Family pics

It was great that we all got to sit down and take a couple pictures together while we were in AZ. The really amazing thing is how well a couple turned out. Those of you with kids know what a feat it is to just get everyone looking at the camera at the same time. We actually have a few where everyone is looking AND almost everyone is smiling! Miraculous. It was a great chance to wear the Lacoste shirts that Matt's younger sister Jenny got us for Christmas. I have to say they look fantastic. I also added one that Kendra took of just our family to the side for our family photo. The pictures are great, Ken! I can't thank you enough. I can't believe what a pack we've become in just 5 years!

Chuck E. Cheese

In AZ we also spent a morning at Chuck E. Cheese. The kids of course loved it. Matthew's favorite was this Jurassic Park game that he put coin after coin into until he beat it. The others tried a variety of games and rides. There was this one that they lay back in and the screen showed a roller coaster ride- it was pretty funny. They watched the screen while the chair bounced them all over. I think they enjoyed it because they wanted to do it a few times, but you'd never guess it by the looks on their faces while riding. Thanks again to an overly generous Grandma for another fantastic memory!

The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix zoo is a great zoo. We have a blast whenever we go. It is a really big zoo and it can get a little hot walking around in the summer, but this was a perfect time of year to go. Besides all the animals, there are parks, a petting zoo, and some other great attractions. Owen LOVED the petting zoo. Being around Anubis has really made him love animals. But the best part was getting to go with cousins. They had a blast together. This really was the best trip to AZ because they got to spend so much time with their cousins!

Throwing rocks

Ever since Matthew's first summer in AZ (when he was about 10 months old), he has loved going out with his grandpa to throw rocks in a nearby ditch. Now all the grandkids love to do it. Throwing rocks in the water is now a wonderfully anticipated activity. "Little rocks, little splash. Big rocks, big splash!"

A New Addition

No- not a baby! We are holding out on that for right now! But we did add another boy to the family. Rudy traveled home with us from AZ. He was my mom's beagle mix dog. She rescued him from a shelter about 6 years ago; they guess he is about 9 years old now. For various reasons he hasn't been able to live in the house with them so he had to stay outside in a small fenced area year round. (For those who have been in AZ summers, I'm sure you can imagine what that is like). My mom hasn't been able to give him much attention because of her busy schedule and due to the fact that he has to stay outside, and she has wanted to find a new home for him. Matt and I both (independently) thought we could bring him back with us. He seems to be doing well. He does really well with the kids, but he has had a little bit of a hard time adjusting to Anubis. Rudy hasn't been around a lot of dogs, not to mention a crazy dog that is twice his size that wants to play all day. I can see why he was a little scared at first. They are getting along better now. The kids like him. He is really gentle and would sleep alot of the day if Anubis would let him. I could sum this up with Matt's words, 'with two dogs, we're gonna be the dog people.' I guess he's right- we're officially the dog people.

Mexico

I'm still trying to catch up on all the fun stuff we did while in AZ. One day we decided to take a trip down to Mexico. We crossed the border into No Galas (spelling?). It was fun, we walked around, haggeled with some salesmen, posed for pictures with a donkey, had some yummy tortillas and cookies, checked out a few pharmacies and dental offices... My dad got to use his spanish. The boys got some wooden tops and a little indegestion. I got more vanilla. Overall I'd say it was a big success!

Easter Egg Hunt

While Matt and I were at a wedding in CA, my parents had a big egg hunt for the grandkids. Luckily my sis is a great picture taker, so I do have some evidence. I can't even say how grateful I am that my family was willing to do something like that for us. They watched the kids all weekend, they took over all Easter duties, etc. This is no small task for 3 very energetic boys. I'm also so glad they were able to spend so much time with their cousins this trip. They've made some great memories. (I put in the picture of Kendra's youngest child, Hyrum because it is so cute!)