Out of the office

The kids and I are on week number two of our three week Arizona vacation. Yesterday we returned to my parents house in Holbrook after a five day camping adventure & family reunion. The kids had a blast camping and had a huge surprise on Saturday when Jeff showed up! They had no idea that he was going to come and boy were they happy to see him. I've never seen Presley run so fast when she saw him and Cas did a double take to make sure that it actually was her dad standing there. Stratton wouldn't leave his side, but that's the way Jeff wanted it. His visit was way too short as he had to leave on Sunday to make it back for meetings on Monday. It was great to see him and have him be there for a small part of the family reunion.

Today the kids started private swimming lessons at the same city pool that I grew up going to each summer. I looked at the prices to go swimming there and I don't think that they have changed much since I was a kid...fifty cents is all it takes for admission to an afternoon of water filled fun here in Holbrook. Not too shabby! The kids all liked their lessons this morning. Stratton wouldn't always cooperate with his teacher, but he thinks that she is cute so there is still hope that he will follow her instructions tomorrow. Cas and Presley both worked on their strokes, jumped off of the diving board and Presley even jumped off of the life guard stand. Her uncle Ryan should be proud! They will have lessons through this week which will be fun for them!

Today we visited the old Navajo County Court House museum here in Holbrook. We've been there several times before, but Stratton wanted to go back so that he could see the old jail cells that were used until 1979. They are so gross, but he thinks that they are super neat. I took a bunch of pictures, but won't be able to post them until we get home.

It's been nice being here and relaxing...there's not much else to do! Oh, it has rained a bit since we've been here but the summer monsoon rains are so great. The clouds build and build then there is lots of thunder and lightening and then the rain comes and it smells so good. I wish that the rain in Oregon smelled good! Heather, I'll have to take some cloud pictures just for you! I'll write again when there is something to write about, I guess!

Like my hat?

Fun on the Fourth

We had a blast this year for the FOURTH of JULY! The day started out by going to the Sunnyside Ward breakfast and flag raising ceremony. From there we went back to our house to get ready for the Norwood Court Cul-de-Sac blowout party. Our family, along with several neighbor families and friends, enjoyed the afternoon grilling, talking, playing basketball and watching the kids in the bounce house. It was great fun! At dusk we watched the Happy Valley fireworks and then came home to set some of our own off. By the end of the day we were all exhuasted, but it was worth it! We can't wait until the party next year! Jeff & Stratton enjoying their pancake breakfast.

Cas & Presley trying out the bounce house...it was a kid favorite!

Yummm....barbecue!!

Cas, Presley and our friend, Lauren. Yes, they are under blankets - for all of you who had a HOT 4th of July, we had a very mild one and by 10:30 that night we were all a little chilly.

Jeff and our neighbor, Kevin, admiring their pyrotechnic skills as they watched the fireworks they lit go off in the cul-de-sac. Thanks for a great show, guys!

Ready...1,2,3...PULL!!

Poor Presley...she had another front tooth that just wouldn't cooperate. The new tooth started to come in behind and basically wedged that little baby tooth in a unattractive position. Just like last time, she had to be held down while that tiny tooth was man-handled in order to get it out of her mouth. She wanted to share that pictures for all to see the drama!

During the torture...the tooth was rotated and the blood started-

adding to the excitement!

And finally after...no more snaggle tooth!