Camping~Arizona Style

This past weekend we decided to go camping with our friends the Hamblins. We only have a couple more weeks before Caleb starts rotations and then I'm sure we won't see him as much as we are used to so we figured we'd better take advantage of the time we have. Our plan was to go to Sedona and Slide Rock (we went there last year and had a blast) but all their campsites were nearly full (and it would have cost us $20) so we found our own spot a little closer to Flagstaff...and the best part was that it was FREE!! We had anawesome time!

The girls loved playing in the dirt--by the next day they were coated in it!

Britni and I fixing dinner

Britni's husband, Travis, taught us how to make dutch oven BBQ chicken pizza and it was sooo good!

...the finished product...Mmmmm...

Crewser man--just chillin'

Love that little guy!

Caysja ADORES marshmallows--as you can see...

Makin' s'mores

Playing 'Old Maid'

Crew and Myli want to play too!

This was Caysja all the way home! We wore her out I guess.

Thanks for going with us, Hamblin family! We can't wait to go again. Anyone want to go with us?

Family Pictures

While we were all home for Caleb's parents' farewell, we had some family pictures taken. It's pretty rare that all six brothers are home at the same time. We know it will be outdated by the time they come home in two years, but at least they'll have something fun to look at while they're gone. It was such a nice day and the weather totally cooperated. Even the kids were good...well, pretty good, that is.

Our family

Lorna and DeLoy--we'll miss you!

Caleb's brothers and parents

the guys

the gals

Playing "catch up..."

I truly apologize to all those of you who follow this blog for the utter lack of posts, lately! My excuse is my calling...we've just had a big Enrichment night and we have another one coming up in a few weeks so let's just say I've been a little busy...

A couple weeks ago we were able to go home to Idaho Falls. It was so fun to see everyone but the purpose of the visit was rather sad...to say goodbye to Caleb's parents who left on their mission to the Dominican Republic on Labor Day. We are so proud of them! They will be fantastic missionaries.

One last shot with "motorcycle grandma and grandpa"

While we were home my dad took us white-water rafting down the Snake river. It was Caysja's first time ever and she loved helping Grandpa "row" the boat.

My mom was so nice to watch Crew for us.

family shot

Caleb made sure to get in a few good rides with his brothers while we were home.


As for the rest of the month...

I had the opportunity to play with the Paradise Valley Community College flute choir--and I got credit for it, which will help when I have to re-certify my teaching certificate next year. It was a lot of fun! There were about 25 of us that meet once a week and then had a concert.
me with my good friends, Becky Lowe, and Nora Welsh (we didn't match on purpose!)

Crew, hangin' out with his bud, Camden

Caysja and Crew have started "playing" with each other and it's so cute! Caysja gets so sad when I have to put Crew to bed for his naps now.

In Aug. we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. It was kind of low-key since our present to each other was going to Wicked the month before. We went to Pei Wei's for dinner and then a movie.

Caleb surprised me with this creative number '5' made out of popcorn balls and a homemade card.

And our biggest news is that Crew is sitting up so well and about ready to crawl...not there quite yet, but we'll keep you posted...

I seriously LOVE his curls! He probably needs a haircut, but I can't bring myself to do it.

Friends

Last weekend we were able to get together with Caleb's best friends from his high school days. One of the couples flew in from Georgia and we were able to meet up with everyone at his other friend's house in Queen Creek for dinner, dessert and games. We had an awesome time! Thanks for hosting it Nate and Tashina, and thanks for sending me the pics, Heather! You and Ryan are welcome to come see us anytime!

The Guys (This is a recreation of a famous pic from high school and yes, that is my husband being goofy as usual!)
Brandon, Nate, Ryan, Caleb, Adam

The Gals (Heather, Tashina, Kandis, me, Liz)

Group shot

Family Reunion at Baumgartner 2009

WARNING: Picture overload!!! (Sorry I've been so slow getting these pictures posted. My excuse is that my computer broke--it was very old and now I'm having to get used to a Mac computer--I don't do well with change!)

Baumgartner is a campground near Boise ID. It is practically heaven on earth (except for the camping part--ha ha!) No, seriously, it is soooo beautiful! The Boise River runs right through it and there is a natural hot springs there as well. The weather is perfect--not too cold, not too hot. There are these gorgeous huge redwood trees and it smells so fresh. Caleb's family has been going there for over 20 years. This was my 5th time there, Caysja's 4th time, and Crew's first time. Caleb's uncle always brings his horses for the kids (and adults to ride) and he even has two little ponies just their size. We went four-wheeling, motorcycle riding, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, played games, roasted marshmallows, threw horseshoes, had a treasure hunt...the list could go on and on. I was a little worried about taking Crew since it would be his first time camping, but he did so well. Caleb's parents were so kind to invite my parents to come too. Caysja and Crew were really spoiled with both sets of grandparents there, not to mention lots and lots of cousins!! The highlight of the trip was Caysja jumping off the BIG rock!! We talked her into it and she DID it!! It was soooo awesome. It was kind of sad since this will be the last time Caleb's parents will be there for two years while they serve their mission to the Domincan Republic.

They found a snake and evey Kiki was brave enough to touch it!

Crew just chillin' with Grandma

I LOVE this picture! He barely fit in this inner tube.

4-wheeling with Daddy

(Sorry, these next three pics are posted in reverse order, but I'm not going to change them.)
She DID IT!!

Wow--Uncle Darin caught me!

Ready, set,---GO!!

kisses

our family

My HOT motorcycle MAN

Caysja loved riding the horses

Caleb with his bros and cousins before their all day ride

My parents at the hot springs

This chair is just my size!

more hot tub pics

HE PASSED!!!

I have to give my Honey a big shout out because he PASSED his BOARDS!!!! Way to go, Honey! I'm SO proud of you!

We were able to go home for a family reunion last week so I'll be posting pics from that soon...