Tuesday, July 31, 2012

I'd do it all again!

In just 6 short days school will start. 
1st Grade
4th Grade
Alarm Clock = 6:15a.m.!!

But in 9 short weeks we:
Wished a 6-year old Happy Birthday
Swam in Huntington Beach
Made a sandcastle at Newport Beach
Cheered at swim meets
Went to summer movies
Met our new Cousin, Landon
Got our nails done at the Nail Salon
Visited Lake Havasu
Camped
Camped
Camped
Made s'mores with cousins
Survived a sleepover with 7(!) 9 year-olds
Bowled with neighbors
Read lots of books
Ate lots of Ice Cream
Had a water balloon fight
Watched Mckenna - American Girl Movie 40 times
Grilled some yummy food
Drank some yummy drinks
Got to sleep in
Went to a Diamondbacks Game
Watch the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics
and soaked up some Hot summer rays.

Ahhhh.  Summer.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Bear Country for the 4th

This was such a memorable 4th of July camping trip.  We camped off of Young road between Payson and Heber and discovered some really awesome places we haven't seen before.  Canyon Creek had to be my favorite.  It was just something you don't think of seeing in Arizona.




 We spent a whole afternoon walking along the creek, sitting by the creek, and then finally walking right in the creek.  It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again. 

No a bear didn't take this picture.  We were with Grandma and Grandpa.  Grandpa was teaching us all about wildflowers.  We even ate a leaf from one of these yellow flowers.  (He is good at making up knowing facts about desert plants...)

{Side note on the Bears... there were reports of some bears in the area that apparently were interested in meeting humans.  We camped for five nights and every night I had a dream about a bear.  I also clapped loudly, A LOT, and did NOT use my inside voice when we hiked.  Fortunately,Yogi didn't bother me.}

We waiting a few days and then ALL the cousins showed up!  Landon wasn't sure he was ready to participate.  He wouldn't even wake up for this picture :)


Our day at Willow Springs Lake was perfect.  It was cloudy and even sprinkled now and then.  It reminded us so much of being in Washington. 
 I was on a mission to exercise everyday.  Audrey took this pic of me after my little Kayak excursion.   My arms were burning so bad I almost dropped the oar on my head.
 Daddy took Kissa out for a long ride.  They didn't catch anything but a bunch of cool Daddy 'n me memories.
 If there was every a postcard 4th of July Parade this was it.  We waiting on the side of the road for parade to start.  All the girls waving their flags in honor of our great country. 

Can not wait to do it again!

Miss Audrey is 9

Dear Audrey,

I can see that this is going to be the start of an awesome year.  First off I finally let you have that sleepover you were dreaming of.   Since it is July and smoking hot in Arizona we have never really been able to have your party outside.  But with a homemade slip n' slide and lots of cold drinks we made it happen. 


 You have some of the nicest friends.  They all got along really well.  Good friends are the best!
 It was really nice of you to include you cousin and little sister.  They LOVED being part of your party!
 The decorations were so cute!  We decorated the table like a bed (of course, Pintrest inspired!)
What's a sleepover without a Sleepover Cake?  We were inspired by the Family Fun site.  Since I can not decorate you did everything but make the cake.  I think you did such an amazing job. 

 We goofed off and played games until I just honestly couldn't take it anymore.  Then everybody settled in for your favorite movie, Soul Surfer.  I thought that would be a great way to induce sleep...
 Whoa, was I wrong.  It was around 3:30am when I finally started threatening lives that I think you feel asleep.  Guess who could wake up on the morning?  I made everybody scream/sing Happy Birthday and you were so not happy about that!

The party was a great success.  The sleepover Hang-over ... not so much!    Happy Birthday my little 9 year old!!  Fourth grade is going to be a blast!

Love, Mom