Hail Surprise

After church today, we had a nice little treat as we were sitting around the table eating lunch. The rain outside turned to hail. You'd think this was the most exciting thing that ever happened here. I guess weather-wise around here it is. The kids had to go outside to experience it for them selves. Click on the picture to get a better view of the hail on the trampoline. Collin said, "This is the best spring break ever." I guess, forget the camping trip. We've got hail!

Fun Facts about hail: http://www.rcn27.dial.pipex.com/cloudsrus/hail.html

Overnight at Oak Flats Campground

We decided we needed to go on a little excursion during Spring Break so we made a semi-last minute decision to go camping for a night. Michael and I decided to divide and conquer. He took 2 kids camping shopping and I went grocery shopping with the other 2. By 3pm we were off to a somewhat nearby camp ground near Superior, Az.

The kids "helping" to set up the new tent!

Mission accomplished! 10 man tent sleeps 6.

Well, neither Michael nor I slept much.

Ready for foil dinners. Notice Julia's lovely hat in the background.
We forgot the eggs so we had smores to go with the pancakes for breakfast.

Not a glamourous campground but the kids had a blast and Michael and I needed a small vacation after the short trip.

Payson Arizona

We stayed in the mountains near Payson Arizona over the weekend and visited Tonto Natural Bridge. It was a short 1/4 mile but steep hike down under the natural rock bridge.

Eatin' our snacks before the hike back to the top.
Collin's eating the smallest apple we've ever seen! He and Michael picked apples off of the tree near the cabin where we stayed.

The kids had tons of fun swinging on the 2 swings in the back yard. Even Meghan had a turn!

We also had this rushing creek in the back yard for added ambiance

She's 1

...Happy Birthday, dear Meghan.....She did not like her allergen free dark chocolate cake. The rest of us enjoyed it, though. We love you Meggie.

HAPPY EASTER

Flat Stanley

Collin's cousin, Tanner and his 2nd grade class, sent Flat Stanley (see cut out below) to hang out with us for a couple of weeks here in Gilbert, Arizona. Flat Stanley is a story about a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board and because of his new size, he has many wonderful adventures. One adventure he goes on is being mailed to California to visit a friend. This is a great way for 2nd graders to learn about new and distant places.

We didn't have too many exciting adventures while Flat was here but he did....

...help Collin with some homework......jump on the trampoline in our backyard...

...get a ride on Collin's bike down our street

In addition, here are a few interesting facts about Arizona and Gilbert:

About Arizona:

Camels were once used to transport goods across Arizona

Over one million metric tons of lettuce are produced in Arizona every year.

Arizona is home to the world's largest solar telescope, the world's largest gorge (aka the Grand Canyon), and a higher copper production than any other state.

Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

About Gilbert:

At the turn of the twentieth century, it was determined that a rail line between Phoenix and Florence was necessary. The land used to accomplish that objective was owned by a man named William "Bobby" Gilbert. Gilbert was an agricultural community and remained a farming town for many years. Gilbert incorporated on July 6, 1920. It was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920's. Gilbert has transitioned from an agricultural town to a young, family oriented affluent city. Gilbert, Arizona was recognized as the fastest growing city in America between 1990 and 2005 with a growth rate of nearly 500%.

Gilbert is located in the southeast part of the Greater Phoenix area. Gilbert, Arizona covers about 76 square miles, and the elevation of Gilbert is about 1,273 feet.

A photo at the World Famous Grand Canyon in Arizona (the world's largest gorge).

Tanner, thanks for sending Flat Stanley for a visit!

The kiddos

Collin's first day of school. Don't you love how I forgot to take a picture until everyone was buckled in. I went and grabbed the camera and figured an in-the-car shot would be just fine.

Meghan's blessing day. August 1st. She had a very nice blessing by her daddy and then we had Aguilars and Sumpters over for dinner (sorry no pictures of dinner).

I took this picture today. Meghan's practically all grown up...using her exersaucer, is that how you spell it?! : ) btw..she's about 3 1/2 months now. Time is flyin' for sure.


Julia...happy as a clam after making just-add-milk muffins and licking the bowl.

Another happy clam (Catherine) eating a chocolate See's sucker and watching one of her favorite kid shows, as we call them...zoom in to see all the chocolate : )

Meghan

I haven't posted since our sweet little Meghan was born. It's hard to believe she's now almost 2 months old. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of her. Her stats at birth: Born May 21st, 2010, 11:57 am, 7 lbs. 3 oz, 20.5 inches. We have a plaque with the following saying hanging in the "baby" room. It pretty much sums up how we feel: Babies make days shorter, nights longer, home happier and love stronger! We all love our new little addition. 2 days old

1 month old

almost 2 months

Weekend in Austin

(Shannon, Stefani, Karen, Mom, Suzie, Marsha, Kristen, Janet)

I spent the weekend in Austin with my sisters and mom without the kids. How wonderful! It was awesome that we could make it from 5 different states to all be together. Although we did see some sights and eat some good food....I think the highlight was just talking, talking, talking. (Thanks to Michael for watching the kids at home and to Janet and Steve for hosting the all female party.)

It's another girl

We had the ultrasound yesterday and much to Collin's dismay, we are having another girl. I told him that he will be a very good big brother to 3 sisters. He even cried...poor guy. On the other hand Julia is quite excited and Catherine has no idea. Michael and I are excited as well. Here is a very brief video clip of our little darlin'. Isn't she cute? ( ;

Dorothy

Here's the ruby slipper shot : )

Halloween

Ninja, Dorthy, & Nice Witch

Julie and Julia

Ok, I just have to tell you that Michael and I went to see the movie Julie and Julia last night and I loved it. As a matter of fact I think it is safe to say that Michael loved it too! It was just so fun and enjoyable all the way around and I haven't laughed that much in a movie in I can't remember how long. So just go see it for yourself...soon! FYI: I think Meryl Streep is Julia Child reincarnated!

Truck

So, Michael's truck was stolen from work this past Tuesday afternoon. Good news is... that very day I got these awesome flowers from him (Michael). Other good news (I think), the truck was recovered on Saturday on an Indian reservation down near Tucson. The door lock is busted along with the ignition keyhole, a flat tire from driving through rough terrain, and a/some scratches. Oh, and my ipod was in there, too. Hopefully the theif got in some scripture study time and General Conference...as that was the main thing on it. Guess we won't know till it's towed up here. Hopefully insurance is kind to us. : )

Easter

The kiddies got little chicks with bunny ears and a bit of candy. Happy Easter!

Karen, another of my sisters visited with her husband Steve and baby Miranda this same weekend. They had a quick trip out to check out a job and housing in the Phoenix area. We didn't get any pictures...I guess we were preoccupied with the countertops (they were installed the same weekend). We are excited as they (Karen and Steve) will probably be moving this way soon! Yipee for family moving close!

FUN IN MARCH

Our trip to the Grand Canyon with the Mellos (Michael's sis and family). It was sooooooooooo very cold.

G&G Stimpson and the Mellos visited and we took a trip to Goldfield (an old mining town) at the base of the Supersition Mtns. (in background)

Theriaults (my sister, Janet, and family) also visited. One place we went was the Mesa, Az temple. Here we are in the Cactus garden!!

New Kitchen Counters

So, here are the old laminate counter tops.

We had already taken the higher counter off behind the sink. The sink is already gone here, too.

Here are the new corian counter tops. We will be adding a tile backsplash at some point.

All-one-piece (same height) sink counter.

Integrated sink...no seams what so ever. New faucet.

Added cabinet hardware.

Now and Then

Catherine on her 1st Birthday (Feb 26th)

Catherine just home from the hospital

Renaissance Festival

We went to the Renaissance Festival yesterday with our friends, the Zubels, from Tucson. We all had a great time and the weather couldn't have been more perfect!

JULIA'S BIRTHDAY

It's been a few weeks now but we celebrated Julia's 3rd Birthday on December 14th. She had a strawberry heart cake with pink frosting and strawberry ice-cream. One sweet cake to match a sweet little Julia. Yeah for pink!!!