Arizona: part one

Our yearly trip to the Grand Canyon State was a success! We had a great time, as usual. This year we started off at the cabin in Snowflake. Because our van is less than reliable, we decided to drive Matt's new car. We cannot all fit in Matt's car. Luckily we have nice a nice Grandpa who let Lincoln fly with him to and from Arizona! Lincoln left 2 days before we did, so he got Grandma and Grandpa all to himself (which I'm sure they loved *wink wink*).

The cabin was a blast! The weather was perfect- cool and overcast most of the time, with thunderstorms in the evenings that were perfect for movies and game playing. The kids spent a lot of time in the fort, searching for treasures, and of course riding the 4-wheelers. We went on walks, ate yummy food, and initiated Kensie into the world of Shanghai.

Landon's happy to just play in a hole

Kensie's LOVE rock. See the heart?

rock collecting

a little light reading

all tuckered out

A horny toad named Shadow. The kids loved him (or her).

Lincoln is pretty good at driving.

the water tower

Landon and Shadow- the second time we found him (or her).

Kensie and I found a friend on one of our rides

the Black Mesa

target practice

Parade Floats

The kids and I (and Kensie's friend Brynne) had fun seeing the Days of '47 float preview. There were some great floats this year, but we all loved the Sweet Dreams float the best!

So long, old friend

We finally bit the bullet and got a new car for Matt. I was sad to see the Pathfinder go. It was our first car as a married couple, and it served us well for 12 years! I must admit that I shed some tears as the new owner drove it away! I'm a baby, I know.

Now I'm shedding tears of joy over the improved gas mileage of this baby!

Swimmin'

We love our SunCrest pool! It has been so hot lately that we've gone almost every day. I hate going in the middle of the day- so crowded, and there always seems to be a poop-in-the-pool incident. We started going in the evening and it is IDEAL! Hardly anyone there, I can see my kids at all times, we can actually float lazily down the lazy river, and there is no line for the slide.

July 4th

We had a laid back Independence Day this year. No parades or neighborhood parties. We just hung out at home for most of the day (Matt doesn't get work off, so it's just an ordinary day) and made/ate festive treats!

Matt's parents came into town that evening and we got together for dinner and dessert and some Bob Nelson videos, then found the ideal spot to watch the Sandy City fireworks.