Family Fun in Arizona

On April 19th my step brother Jay married in Arizona. We packed the subaru on Thursday night and headed out through the desert early Friday morning with Phoenix on our minds. My sister Jen had the rad idea of renting a home instead of staying in a hotel. We all know that with kids, you put them down in a hotel room and your options are to hang out in the bathroom or lobby. This place offered a home away from home at less than the cost of a hotel. The house had five bedrooms, for the Littles, the Shearers, and the Longs, living room, full kitchen, pool with a kid play area, and outdoor grill. It was a sweet - it became our home for the weekend and provided us the calm and laid back space we all needed to feel on vacation and content.

Aunt Jen and Tatum have matching suits - random fun!! The boys chilling poolside.


Tatum yums on yogurt for the first time - check out her bed head!

We had everything we needed at the house, except sushi. My dad lives on the range in Montana, so when he comes to the city he's ready for good sushi. Jay works at the best sushi joint in Phoenix, Ra! So we enjoyed a family meal and Tatum cracked us all up with her sticky rice face.

Jay's wedding was on a Sunday morning followed by a brunch and dance party. It was a beautiful day and more beautiful was the love that Jay and Laura share. It was fun to celebrate on the dance floor afterwards. Tatum got friendly with Evie, Jay's brother's daughter who is five days older than Tatum. So cute.

Mojave Moon and More

This shot was taken at the LA Zoo Bunny Extravaganza. She's not the most excited bunny in the patch.

During Easter weekend we packed the wagon and headed out on another Shearer Adventure - this time to join some friends in the Mojave Desert for some Easter fun. Tatum didn't find any Easter Eggs, but she sure loved finding desert rocks and licking the sandy dust right off of them.

MMMM - nutrients from the soil do a body good. As you can see it was a dusty scene, but full of new friends for conversation, open space for kite flying, and enough room to set up our new 170 square foot tent!



That's our red tent with the grey roof. It's big enough to set up the pack and play - which is the essential key element for Tatum to rest well during our big camping adventures like this one. The tent's main room actually has enough space for two pack and plays - so this tent will serve for years and years to come.


The night was filled with music, dancing, star gazing (including an awesome telescope glimpse of Saturn and her rings and moons), and of course eating. Tatum missed out on the night scene, as a baby should. In the morning we woke early, because Tatum always does, and took to the hills for a small hike after breakfast. It was a chilly morning and the walk must of been a cozy one for Tatum because she fell asleep in the pack and stayed asleep until after we were done packing up the tent and car. See the fleece pink hat and stripped legs - that's our sleepy silly!

It was a memorable full moon night in the Mojave.

If you're happy and you know it...

CLAP YOUR HANDS!!

That's right ladies and gentlemen, Tatum is clapping. You want proof do you - well I invite you to visit our home and play and see for yourself because photo evidence of this is harder than capturing a shooting star.

With enough requests, perhaps Tatum's folks can post video - but that too is a rare clip...

April Weekend Picnic

The Shearers spent the first weekend of April becoming members and exploring the LA Arboretum. We packed the car for a picnic and headed out to Arcadia. Tatum enjoyed the day because the Arboretum holds the two things she loves most - Palm Trees and Birds! We've determined this fact by the squeals and smiles she puts out when she sees them.

You like the matching hats for mom and babe?!

Tatum's Teeth Buds

Okay, so this isn't the best picture of the two budding top teeth in Tatum's mouth, but you can't say I didn't try!