Grand Canyon

We had a wonderful vacation in May when Kipp and Lance came in May and we all went to Wapatki and the Grand Canyon. We saw a gun fight, rode the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams and stayed the night right on the rim at El Tovar. It was amazing! On the way home train robbers stopped the train and robbed us. What fun! We live in such a culturally rich, naturally beautiful place!

Wapatki National Park

The Marshall and one of the train robbers.

 

Riding the bus around the Grand Canyon.

I thought this book was funny because it was right before Spencer went river rafting for the first time. I'm glad he didn't get flipped!

 

Bria bought Meeko, her very special raccoon, from one of the gift shops and the GC.

The Marshall told Drew he was riding the gravy train. No job, no wife, and still living at home with his parents! Bria almost got arrested because the Marshall thought she was cooking for the outlaws. Luke was asked to play the violin for everyone, but he passed on that opportunity.

It was a great trip and I'm thankful for the good memories!

Birthdays and Baptism

Bria is our first birthday of the year. We had egg casserole with candles because dad was leaving early. The bottom of the candles all melted into the eggs. We had a real cake latter that night. We attempted to have cake and ice cream at the park with her friends, but it was so windy we almost lost the cake so we ran back to the house to finish the party!

The most special thing about turning 8 is getting baptized! Bria's baptism was beautiful. Nana gave a wonderful talk about the Holy Ghost and Bria's friend Kenadi came, which made the day extra fun for Bria.

  

 

Drew's birthday comes next. He had a super fun time and even got a watch from a friend which is what he had been wishing for.

  

Luke's birthday was fun. We played at the park, had a piñata and ate way too much ice cream. YUM!

Spencer finished off the kids birthdays. He's quite a handsome young man and has gotten in to rock climbing. He loves getting out in nature and trying to scale things. =)

Sledding

Our family went sledding for Family Home Evening. We packed up a thermos with soup in it and another with hot chocolate, loaded up the sleds and drove to a snow play area. On Saturday this place was packed, but Monday afternoon it was pretty dead. We had a blast and didn't leave until it got dark. Drew taught us a lesson about being kind on the way home. We are excited to hear there will be a new snow play area much closer to home by next winter.

     

4th Grade Dissecting

Drew got to dissect a sheep eye. His partner was Cutter. I think their favorite part was making a popper toy out of half the eyeball. Very cool Drew! And a little gross.

Canoeing

When our youth group went to the lake Spencer spent his time canoeing. Who wants to water ski when you can paddle around? This boy loves to canoe!

First Flight

 Drew and Spencer got to go up in a small airplane for the first time at the local air show. Spencer is working on his aviation merit badge.

Coconino County Fair

Every year the kids go on a field trip to the fair. I went with Bria's class this year. After the field trip the kids and I stayed to play for a bit. It poured on us! Drew went on the gravitron for the first time. He loved it! Bria loved the animals and the magic show. Luke told me he liked the things we eat for Thanksgiving the best (turkeys). I think Spencer liked having a day off school the most.