Camping Trip #1

We bought a pop-up camper in January, but this is the first time we've had a free weekend to take it out. The kids have been asking and begging for weeks. We found a nice area near Camp Verde where the weather wasn't too cold and meandered a couple of miles off the highway.

We went for a four-mile hike and we were so proud that Jack walked the whole thing and the twins walked half of it. At the end of our hike, we found a pond that was basically just a mud bog. The kids wanted their swimsuits on, though, so we put them on and told them to get in. Of course, only one of our children actually was brave enough. It's not hard to guess who...

By the end, she was covered in mud and kept saying "I'm a baby moose!" She cracks us up.

Hopefully, this is just the start of a summer filled with camping trips.

Spring Break

Our Spring break started out a little rough this year. Jack had a ruptured ear drum that he was recovering from and spent a lot of time resting. We had lots of company and cousins, though, so there was never a dull moment.

Uncle Ty beating up on Zach and Chad. Despite the smiles, they were screaming.

Hailey, Sariah, Audrey, and Jack

Audrey snuggling Uncle Dave

Enjoying the fire pit in the evening

Jack lost his first tooth! It was very wiggly but we couldn't seem to get it out. Aunt Becki did the honors and pulled it with no tears!

Elliot caught a twenty-four hour bug and spent an entire day in bed. Poor guy. He recovered quickly, though.

Granna and Papa took us to the World Wildlife Zoo one day. The weather was warm and sunny and we got to see lots of animals up close without the crowds.

Feeding the giraffe:

Madi and Audrey with the camels

Audrey loves it when Aunt Les does her hair!

Keeping Busy

This spring is flying by and we're loving every minute of it. We've had the most gorgeous weather and lots of fun activities to keep us busy.

Chess games with Jack

 Rainy bike rides

 Petroglyhs at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center

 Legos, Legos, and more Legos

 A family trip to the air show at Luke Air Force Base

The kids exploring the inside of a jet refueling boom

Zoo Field Trip

Jack's class took a field trip to the World Wildlife Zoo last week and Ty went along as a chaperone. Jack and his friend Cole were assigned as buddies and they had a great time checking out the animals and enjoying the sunshine.

Jack getting licked by the giraffe

Jack being chased by a goose...

 ...And the boys showing Ty where the goose bit each of them.

On the sky-tram

Happy Birthday Ty

Happy birthday 31st birthday to the best father and husband!

Sunny Days

The last few weeks, we've had perfect weather. We're trying to enjoy as much time outside as possible before it gets too hot!

Bike/scooter ride to the park. We are quite the little parade.

Our ward had a service project on Saturday. We were picking up trash in the desert just north of our house. The kids were great helpers and even got to catch some creatures with a little help from Dad:

Jack and I had a one-on-one date to Peter Piper Pizza that night. This kid is getting so grown up and hopefully will be losing his first tooth very soon!

Gilbert Temple Open House

Last week, we got to drive down to Gilbert to go inside the new Gilbert Temple. It will be dedicated Sunday, March 2. I grew up in the area and I never would have guessed that all the farm land a couple miles away from my house would someday be a huge temple. It was a great experience for our kids and a great way for us talk about and remember our own sealing just over a year ago.