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.

Mionskowski Family Pictures

For those that haven't found it yet. I added a link to the right under "My Blog List", which will take you to our family photo site. I will be posting all of our pictures here from events and trips that we take. Enjoy!
http://mionskowskifamily.shutterfly.com/

Africa in AZ

After getting back from our trip to Canada in June, Mark and I had a couple of days together before heading back to work. We decided to take a road trip 2 hours north of Phoenix to Camp Verde to visit the "Out of Africa" animal park. We walked around the entire park admiring the amazing animals. During our walk we passed by "Boom Boom" at Rhinoceros that the park had rescued. He was laying down in his habitat, and when we stopped to see him we started calling his name. His ears perked up, and then he finally got up and started walking toward us a few steps. Eventually he decided it was too far of a walk and layed back down again.

It was also predator feed time during our visit, so we followed the animal caretakers drive around, stopping at each habitat throwing a total of approximately 400 pounds of raw food to eagerly waiting carnivores. It was really interesting to see how large animals, including lions and tigers, feed and go after their food.

Afterwards we took a bus ride through the preserve visiting the zebras, ostriches, giraffes, etc. We even got to stop and feed a treat to one of the giraffes on site. See the picture below of the giraffe giving Mark a big wet kiss!

Niagara Falls

The first week of June, Mark and I took a trip to his home town of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Our first stop once we got off the plane in Buffalo was to hurry over and visit Katie, Mark's God Daughter. Our plane didn't land until 7:30p.m., which meant that we would be arriving at her house close to her bed time. However, when we arrived she was eagerly waiting for us in the foyer with her ASU jersey on that Mark had sent her. We can't believe how quickly she is growing up. We had a nice visit with Lisa and Kurt (Katie's parents) before heading off for the Canadian border. But before crossing we had to stop at our favorite restaurant "Goodfellas" in Niagara Falls, NY, for some wings and pizza which we ordered to go.

We arrived safely at my mother-in-laws house about 11p.m. on Monday night. As soon as we got up on Tuesday, we made our first of many trips to Costco in St. Catherines to stock Isabella up on food, etc. Once we got home we got to work. Mark and his mom had a long wish list of things to get done before we left. Tuesday we worked on trimming the bushes and mowing the grass. Wednesday and Thursday, I painted her back fence, while Mark mowed the lawns, resealed the driveway, washed and waxed her car, got the oil changed, and bought new tires.

Sometime during all that work, we managed to take Isabella wine tasting through Niagara on the Lake, and then to a nice dinner.

Of course we also had to take a drive down to look at the falls. Its so nice at night because they shine different color lights on the falls and the area isn't bustling with gobs of tourists.

Friday before we left, we sat and visited with Lucia, Mark's godmother, who made a wonderful apple/rhubarb pie for dessert. Afterwards we met a couple of Mark's college friends for dinner and drinks.

The time spent in canada went by way too fast. Although is wasn't a relaxing vacation, and we didn't complete everything we had hope to do, it was nice to visit with Mark's mom. I think she really appreciated all the work we did. It's least we could have done for her. I am really lucky to have such a wonderful and loving Mother-in-Law.

Spring Training 2009

One great thing about living in Arizona is Spring Training. Our beloved San Diego Padres belong to the Cactus League, and we are lucky enough that they get to train right here in Phoenix during the month of March. Although it is hard to find the time where both my schedule and Mark's allow us to go see a game together, we managed to see them twice this year. We visited them on March 22nd at their home field in Peoria when they played against the Arizona Diamondbacks. We had great seats, right behind home plate. Even though they lost, it was great to see them play on such a beautiful Arizona day. From the picture, you can see it was a bit windy, but the temperature was perfect.

On March 30th, we met the Padres again in the city of Goodyear, AZ for a game against the Cleveland Indians. The Goodyear stadium is new to Arizona. It just opened this year and is home to the Indians. Our poor Padres lost again, but it was a great game and the weather was once again beautiful. We sure hope the Padres do better in the regular season.

Spring training games are so much different than regular season baseball games. There is not a bad seat in the house in any of the stadiums, and you sit so close to the players. I do have to say that after visiting several of the spring training facilities here in Phoenix, my favorite is still Peoria, AZ where the Padres train. The food and atmosphere is awesome.

AZ Beer Festival

On Sunday, March 8th, we attended the The Great Arizona Beer Festival at Tempe Town Lake. The Festival featured tastes of more than 100 specialty and micro brewed beers. Of course Mark got to visit with his old friends at the Coronado Brewing Co. who were there pouring the famous Mermaids Red and my favorite Orange Avenue Ale, as well as, some other flavors. We had a great time visting with our friends and trying all the different beers they had to offer.

Playing Catch Up

I know it has been a few months since we have posted anything on our site, but we are still alive and kickin here in AZ. I am going to try and play catch up with this post.

Thanksgiving 2008, we took a few days off and traveled to San Diego to visit family and friends. On Wednesday, prior to Thanksgiving, we met my good friend Jennifer and her baby Jacob for lunch. This was Mark's first time meeting Jacob, and this picture proves Mark's theory that he makes babies cry.

On Thursday, we had Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house. We really enjoyed the time we spent with my parents, brother and sister-n-law. Unfortunately Mark had to work on Friday, so after dinner we made the 5+ hour drive home to AZ.

We stayed in AZ for Christmas this year, but had the pleasure of my whole family coming out to celebrate with us in our home. We sure had a house full, including all five dogs (Obi, Anakin, Stryker, Jack, and Lucky). We also opened up our home for dinner to our neighbors, Reggie and Tracee. Our neighbors Rochelle & George, and some friends of Mark's from the restaurant, Judy and Francisco also stopped by for dessert.

For New Years Eve, we first attended the Insight Bowl at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe. My company sponsors the event every year, and we are lucky enough to get free tickets. After the game we headed off to Four Peaks Brewery to have dinner with friends, then went to see Frank Caliendo (comedian) at the Tempe Improv. What a great show! It was even better since Mark was able to somehow get us seats on the main floor of the venue instead of being stuck way in the back up in the balcony.

The weekend of January 24th, we headed off to Vegas for a nice weekend together. We stayed at The Wynn Hotel. We were able to get a great rate on Hotwire, $114 per night! I still can't believe the deal we got. Vegas must really be hurting. We drove out to Vegas on Friday night after work. Our first stop when we got there was the Hooters Hotel, so that Mark could get his wing fix. On Saturday night, we went and saw The Blue Man Group over at the Venetian Hotel, and then stayed up gambling at the tables until about 4am in the morning. Sunday, we met our AZ neighbors (Tracee and Reggie) who were also in Vegas at the same time, for brunch at the Paris Hotel. I definitely recommend the Paris brunch buffet to anyone. It was awesome! After brunch we made the long ride home back to AZ.

Also in January, Mark's mome came to visit for 3 weeks, and to get out of the freezing cold Niagara Falls weather. While she was here, we took her to see a broadway show, The Lion King. Mark and I had already seen it, but I think Isabella really enjoyed it. We also took her to the Great Canadian Picnic that they have here in AZ every year. Unfortunately, this year was much smaller than past picnics. I am sure it was because of the economy.

On Wednesday, February 11th, Mark and I went to the NBA All-Star Jam Session here in AZ. I got VIP tickets thru work. It was an invite only night before it was open to the public. They held it at the Phoenix Convention Center. I was very similar to the football experience they have during Superbowl games, but for basketball instead. The entire convention center was overloaded with basketball courts, basketball video games, etc. I am not really into basketball, but for people that were, they had players there signing autographs and such. It was definitely fun to people watch :)

And last but not least, I purchased a new car in September 2008. I ended up getting a Nissan Murano. I wanted a small (crossover) SUV, which would be easier to haul the kids (dogs) around in. I am having a lot of fun driving it. Mark has been using my Honda Accord to drive back and forth to work.

Well, this got us caught up through February 2009. I hope to do better to keep everyone up dated with what we have been up to the rest of this year. Mark and I wish everyone a very happy year to come.