Friday, June 27, 2008
4th of July Events for the Family!
There are some great places to check out the fireworks and have some fun.
Don't forget plenty of water, even after dark!

- Gilbert's Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration: Mesquite high School, 550 S. McQueen Rd, Gilbert. 5 pm to 10:30 pm, fireworks begin about 9 pm. Admission and parking are free, no cooler's, pets, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons. Live entertainment, contests, games, inflatables, community exhibits, food, and beverages. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.
- Chandler's 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular: Tumbleweed Park, southwest corner of Germann and McQueen roads. Gates open at 4 pm, Fireworks begin about 9L30 pm. Live music, classic cars, free kids' carnival, food and fireworks.
- Rawhide Red White and Boom: Rawhide is at 5700 West North Loop Road, Chandler. See website for pricing details, www.rawhide.com. Rawhide and Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce are brining one of the Valley's largest fireworks displays to Rawhide's star-spangled Main Street.
- Mesa's 4th of July Celebration: Gates open at 6 pm at Mesa Community College Dobson Road and Southern Avenue in Mesa, Family entertainment, Fireworks at 9 pm. Admission is $1 per person with kids under 6 admitted free.
- July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival: For location go to www.tempe4th.com. Live entertainment, inflatable village with rides, rock climbing walls, water wars and more, from 4 to 11 pm. Advance purchase tickets at Fry's are $6, Children 12 and younger are free. Tickets are $8 at the gate or $15 for two.
Helpful Hint: bring games or movies for the kids for the drive home. You will be stuck in traffice, everyone will be hot and tired. Prepare for the meltdowns and you just might avoid them.
Labels: gilbert events, mommy news
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 5:33 PM
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
You Know You're an Arizona Mom if...
Arizona Moms are unique with a lifestyle reserved only for them.
You know you're an Arizona Mom if...
- Your 2 year old can say "sunscreen".
- It's 99 degrees in April and you say, "At least it's not hot yet."
- Carpool drivers are chosen by the strength of their A/C.
- You own at least 10 pairs of sunglasses.
- You know of 10 places to get a pedicure within 5 miles of your home. And you're on a first name basis with all of them.
The BEST way to Know You're An Arizona Mom...
- You keep oven mitts in your minivan to use the steering wheel without 3rd degree burns.
If you're thinking of moving to Arizona and need some secrets from an Arizona Mom, contact Your Local Expert,
Elena Thurston
Labels: family real estate, mommy news
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 1:47 PM
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Top 5 Things to do in Gilbert, AZ. Even in the Summer!
Gilbert is a lovely suburb of Phoenix, Arizona and considered by many to be the best mix of affordability, low crime, family friendly, with easy access to downtown.
But it's still part of Arizona and summertime in Arizona means HOT HOT HOT! So what are the Top 5
Things To Do In Gilbert, AZ, even when it feels like an oven?
- As always, I start with food. You gotta check out Joe's Farm Grill. Great food with a retro feel, it's built in the middle of the organic fields that supply the yumminess. HUGE trees, misters, and lots of green grass make it comfortable even in the heat of summer. Get out of your cave, uh house, and enjoy the outdoors again.
- Gilbert has a brand new mall, the San Tan Village . My favorite thing to do there is take the kids to an early matinee movie at the Harkins Movie Theatre (the $4 kids combo is actually a really good deal), afterwards hit the water spray park at the east end. The kids love it and it burns off tons of energy. Just don't forget the sunscreen!
- Go for an evening stroll at the Riparian Preserve. With all of the beautiful plants, birds, streams, and waterlife, you forget you're in the middle of a desert. Afterwards hit the observatory for the star-gazing. Now that's a good time!
- Take the whole family to Bounce-U. Family Bounce Night is Tuesdays from 5-8 pm and it's a blast! Huge inflatable slides, obstacle courses, even basketball courts. It's a blast and a workout to boot.
- Speaking of workout, check out the climbing wall at the Freestone Recreation Center. Nothing like hanging out in cool air conditioning while scalings mountains and conquering fears. Makes for a great (and cheap) date night!

For more information about Gilbert Arizona and what a great place it is to live, check out the Gilbert Relocation Package.
Your Family's Realtor,
Elena Thurston
Labels: family real estate, gilbert events, gotta know, mommy news
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 9:39 AM
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Monday, June 09, 2008
It's Sooo Good to be Back!!

It has been awhile since my last post. I'm supposed to feel guilty but, I have to admit, I don't. Since my last post I have sold four houses, listed two more, enjoyed my last trimester of my pregnancy, given birth, and recuperated from said birth. Now that is a productive three months!!
Therefore I am happy to announce the birth of my first baby girl. Given my internet protocol, I don't mention the names of my children. But suffice it to say, she was born in May with a quick and easy labor, she's growing like a weed, the boys adore her, and she's simply wonderful.
I'm back in the real estate saddle and looking forward to helping my buyers and sellers accomplish their goals. Onward!
Labels: family real estate
Elena Thurston, Family Realtor @ 2:05 PM
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