Camping

The last weekend before Scott's last break was over we decided to head up north a couple of hours where it is cooler and go camping. We had a lot of fun, despite the girls feeling sick part of the time. The first night we camped outside of Flagstaff, and the second night we drove down to Mormon Lake.

Katelynn, Daddy & Michael enjoying some breakfast

Emma enjoys breakfast, too.

Smile, Katelynn!

Michael preparing to roast marshmallows, one of the highlights of camping.

One thing we did is hike through a lava cave! It's an underground cave formed by lava flows. The temperature inside is so cold that ice forms and you can see your breath! Here are the kids waiting outside the cave.

Inside the cave. It was very dark, and we gave all the kids a glow bracelet to wear and their own little flashlight, which they thought was pretty cool.

 

Here is a picture of the kids helping take down their tent while Mommy works on breakfast. What big helpers!

It was nice to just get away as a family and spend some time together.

Swimming Lessons

This year I signed the kids up for Level 1 of swimming lessons through the city. It is a 2 week course that runs M-Th and is a half an hour class. The kids' teacher's name was Trevor, but Katelynn kept saying "Treasure". Ha ha!

Waiting to get in the water.

Kick, kick, kick!

Getting their hair wet.

Michael working with the kickboard.

Katelynn.

Emma.

We decided to hold off on signing up for another session of lessons, because a lot of the things they are doing in lessons we can easily do with them in the water ourselves. At their age, just becoming comfortable in the water is the main objective in swim lessons. We might sign them up for another session near the end of summer, but we'll have to see.

Through Katelynn's Eyes

Katelynn likes to take pictures with my camera. Sometimes when I am moving pictures from my memory card to the computer I will find some interesting things. Today was no exception. 

I found 18 pictures similar to this one of her "penguin blanket".

I found 11 pictures of Michael like this one.

I found this one of me that I'd forgotten she'd taken. Check out that angling! 

And finally, this sweet one of Emma, Michael & I. 

There were a few others that were blurry or just of random things, like the kitchen table or whatever. It's fun to see the world through a child's eyes. I hope they like what they see!

Redecorating

In the little niche in our living room/kitchen I have this nice little display.

.

But, when I woke up yesterday morning, I found that someone had done a little redecorating. 

Hmmm...I hope this doesn't mean anything. 

Splish Splash

One thing fun to do around here is to visit the 'splash park', as we like to call it.

Katelynn acclimating to the cool water. 

Michael stops to get a drink...

then it's back to business.

Katelynn feelin' cool...

then jumping for joy. Woo hoo!!

Emma getting her feet, 

and the rest of her body, wet.

Katelynn may be small, but that won't stop her from pushing aside the big boys so she can use the water gun. "It's my turn! Get out of my way!"

Emma rockin' the shades.

It was so funny...Katelynn was laying on these rocks "sunbathing", and a I snuck up and scared her. She started laughing hysterically. She probably laughed for a good 5 minutes. 

Kite Flying

A while ago we had a nice, windy day, so we decided to take the kids to the park to fly kites. They had so much fun. Michael insisted on running with his kite the whole time. It was hilarious. Whenever the kites would take flight, the kids would scream and laugh in excitement.

Bowling & Red Robin

To celebrate the kids' birthday we went bowling, then to Red Robin for dinner. The kids had a great time bowling. They loved using the little 'ramp', and my score was only beat by 2 of the 3 kids. ;) At Red Robin they brought the kids birthday sundaes and sang to them. They really got a kick out of that. They couldn't stop smiling the whole time. 

Daddy & Michael 

Daddy & Katelynn

Hi, Emma!

Katelynn posing.

Michael being crazy.

Mommy & Katelynn, taken by Emma.

The girls at Red Robin.

Mommy, Daddy & Michael.

Desert Botanical Gardens

During Scott's break between semesters we went to the Desert Botanical Gardens. There were a lot of beautiful plants and quite a bit of wildlife. They have several different trails you can hike, one of which is a butterfly garden. We love us some butterflies!

Can you spot the animals hiding in the collage below? I think it is so amazing how the animals blend into the desert. It was exciting for the kids whenever we would spot an animal or slithering creature.

Here you can see how tall some of the saguaros were. The kids look tiny compared to those huge cacti!

The kids are watching a squirrel. It was awesome how close we were able to get to the little guy.

Checking out the duck pond.

Say cheese!