Camping in Flagstaff

Last week Scott’s brother Stephen & his wife Melissa & their cute little baby Evelyn came down to Arizona for a visit. We decided it would be fun to go camping up near Flagstaff, where the weather is a little cooler than the crazy hot temps we have here in Phoenix.

An exciting camping trip consists of:

* petting all the puppies that pass by

* using new camping lingo like “match up” the fire and “break down” camp (lingo courtesy of Michael)

* climbing trees      

*  spotting wildlife, including the skunks who kept appearing every night

*  making friends with the ‘neighbor’ kids

*  having Uncle Stephen comb the girls’ hair

* getting stung 4 or 5 times by bees, which happened to have a hive in our campsite

* sleeping in the car

* driving around Flagstaff trying to find a decent park, then playing at the library

*  blowing bubbles

* playing in the meadow

*  smiling for the camera

 

* attending a ranger presentation about coyotes (Michael was especially excited and told everyone that passed by)

* playing keep-away with Daddy’s hat

* moving rocks 

*playing Norwegian rummy & 313 every night after the kids go to bed

* hiking, singing silly songs, and enjoying the beautiful views at the top

   

*trying to get a picture of the cousins together (‘trying’ being the operative word)

* pretending to be lions in the tall grass     

* dining at a very busy In ‘N Out upon returning home

Thanks for coming out to visit, Stephen & Melissa! We’ll have to come up to Oregon next time!

Piggy Back Rides

I think it’s so funny when the kids try to pick each other up. A little while ago they were giving each other piggy back rides! Here is the photographic evidence.

 

Katelynn & the Tooth Fairy

On Sunday Katelynn lost her first tooth!! We were having corn on the cob for dinner. I can hear you saying, "Uh oh" now, but don't worry. It didn't come out on the cob. While trying to eat her corn she was complaining about it hurting. We just thought it was too hot or something, so we told her to wait a minute and try again. Then she was saying she couldn't eat it and something about her tooth. So, Scott looked into her mouth and, sure enough, one of her bottom teeth were loose. He wiggled it some, then had her go get a tissue for the little bit of blood. She kept wiggling it for a while, and then Scott was able to pull it out! Now the one right next to it is loose, as well.

That night we put her tooth in a little envelope and she placed it under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. In the morning she had 2 "monies" in place of the envelope. She is very excited about it, and the other two can't wait until they can loose a tooth and receive a visit from the Tooth Fairy!

There are many milestones the kids reach, but for some reason this one really hit me hard. I know that the kids are no longer babies. They will be starting kindergarten next month! But, this milestone just really made me realize how much they are growing up. KIDS loose their teeth, not babies. My kids are KIDS now!! It's crazy how fast the time flies by sometimes. It makes me want to cry!

And the Peasants Rejoiced!

Just a quick note to say

SCOTT PASSED PART I OF HIS BOARD EXAMS!!!!!

We are SO excited! He has worked so hard this year, and we are just thrilled that he passed the boards! It is a huge weight lifted off of our shoulders. We have a lot to be thankful for. The Lord has blessed us immensely this year. It has been rough, but we're starting to see at least a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel!

I am super duper proud of Scott. But, he is such a smartie that I knew he would pass. ;)