Vacation Day 3

We spent the 2nd night with our good friends in Flagstaff and had fun at their clubhouse. Day 3 was Father's Day, so after a yummy breakfast, we loaded up and drove through Sedona and ate lunch in Jerome (one of the largest ghost towns and highest in elevation towns). We walked around--there are some pretty creepy ghost stories associated with this place--especially with the Asylum.

They apparently came to the hospital and never left, so here their car stays.

Three Musketeers!

The Asylum

A mine shaft that goes about as far down as The Empire State Building is high

Vacation Day 2

I had planned to use my phone to post as we went along, but unfortunately, we were in some areas with limited or no connection or we didn't have access to wifi.

Day 2 was amazing!! We went to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. None of us had ever been there and it was soooo beautiful. The kids kept asking if it was a painting. It was very windy and not too hot and was just a perfect day.

Teen 1

The guys

The girls---I don't know why, but Bedums was pretty whiny. She was too tired to walk. :)

gorgeous!!

Buggins

VERY windy!! Good thing I didn't really do my hair.

me

My fave pic of the kids

Teen 2 pretending to be Kate Winslet on Titanic.

little lizard--they were everywhere and the kids had fun trying to catch them

Vacation Day 1

We were lucky enough to take a family vacation this year!! We decided to head to the *HOT* southwest to visit friends and family and to see some country that none of us had seen before!

Day 1 was spent driving and hanging out at the hotel. Why are things always so exciting when you're beginning a new adventure?

View of hotel

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

 Wait!! I guess I should back up. On the way there, we stopped in the desert to look for some dinosaur tracks and the girls thought they were going to die!! I was a little worried that this would be a precursor for the rest of our trip.

DYING in the desert!!

First Piano Recital

Bedums has been taking piano lessons for just under a month and had her first recital last night. She did great!! I think she's got a little natural talent but her teacher said to become a master, she needs to put in the work--about 10,000 hours worth!!

what time is it??? SUMMERTIME!!!

We are finally out of school for the summer!! Well...in 2.5 hours. :) It seems like everyone I know got done last week, or sooner. Teen 2's last day was yesterday and the rest of them today, although Teen 1 didn't go. They have each class for 20 minutes and don't take attendance. We have a lot of things planned for June and before we know it, it will be July. Then with 2 birthdays, 2 holidays, scout and girls camps, and reunions, July will be gone. Right now, I'm in the "honeymoon" phase of summer--excited and looking forward to it immensely. I'm sure by August, I'll be ready to have them go back. Haha :)

Some things we have planned:
*doctor/dentist/eye/orthodontist checkups
*swimming, swimming, swimming
*vacation!! or two...
*church camps
*3 reunions
*3 parades
*homework--yes--I'm a mean mom and will have them spend 30 minutes 2-3 times a week learning, plus reading every day.
*yard work
*sleeping in
*fireworks
*hikes
*camping
*aviary
*bowling/mini golf/arcades
*BBQs
*eating lots of cold things
*cheer leading things
*friends
*family

Cake

Dad and big brother were out of town for Buggins' birthday, so we had the cake and ice cream on Tuesday night (the next day). I tried to make a Beyblade cake, but my artistic abilities were lacking. I also tried to make the frosting gray. It looks gray in the picture, but was purplish in real life. He was happy with it though and it tasted great!

Happy 10th Birthday #3!!!

gifts

New Beyblades

Favorite treat--Reese's!!

So much excitement!!

Buggins turned 10 on May 27. He got a video game (Create) where you have to think through challenges and build things. I said that a review mentioned it was hard for a 4 year old but I figured a 10 year old could handle it. He said, "Mom, am I 10?! Right now?" I told him yes and he said he didn't feel like he is 10. Haha. Jon and Teen 1 were out if town, so we skyped. We also went and did go carts, laser tag, and mini golf, followed by a BBQ at grandparents. I think he had a fun day!

He made a newspaper hat (with a balloon topper) for himself to celebrate. His primary gave him the name thing to hang on his wall and he insisted on wearing it around. :)