Properly Chastised and Patty's Haircut

Well, I have been properly chastised by both Becky and Laurie for not having blogged in awhile, so I am taking care of that by blogging. I promised over 2 weeks ago to post the pictures of Patty's first hair cut, and never got around to it (or, as my dad would say - I didn't choose to get around to it).

We were at the mall that night because Ashley had taken off his glasses while he was in the shower and Patty thought it would be great fun to try them on (by bending them any which way she could until they broke). We went to LensCrafters to have them fixed. The Mall here is owned by the same people who own the Sierra Vista Mall (and they were just as clever in naming it. It is called "The Mall at Columbia") It is quite a bit bigger (about the size of the Tucson Mall) and so is much more enjoyable to browse and see all there is to see. After we were done getting his glasses fixed, we just started wandering around. It has quite a few smaller shops along with the normal anchor stores. Towards the end of Patty's patience, what did my eye spy? A KIDS haircutting place (aptly named Cartoon Cuts). PERFECT! I hadn't taken Patty to get her much needed hair cut, because I wasn't sure how she would react in a normal place. This place was just the ticket I was looking for. SCORE!!!!

We walked in and were immediately impressed - Television's at every hair cutting station. All you had to do was tell them what video to put on, and WALLAH! magic! (LOL... at least that's what I think!!) Patty was immediately mesmerized watching a "My Little Pony" Video. YEAH!

This picture shows perfectly where her attention was the entire time her hair was getting cut -

right at the t.v. :) And she was definitely NOT happy when the lady cutting her hair got in front of her and the television:

Anyway, all of this typing to say that she has now had her very first hair cut, and all went well.

Hope everyone is having a great night/evening (depending on your time zone!)

Take Care!

The Matteson's

Well, here for less than a week and Ashley drug (actually I drug him, lol) on a road trip. We went to visit his awesome Sister, Chris and her family before they left the D.C. area for Hungary!! (They are leaving today!!) They lived in Falls Church, Virginia on the sixth story of an apartment building (and I thought I was gonna die... lol... the images that went through my head concerning falling off the balcony or the floors falling out from underneath me... yikes...). Despite my racing mind, I had a wonderful time with them. Jacqui showed me her Sims 2 expansion packs (which I like totally need now, lol.. thanks Jacqui!!) Here are a few of the pictures of Patty and Aunt Chris in the swimming pool...

Here she's trying to get back in... lol... (She's over here saying "look Patty Swimming" She even said "Aunt Chrissy" once). She had an absolute blast with Aunt Chris!Here's a fun video of the two of them in the pool -

Wish they were staying in D.C. longer, but very glad we got to meet them before they left! Here is everyone (minus Jacob - he was with friends and the one picture I snapped of him is blurry.... blech!) -

You all enjoy Hungary! We will miss you!! :) :) :)

And now, just for Becky - we took a "driving" tour of D.C. - here are some of the pictures I took:

Something fun happened on our way out of town. We saw the motorcade with the guy who lives in this building in it pass in front of us. -

Okay, almost done, lol ;) A few facts about the D.C. Temple. It's not actually in Washington D.C. It's actually in Maryland! The church had to dim the lights at night because it was causing too many accidents (it appears out of nowhere!) and when there is an accident or a slow down near the temple the news people say "It's slow going from (where ever the slow down starts) to the Mormon Temple." And Here's one last video.

Thanks for sticking in with me during this long post! All you Collett's out there have fun at reunion this weekend!!

Another day, another adventure!
Thanks for reading!
The Matteson's

First Horse Ride

Well, Ashley and I did it. Since at least 3 times a day we here Patty say "Wanna ride horse" we decided to take her on her first horse ride, and let me tell you - she LOVED IT!!!!!!! (I'm not sure I used enough exclamation points, but you get the idea.) Here is a picture of her waiting (not so patiently - even though it looks like she is.) We started watching and talking about the other horses and colors and size and stuff and she almost couldn't sit still to go and get on one!

Finally, it was her turn to get on the horse. We got her a helmet (required by the stables we were at). Only problem - it was 2 sizes to big and kept falling off of her head. Definitely need to get her her own helmet (one that fits) before we take her riding again! Here is Papa holding her waiting to get on the horse (look at that face - she definitely doesn't want to wait anymore!)

YEAH!!! Finally she is on. She kept saying "Weee.... Fun!" while riding. Of course, when I took video she wasn't doing anything, see:

But that's okay. She had the most fun and the biggest smile on her face that I think I've ever seen! It was also nice to spend the day as a family before Ashley leaves for Maryland on the 3rd.

I can't believe he is going to be gone so soon! And he leaves the day before the Fourth of July and has to travel all day the 4th! Yuck!

Another day, another adventure!
Thanks for reading!
The Matteson's

P.S. Before I forget we are having a farewell to us/welcome to our friends (our renters) this Saturday. Email me or Ashley for details!

MY HUSBAND TOTALLY ROCKS!

Wow! I just have to say what an absolutely amazing husband I have. He just completed his Thesis for his MBA program! He got a B+! (It would've been an A if he had time to properly finish it, but the new job in Maryland wanted it done BEFORE he gets there in July). On top of completing his thesis, these are just some of the things my husband did in the past month (I know, I know, I am shamelessly using this blog to show off my great taste in men!)

1. Moved us out of our old house

2. Moved his mother into her new house (this required going up and down a flight of stairs numerous times as his mom is on the 2nd floor)

3. Finished his woodbadge requirements and got his certificate

4. Moved our belongings into a storage unit

5. Took on extra jobs editing and tutoring other graduate students

6. Finished cleaning out our house before the renters got there (because my back had gone out)

7. Helped the renters move into the house

8. Took a trip to the temple (a 6+ hour drive round trip)

9. Kept me from going insane (that was a huge job!)

10. Set up my computer at my dad's house so I wouldn't go through withdrawls!

11. Got me out of a "dirty" situation (those that know the trash story will understand this)

12. Drove an extra 2 hours to stay with me at my dad's house before returning to work last Monday

And all of that is on top of the normal awesome stuff he does! I SOOO LOVE MY HUSBAND!!! He is my rock in this bumpy world and my shoulder to cry on! I just have to tell him thank you for everything you do for Patty and me!

Another day, another adventure!
Thanks for reading!
The Matteson's

My First Post :) YEAH!

Well, I figured since the three of us (five, if you count the dogs) are leaving God's Country, as my dad calls it, for Maryland I thought I would start a personal blog so that our family and friends could keep up with our "going's on". I may or may not let Ashley contribute from time to time ;).

Today is the first full day Patty and I are at my dad's. It feels really weird to be here. Of course, Patty is being no help. First thing she did last night was to find a permanent marker and "draw" on my dad's mirror and walls. She even got my "new to me and almost looks brand new" love seat. Fortunately, that was on the underneath side and should come out very easily with a good upholstery stain remover (I just have to find one next time I am in Sierra Vista.)

I can't believe that the time for the move is so very close. Ashley should know Wednesday when he is to report to his new job (which will either be the end of June or the beginning of July). I will sure miss him when he is gone, as Patty and I are going to stay with my dad for an extra month to attend our annual Phillips Family Reunion before leaving. Every time I turn around I find something else that I am going to miss about Arizona. It's hard to think of...

Wow! Had the whole rest of my post planned when life happened! Patty got a massive "I'm gonna scream and scream and not do anything else but pull my ear" earache. And, of course, I am all alone in Elfrida. Ashley is in Sierra Vista working, dad and Uncle Jim are cooking for scout camp, and Nina is working in Douglas till tomorrow morning. So, here I am in the middle of the sticks - and all of my medicine is in Sierra Vista! AARRRGGGHHH!!! Duh! Fortunately I remembered the "recipe" for a holistic ear cleaner, I just didn't have the vinegar. ARGH! Again! Finally got a hold of some (thanks to my awesome sister!) and felt like Patty needed a Priesthood blessing. Only problem - everyone I knew was GONE! And then the thought crossed my mind - Dale Mortenson. I had seen him walking with his wife this morning. Maybe he was available. YEAH! He was!!! We went across the street to another member's house and Patty was given the blessing. After we got back home, I called and located another member who had the fever/pain reducer that I needed for Patty. Anyways, all that to say - Patty is doing just fine and pounding on my nephew's piano (which is at my dad's right now!)

Another day, another adventure!
Thanks for reading!
The Matteson's