Grand Canyon 09

Grand Canyon

This past weekend we were finally well enough to go to the Grand Canyon. Sean's sister and family were flying to Vegas and then making their way there (they'll continue on to Bryce and Zion) We had planned to spend a couple of days with them, but needed to cut it short to go check on Mom. It was great to see them even if it was just a short visit. We even got to camp there....uhmmm thats a whole different issue. Let's just say we are too old to sleep on the ground anymore. It was a rough night, but something that we will definately have to do again with our camping stuff. The kids hiked and played and had a blast. We however forgot to apply sunscreen and most of us left the day a little burnt. If you ask the kids their favorite part they will tell you it was the squirrel on the side of the trail or Sam will tell you it was being able to hunt for the elk (that were very tame on the side of the road that he managed to chase into the intersection). It was so much fun to see them! We miss them already!

Easter

We have all (well except Sean who has had his own problems) had the flu. I don't think I've been that sick in a long time, it was rough! Not too mention that during this same week my Mother was flown to Tucson Medical Center with complications. She is home and recovering. The family down in Safford is taking wonderful care of her. In the middle of all this I forgot it was Easter. So instead of the wonderful spiritual holiday, my kids think it's about eggs and candy and a bunny. I tried in my feverish state to have a one on one with Lia about the true meaning of Easter and when I mentioned Christ and his resurrection, she calmly stated that he already had a holiday. What to do with her. Anyway I tried to explain but clearly will have to plan ahead from now on if I want to compete with the TV and school explanation of holidays. I couldn't bring myself to buy white eggs when my fridge is full of eggs even though they were brown. We still had fun and the kids even colored one that was red whitish and green for Josh in Mexico!

Sean's "little" accident!

Okay most of you have heard about the "little" accident. I guess some people will do anything to avoid turning 40.....ever. We had a branch break in the big tree in our front yard, but it was hung up in the tree. There was a chance it could blow down into power lines so Sean decided to handle it...alone. I've had the flu all week so I'm watching from the house as he is up the ladder, chain saw attached to a rope, then pounding and making wedges. So he's using the chain saw and the branch (which is the large one in the picture) breaks free and pounds him on the base of his neck and drops him several feet bending the ladder. Luckily he dropped the chainsaw which when I got to him was still running. He is soooooo very lucky. Poor Lia wanted to call 911 and Sam thought he was real bad hurt. Scary! We got him in the house and so far no long lasting effects. He's a little sore, some cuts and scrapes but safe. We are so grateful that someone was looking out for him. So if you talk to him and he tells you it was no big deal....NOT TRUE! Love you hon and I am so grateful you are still around...especially today!

The Zoo!

We got to go to Phoenix this past weekend and made it to the Zoo! It was a beautiful day and we had a blast. Poor Lia has been a little sick so I'm sure she didn't have as much fun as we did. We took Cami with us and had a lot of fun! What a blessing she is in our family. We had promised the kids they could swim (got to quit doing that) but the weather turned windy and cold that night...so we'll have to make it up to them. We also got to see our new neice, Kaylani Rae! What a cutie!

Safford

Trip to Safford!

We were so excited to be able to go to Safford to see Jonathon and Krista get baptized. Unfortunately we didn't get many pictures with them! We are so excited to have them in our family! It was amazing to see Jace honor his priesthood and baptize them. I just cried thinking that's what Josh is doing! What a blessing these boys are and I'm grateful for their example! We were able to spend time together at the Duck Ponds, having a picnic and playing together. Wish we could have done more to help at Jay and Tami's re-opening, but figured helping to entertain the kids was the best solution. We had a blast! Even though we all got a bit burnt. Was wierd to come home to snow and cold!

Pony in training

We have been wanting to get a carriage for the pony for awhile now, Sam is so excited to learn to drive like Dad! We borrowed a cart from the Hannah's to see how she would do (she hasn't been driven for awhile). She did great! She seemed so little pulling the cart, the kids were so excited to finally get a ride!