Arizona State Fair

Mark and I enjoyed visiting the San Diego County Fair or orginally called the Del Mar Fair each summer while we lived in San Diego. So, last weekend Mark and I visited the AZ State Fair for the first time since moving to Phoenix. It was very similar to the Del Mar Fair. It had tons of food, tons of rides, exhibits, farm animals, etc. In fact, I think it had more rides and food than I ever remember in San Diego. We walked around most of the fair seeing all the sites including my favorite the animals, and we even watched a demolition derby type car race. I think they called it a figure eight. I didn't think I would like it at first, but it was really quite fun to watch. I leave you with some pictures of the night:

Mark and I actually split this huge sausage sandwich.

Mark trying deep fried bacon for the first time.

Cruise 2009

Mark and I took a cruise to the caribbean this year for our vacation. We were able to visit different ports that we haven't been to in the past. Our cruise ship left from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since our ship didn't leave until 8p.m. on Sunday, September 27th, we were able to spend a full day touring around San Juan. We visited 5 beautiful ports and only spent one day at sea. See a few pictures below, and all pictures at the Mionskowski Family Photo Site:

http://mionskowskifamily.shutterfly.com/

We first toured around on foot through Old San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Formal night on the cruise ship:

We played on the beach in Barbados:

We took a bus and catamaran tour of St. Lucia, enjoying the views of the magnificent Pitons:

We rode Segways on the beach in St. Johns, Antigua:

Took a jeep and speed boat tour of St. Maarten:

Scuba dived in St. Croix:

Obi-Wan loves his squishy ball!

I thought this video was so cute. Here is Obi-Wan wanting to play with his favorite toy, the squishy ball.

July San Diego Weekend

Since Mark was lucky enough to have a three day weekend (Sunday thru Tuesday) off from work for no special reason, we decided to take a road trip to San Diego. Mark hadn't been to SD since last Thanksgiving, so we had a lot of visiting to do with friends and family while we were there. Since the dogs were with us we decided to take them to dog beach in OB to let them run around and cool off. Of course Anakin our social butterfly had a great time playing with the other dogs. We were so proud of Obi-Wan as well. We took him off the leash and he was brave enough to walk out in the surf a little. Usually he turns into a momma's boy and hides between my legs when he hits the water. Here are some pictures of the beautiful SD day.

Entertainment Week

The week of July 6th, we had a fun filled schedule of entertainment.

First, on Tuesday, Mark and I got tickets to the Padres/Diamondbacks baseball game. We were so excited to see our Padres play in AZ. Our tickets were in the "All You Can Eat Seats" at Chase stadium.

That meant that Mark could eat all the hot dogs, chips, popcorn and soda he wanted.

Mark on his first hot dog

Mark on his 10th hot dog

On Wednesday, we went to go see "Wicked" the broadway show that was playing at ASU Gammage Theater. I have been wanting to see this play for so long. So when it came to AZ, I was so excited. I bought my tickets about 6 months in advance. It was a great show!

On Thursday, we went to go see "Asia" and "Yes" in concert. The original band members of the 80's band Asia are touring with Yes. As some of you may know, Asia is Mark's favorite band of all time. We have seen them play 4 times in the past 5+ years that I have known Mark. Asia played all their hit songs, and sounded great!

Birthday Surprise

For my birthday, on Monday, June 29th, Mark took me to one of my favorite restaurants for dinner, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. After a long day of work for both of us, we got home and changed quickly and headed up to the restaurant. I had my favorite, filet migon wrapped in bacon, with blue cheese on top, YUMMMMM!

The whole night Mark had me fooled that he didn't get me anything, not even a card. He has been working so many long hours I figured he didn't have time to pick out a card, and I didn't really expect a gift since I don't really need anything and didn't provide him with any hints of what I wanted. After dinner, he excused himself to the restroom, and when he returned he put this on the dinner table:

Inside, was a beautiful necklace to match the ring and bracelet he had given on other prior special occasions. Now I have a complete set. What a wonderful husband I have, who spoils me rotten! Even without the blue bag, it was a very nice evening spent together. Thank you, Sweetie! I love you very much!!

San Diego Weekend - June 2009

The weekend of June 19th I traveled to San Diego to see all of my maids and their children, and of course for Father's Day. All three of my bridesmaids from my wedding have now had children (all boys). Saturday we all got together at Elizabeth's house to visit with everyone and have a delicious dinner. Thanks again Elizabeth, for having the whole crew over at your house! Here are a couple of pictures from the evening:

We also tried to recreate a photo that we took at Elizabeth's house approximately 6 months ago. I think I had posted it on our blog sometime in Nov or Dec. 2008. It was really hard to get everyone to look at the camera with all the kids being so active now.

I can't believe how much all the boys have grown. They are all just adorable.

On Sunday, I spent the day with my family. We took my dad out to breakfast and then to dinner before heading back to AZ. I also spent a nice time with my mom and sister-n-law at the Senior Follies show at the East County Performing Arts Center.