Grand Canyon

I thought it would be mighty embarrassing for our children when they say we are from AZ and then when they are asked, 'How is the Grand Canyon?' they just shrug their shoulders. So, we piled up and headed north. It was a beautiful day: 60 deg and sunny.

The boys got booklets and work to do. They wanted to become Jr Rangers and they had to do different activities throughout the day like find rocks or do Canyon Bingo finding plants and animals. It was worth it because otherwise Ryan would have lost complete interest and today he went to preschool wearing his Jr Ranger badge and said, 'The Grand Canyon was the coolest trip.'

Bruce, his sister Robin and brother in law Craig, Julianne and us at the South Rim, Mather Point.

Ryan grabbed this tree and started shaking it. When we yelled at him he said, 'It isn't even real.' Oh boy, he has been to too many theme parks.

Ryan was scared when I gave him the pre canyon trip talk. I responded that that was good, very good. And he stayed relatively cautious except when we stopped too long.

The boys: front.

The boys: Back.

I brought my binoculars and Ryan loved them. I saw some little swallows darting around. But we didn't see any condors, which would have been awesome.

The happy couple.

Now, of course we had to have puke somewhere along the way and Ryan provided that 30 min this side of Flagstaff on the way up. I'm thinking car sickness from watching a movie and eating just the charms out of his not so Lucky charms. He has been banned from said cereal until the age of 6.

We were home at about 9:30pm. A perfect day trip. Now, I would like to go back and hike down to the bottom, stay overnight and come back up. Ah, nature and birds and fresh smells. I have always wanted to go on a raft trip and I think 2 days rafting through the canyon would also be a fine thing to do.

Special Occasions

The end of April/ begin of May brought many special occasions. First being the Dundee Awards. "The Office" is having its final episodes with Steve Carrell. Dan and I both got Dundees. Mine was for being the best hosting housewife. Thanks to Neil for bringing the awards, for being Dan's friend and for coming and having a laugh with the Blacks.
Macey and me snuggling up with 'Brown Baby'. Any suggestions for an appropriate name for our dark baby?

Dan has had another birthday. We spent the evening at Alex's science fair. He did a project on Lightning. When we got home we sang and had a little Boston Cream Pie. Macey had Dan re-light a candle for her to blow out.

Our nephew Trey was baptized on Saturday. I had the joy of being there when he was blessed and now to see him baptized.

Mother's Day morning I awoke to realize I had to teach the Sunbeams! I got up early to plan my lesson. Once the rest of the crew were up, they set up a treasure hunt for me to get my gifts. It was a fun morning. Then I tried to get Macey very cute. Which worked for 45 min, only 15 of which were at church!

Dan was chasing Macey around with only half her hair finished.

I hope Dan isn't embarrassed that I put this picture on. This was his way of getting Macey to sit in my lap for the Mother's Day picture.

And here I am with my children. I love them each for their uniqueness and fun. We are a very happy family and I am an ever improving mother.

Videos

Ryan found a caterpillar in the bathroom (of all places) and we put it in a jar to watch. Macey was overjoyed to watch it crawl around and around.

Alex had his first piano recital. Grandma, Grandpa, Emily, Caleb and Julianne came to watch. He did a great job. He has only been taking lessons for 4 months. We had just one glitch: his anxiety reared up in high gear! His teacher bribed him and sat next to him to get him to do it. Hopefully next time he'll be brave enough to do it on his own. I am so proud of him and his talent.

Julianne's Bday

The family biked to Julianne's for her party. I drove the food and swim accessories. Alex hit a trash can. Maybe he won't be riding his bike to school next year.

The Whettons (J's parents) were in town.

Of course we get in the pool for the April/May bday's.

An excited J with her gift.

We got her the orange colandar on the table and the boys picked out shaped pasta.

Macey loves this plastic 'Charlie'.

Birthday cake surprise made by J's mom.

Me and sis waiting for cake.

Happy birthday, J! We love you! We are going to miss celebrating our birthdays together.

Lake Pleasant

Mark took us out on the boat the Saturday before Easter. The cousins.

Mark piloting.

Macey enjoyed the trip.

Er, the water was cold! Dan got Ryan and Trey to jump in and swim a bit. He says it was OK after you swam a while, but I wasn't buying it.

Macey however, loves to splash about and got in with Daddy.

See this? This is what it was like most of the trip. 4 boys going back and forth, up and around, loud, loud, loud!

The boy bums.

Time for Macey's nap.

Em and Caleb tagging along with the families.

Two great brothers.
Macey Easter morning. We have no pictures of Easter. Sorry, Grandma. We went to church and then headed to Mesa for dinner at the Frassas. We did an egg hunt with the Baron's at a green area at Grandma's complex.