Dormant

You may have noticed that our little blog here has been more than dormant the past little bit. Some of you have submitted ideas and requests, even some restaurant reviews over the past few months that have gone unposted. I hope I have not offended anyone by not posting something or responding to an e-mail. My heart has always been with Mesa, but over the past few months my head has been with preparing for the birth of my second set of twins. Then, June came and so did best rest and then the birth of my twins 7 weeks early. Needless to say, this blog will continue to be dormant of my posts for another few months as I focus on raising my growing family. I hope everyone can find things to keep them happy and busy this summer, I know we have.

Welcome to Mesa Leta Joy and Annie Ruth

(Technically they have been in Gilbert since birth, but if all goes well, they will get to join us at home in Mesa tomorrow.)

Free Time at Zoo

Are you 'hanging' in there this summer? (photo courtesy of my husband)

"For the first time in its history, the Phoenix Zoo is offering free daytime admission to kids 12 and under for an entire summer. Valley youngsters will be able to enjoy a summer full of wild water play at Yakulla Caverns and Leapin' Lagoon, great experiences at Monkey Village and the Forest of Uco, plus all of the other wild fun at the Zoo – for free.

Zoo guests can also enjoy earlier operating hours to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. The Zoo is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays."

The zoo is striving to keep us cool during summer months by opening a little earlier, turning on the misting systems throughout the Zoo, and they now have 2 great water play areas.

This special offer runs now through August 31st.

***Kids 12 and under are free this summer, however, 13 and up still have to pay the usual admission which is $16. Or you can go here to check out zoo membership costs. Basic memberships for one adult start at $55 and you can add children for $10. So, as an example, if you go with the year membership and the ones that are attending are one mom, a teenager and two children, that would make the cost of attending the zoo all summer long $65 ($55 for the mom and $10 for the 13-18 year old).

Also at the zoo this summer:

"Yakulla Caverns will also be open during Starry Safari, the Zoo's successful summer nighttime event that is expanding to include both Friday and Saturday nights this year. Starting June 5 through August 8, the Zoo will host Starry Safari every Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Incorporating animal experiences like Money Village, the African Savanna and special animal encounters along with plenty of fun activities with water play, inflatables and other experiences, Starry Safari is an affordable night of cool fun for the whole family. Admission to Starry Safari is only $5 per person, $4 for Zoo members. Children 2 and under are free."

Thanks Sandy for letting me in on this summer special. All information is directly from the zoo website.

Free Breakfast and Lunch

(image from here)

They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, however, 18 Mesa Public Schools are offering just that, a free breakfast and lunch for those 18 years and younger. Most schools serve free meals now through June 25th, Monday through Thursday, with exceptions being noted next to the location. Breakfast is served from 7:30 - 8:30 AM and lunch is served from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. Adults pay $2.00 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch. (And sometimes there may even be special activities during breakfast and lunch times.)

Check out the list for the location closest to you:

Brinton
Emerson

Eisenhower

Field

Guerrero
Hawthorne
Jordon
Lehi (through June 26th, Monday through Fridays)
Lindbergh (through July 30th)
Longfellow
Lowell
Madison
Porter
Redbird
Robson (Breakfast served 8:30-9:30 and lunch is served 11:30-1:00)
Roosevelt
Washington
Webster
Whitman
Whittier
Carson Junior
Mesa High (through July 10th, Monday through Friday)
Mesa Junior
Poston Junior
Powell Junior
Rhodes Junior
Taylor Junior

If you are uncertain about the location of these schools, go here for elementary and here for junior high locations. Happy eating.

information from here

***For those of you wondering about cost and how the district can afford such a thing when budget cuts are being made, this is a federally funded program through the USDA. The district does not pay for this service.

Free Float Night

image from here

Wednesday, June 3rd is FREE FLOAT NIGHT at Sonic

Go to a participating Sonic from 8:00 PM to Midnight and get a free 10 oz. root beer float. Sweet!

Go here for a location near you.

(They say it is for customer appreciation, but dad, I think it's really in honor of your birthday. Happy Birthday Pops!)

U-Pick at Mother Nature's Farm

image from here

"The boys and I just got back from picking peaches at Mother Nature’s Farm on Baseline.  So cool that there is a farm that is right in town where we could pick our own fruit.  The owner of the farm encouraged us to taste the peaches and pick which varieties we liked best.   My boys probably took the taste-testing a little too far.  We each picked some fresh peaches for a reasonable $2/pound--good price since it includes the experience as well.  The owner weighed our peaches, rounded the price down, and then threw in a small bag of onions for free.  He says the peach-picking will probably only last about another week for anyone that wants to get down there.  We will definitely try to go back sometime."

This little bit of farmland wonder was sent to me by my good friend, and so if you want to get your own peach picking experience, head down to Mother Nature's Farm THIS WEEK.  (Maybe even call ahead to make sure they still are open for peach picking on the day you choose to go.)  

Mother Nature's Farm 

1663 E. Baseline RD.

Gilbert, AZ 85233

(On Baseline, between Stapley and Gilbert road - right on the border of Mesa and Gilbert)

Phone:  480-892-5874

1/2 off Family Swim Passes to Mesa Public Pools

image and information from here

This Memorial Day weekend's weather is actually nice.  It is a nice reprieve before the heat sets in again.  But just because the weather isn't blistering hot for a few days, doesn't mean you don't need to prepare yourself for what is ahead.  Make sure you have your water activities planned accordingly.  If you don't have a pool yourself, don't fret.  Today and Monday (pools are closed on Sundays), head down to a Mesa public pool to buy your summer pass at a 50% off discount.

"1/2 price Special on Family Passes!

Purchase a Family Pass at any pool during Memorial Day Weekend and receive 50% off the listed price! That is a savings of up to $105. You and your family can swim all Summer long at any of the pools in Mesa for one low price."

So basically, with the 1/2 off discount you end up paying $105 for unlimited summer swim at Brimhall, Carson, Kino, Shepherd and Stapley or $65 for Fremont and Taylor.  The more expensive pass lets you into ALL the Mesa pools, especially those have been built or remodeled to have the water slides, zero-depth entry and special water features or play areas.  Fremont and Taylor passes can only be used at Fremont and Taylor because these are pools that have not been remodeled yet, hence the cheaper price.   

For pool addresses or for more information, go here or here.

I think my mind is slipping. This was meant to be posted earlier in the week to get everyone excited and ready for it, but sadly you are only getting a few hours notice. Sorry for the delay, but hopefully you can clear your schedule and enjoy this unique event.

Help celebrate Blissful Livings latest project (a 1920's bungalow). "There will be clothing, jewelry, baby & children's items~ Vintage Clothing, Furniture, Antique treasures & more. If you love the unique~ this is your venue. This is the don't miss event of the year!"

Friday, May 15th 7:00-10:00 PM: Bohemian Bliss Soiree~ TICKETS are $30 per person or $15 if dressed in your fancy schmancy bohemian attire. Includes: Bohemian Light Fare & Libations, Preview Party, Live Music, Home Tour & Shopping

Saturday, May 16th 7:00 AM- Noon: The vintage market is FREE & open to the public & Home Tours will be from 10:00-Noon @ $5 per person.

Information and tickets sold here (plus, go and check out some of the unique finds you will see at the event)