Zander's First Fishing Trip!! May 2nd, 2010

Matt bought Zander a fishing pole and tackle box for Christmas, and just a mere 4 months later we took him on his first fishing trip. We went to Desert Breeze Park in Chandler, part of the Arizona Game & Fish Urban Fishing program. 

We were running a little late, so Zander was filled with anticipation by the time we got to the park. He came running up as soon as he saw us, huge smile, and proclaiming "Aunt Amber, Uncle Matt, are you going fishing with me?!" And of course, we had bought our licenses and brought poles to fish with Zander.

Matt was very patient, talking Zander through the items in the tackle box, showing him how to tie a knot and bait a hook (but only showing, at 4, Zander is a little young for fish hooks).

Zander did show quite a bit of coordination for a 4 year old, and after a quick  tutorial by Matt, he was soon casting like a pro.

Ron & Meghan were also in attendance, since Zander is still a little young to drive himself.



We were eventually blown out of the lake before we could catch any fish, with wind gusts at over 40mph, but Zander enjoyed himself, and can't wait to go fishing again!!

Matt's First Turkey Dinner!! April 11, 2010

Matt received a Turkey for Christmas from his work, and since we both went to our parents for Christmas, we didn't get a chance to cook it. After rediscovering it, we decided to have a Thanksgiving in April, and invited my family over.

Zander, being very excited that it was over 80 degrees and that we
 had a pool, brought his floaties.









Only he and Sadie were brave enough to swim in the chilly water, but they both enjoyed themselves.

Day Glo Red plays at Donna Jean's Libations April 9, 2010

Matt plays bass in a band with 4 other very talented musicians, Will-lead vocals & acoustic guitar, Scott-electric guitar, Gary-Drums, and Tony-Keyboards.

They have been palying at Donna Jean's Libations in Glendale, and always manage to draw a good crowd. They don't disappoint! My favorite song is Little Vampire, followed closely by Tattooed Soul.

I have enlisted Becky, my fellow nerd, in making the trek to the west-side with me, but she also loves the music, so it's not too hard to convince her to go!

Diamondback's Opening Day 2010

I kept alive my tradition and attended Opening Day with my friend Rick. It was a good day, Kurt Warner threw out the first pitch, the beers were cold, the chili dogs amazing, and the Dbacks pulled out the win. I even managed to not get sunburned.

Flagstaff March 5-7 2010

Matt's friends know of a great place in Flagstaff to rent cabins, the Arizona Mtn Inn, right off Lake Mary Rd. It's close to town, but in it's own little area so you feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere. There were good storms, and we got quite a bit of snow, especially the second night. There was some 1am sledding down the mountain, and that was just the grown-ups!! It was a great weekend, no tv, just card games, friends, and music.

Moe. in Flagstaff!! 2/28/10

For Matt's birthday, I bought us tickets to go see Moe. in Flagstaff at the Orpheum theater.  I had never been to the Orpheum, and had never seen Moe, so it was a night of firsts. We raced a thunderstorm to Flagstaff from Mesa, but got to see a full arch rainbow. After arriving at the hotel, we headed into town to grab some dinner at the Beaver Creek Brewery.  I highlyl recommend them to anyone in Flagstaff long enough for a meal, or even just one beer. I had one of their artisan pizzas, and we left with a growler. Yum!

After dinner, we walked over to the Orpheum and got settled in for Moe. What an amazing concert!!! They sang all of Matt's favorite songs, and they had an amazing light show. I wish they could have played all night, and will definitely be seeing them again.

Christmas 2009

My Christmas Eve started off wonderfully, with Becky bringing by her two girls to drop off Christmas cupcakes and presents! I also had presents for the girls, and managed to get them to stand still long enough for a photo.

After Matt got off work, we headed over to my parents' house for our traditional Wildermuth Lasagna night and Christmas Eve pajama presents. Mom's lasagna is always a big draw, and my Aunt Cindy, her kids, my Grandma, and all my sisters were there to participate.

However, the poor dogs were relocated to the Arizona room to cut down on the begging during dinner.

With our bellies full, and having watched the Muppet Christmas Carol as tradition dictates, Matt & I headed back home for the night, where we exchanged our Christmas presents. It was a Christmas full of music, Matt got an acoustic bass, and I got a keyboard!

The next morning we headed back for breakfast and presents at my parents house. Poor Zander was not all the way awake, and it took him a little while to warm up to the idea of Christmas morning. That did give the rest of us time to eat though.

Zander enjoyed his binoculars. It was difficult to pry them away. After exchanging all our gifts, we changed out of our Pajamas and headed to the theater for Sherlock Holmes. I was a bit dissappointed, it seemed like almost everything was in the previews. Hopefully the sequel will leave more to be discovered.

After the movie Matt & I headed to the Vestal household for their traditional Christmas dinner, cooked by Matt's mom, and gift exchange. Dinner was wonderful as always, with roast beef, polish sausage, mashed potatoes, and all sorts of great desserts. We got Matt's parents a Wii, and they were thrilled.

All in all, a very happy family filled day.