu Meet Up! Don't make fun of us. We love our dog. Through them, we connected with the Arizona Shiba Inu Association (ASIA....bhahaha!) and met up with everyone at the Japanese Kite Festival. There were probably 15 or 20 Shibas and it was SO awesome to meet people who understand our dog!!! They really are possibly one of the most odd ball breeds that exist because of their mannerisms and temperament and while we LOVE our Shibey baby, not everyone 'gets' her. We could've swapped stories with this group for days...each one ending in, "Yours does that tooo?!" It was awesome. Plus the weather was gorgeous and Vies learned a party trick. Well, it's more behavior practice so it's great for her, but I think it makes a great party trick. Next time you see us, ask her to show you. It involves food so I know she'd love to. :) I'm hoping she will get better each time socializing with the other dogs and they owners gave us some great advice on how to get all of the big yard's dogs to live in harmony. Hopefully we're on our way!

[NO PHOTOS. BAD MOM.]

Atomic Comics: Our great friend Caitlin Burns (and by great friend, I mean she booked it from her own college graduation ceremony to make it to our wedding-great) was in Chandler yesterday at Atomic Comics where her way cool boyfriend, Eric, was signing copies of a comic book he wrote for a band. Now, I knew Eric was a pretty awesome up-and-coming comic book author, but I guess I was unaware of how popular he is!!! He was signing autographs and taking photos with people...it was rad. We bought a comic book from him to start our Eric Esquivel collection (and he signed it for us....watch out people). We'll be proud to say we knew him way back when!

Teen Outreach: I signed new hire papers and have one of my first trainings this weekend. I am beyond excited to start teaching.


Other things: There may be other things. Exciting things. I'm not sure yet, but we'll let you know when we know. No, I'm not pregnant. And we didn't win the lottery. DANGIT.

We hope everyone has been enjoying their past week or so. It is officially almost summer here in Phoenix (won't be real until  we break 100). I highly recommend you come see us before it gets hot and you all refuse on basis of inhospitable weather.

Love you all and Happy Sunday.
<3
Ash, Chris, and Viesa