A Couple of Our Favorite Spots in Phoenix.....

Maddy and I like to get out of the house and do fun things. Here is a list of some of our favorites.

Phoenix Zoo (Of Course)
We have a membership to the zoo and I don't know what I'd do without it. The membership has more than paid for itself. When in doubt, we can always go to the zoo. Maddy loves the animals and learns something new every visit. There is also a water play area where we can cool off afterward. I recommend every stay-at-home mom have a membership.
http://www.phoenixzoo.org/

Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park
This is a relatively large water play area that young children love. The best part about it is that it is free, making it possible to go often during the summer months. There are two water slides and water coming from various spouts all over. This is truly one of Maddy's favorite spots to hang out.
http://www.tempe.gov/lake/recreation/SplashPlayground.htm

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
(In Scottsdale)
This is a GREAT park! There is an awesome playground which is covered for plenty of shade in the summer. There is a railroad museum and a train for the kids to ride in. There is also a carousel. All rides are only a dollar. There are plently of ramadas as well for eating lunch or booking birthday parties.
http://www.therailroadpark.com/index1.html

Maktu's Island
(in Chandler)
This is an indoor playground. It is basically designed to be a giant treehouse. There are lots of things to climb, tunnels and slides. It is large enough for parents to play too. Great for summer to get in out of the heat. It is better for kids who can climb themselves, otherwise you'll find yourself carrying your child up and down ladders which isn't easy. We had a lot of fun here.
http://makutusisland.com/

Arizona Science Center
This is a fun hands-on museum. I think Maddy was too young to really enjoy it when we last went. We'll definitely try it again soon.
http://www.azscience.org/

Books on Things to Do in Phoenix With Kids

Here is a list of books that I personally use regularly to find things to do with Maddy. Every one of these books has proven itself useful in times of need.
I found all of them at Barnes & Noble, but I'm sure they exist other places as well.

The Lila Guide
Baby-Friendly Phoenix Area
New Parent Survival Guide to Shopping, Activities, Restaurants, and More...
http://www.lilaguide.com/
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781932847253&itm=1

Phoenix for Families
A Parents' Guide to Life in the Valley of the Sun
Author: Michelle Burgess
(this book has a copyright date of 2000, so it is a little old)
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Families-Parents-Guide-Valley/dp/0929526430/ref=sr_1_1/104-9387974-7179916?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178657894&sr=8-1

The Arizona Mama's Handbook
A Reference Guide for Mothers and Families in the East Valley
Authors: Kelli E. Ems, Kimberly C. Kush and Janet E. Glover
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780976635710&itm=1

Best Easy Day Hikes
Phoenix
Author: Stewart M. Green
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781560449249&itm=1

Hidden Arizona
Author: Richard Harris

Destination: Phoenix
Hundreds of Things to Do in the Valley of the Sun
Author Dorothy Tegeler
http://www.amazon.com/Destination-Phoenix-Hundreds-Arizona-Southwest/dp/1889786012/ref=sr_1_2/104-9387974-7179916?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178658505&sr=8-2

Spring Training

Oh...and did I mention that Spring Training is here? Gotta love sittin in the grass in the outfield on a Sunday with the daughter. Go Giants.

Into March we roll...

We're almost half-way through March and school and the spring time are in full swing here in AZ. I ran the Goodyear 5k 2 weekends ago while the wife and bug were in NYC. Set a new PR with puking aplenty.

Came down with the head and chest cold shortly thereafter on a flight to SF and pretty much have spent the last week resting up and laying low. Finally made it back to the gym on Tuesday night and out for a run yesterday (wednesday).

I'm looking forward to a nice loop around the block tomorrow (Lord, and Boss willing).

Trying to free my mind here for a minute while I think about a case study for my MBA program. Wondering why I can't start an internet company and just do something that I really enjoy for myself...maybe once the free time comes back in November (yeah right!). there will probably be another munchkin by that time so we'll be busy as always...sure would be nice to get a moment to breathe once this is all over.

Anyways, back to ppt slides.

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