Looking back -

HMMM....What's the craziest -
and somewhat painful thing we can do today?
So this is what happens on a chillin at home week-end and the Wild and Crazy Dad suggests an idea for a friendly competition between the offspring.

No it's not shoulder rubs - that's too enjoyable.

The first photo is the recuperation and relaxation from the strenuous challenges of the competition.

Photo two are the happy competitors - Joyful - not because they all won but because the game finally had an end.

What was this game of physical torture? Well, photo #3 shows only a glimpse of the pain and determination shown by the longest lasting participants.

When the contest began all four competitors had their arms straight up in the air and their elbows were not allowed to bend. You could not clasp your hands together for support.

- These hardy and weary youth continued in the quite torturous game for.-. What the world - over an hour!!!.......until there were two men standing. But, neither youth was willing to bend . . . literally.

Which translates into -

I will not give in because "I want to win" and not you.

Finally the judge and author of this cruel and unusual game knew there had to be an end . . .so he suggested that the two boys put their arms in "T" formation - knowing the strain would hurry the process. - but it didn't. The agony was too much and finally the Dad convinced the participants to agree on a tie- Both men win!Thank goodness for that!

Way to go little men ......

please don't ever play this game again.

The Ward Camp - OUT!

The Ward Camp-Out!

These trunk sitting buddies couldn't be happier - roaming free - exporing nature and all her beauties!

Our #3 is right in his element -
He truly would choose few other places to be than in the wilderness -with the rocks, trees, dirt and bugs are some of his dearest friends!

What a daring pair - eldest and youngest! Way to look out for your little sister -

Its amazing how a few weeds can make such nice scenery.

Its a beautiful day - mother nature is calling!

A little rock climbling anyone? Don't worry it's only straight down! #2 doesn't really concern herself with trivial things like - height or falling. That could be why she is the only one (knock on something wooded) that has had stitches or a cast! Actually it's a miracle that she hasn't been wounded more!

Quad sweet quad!

What a cool outing=====
a quad, some kids, some dirt and the possibilities are endless........................

We have these dear family friends-you could call them more like family - well, we went on an overnight gettaway to their family cabin and we happen to bring along a small motorized vehicle. Oh - what fun we did have!
The kids - along with help from the Dads - constructed - a jump - that provided hours of entertainment and smiles! Plus, a lot of really cool pictures.

#3 caught some good air----- #1 treated #5 to a casual ride around the grounds

Oh the joy of children! I might be bias but dang - they're a good looking group!

#1 was eating this high flying up - over and over again trying to beat the last jump- that is - go higher than his previous jump or that of his friends or siblings.

The lovely#2 and#4 smiling pretty for the camera - but be sure that they too took their turn to hit the jump and squeal with delight. #4 held on tight and closed her eyes equally as tight!

Karate - HA YA!

It's Karate Time!

#1 is posing with Master Mendoza after receiving his purple belt. Way to go Man!
Don't let the skinny fool you - his ridge hand is brutal!

Ok so it's not just karate - they are a part of a mixed martial arts school - and they are loving it!

#3 has just earned his high white belt - of which he is quite proud - but of course he is now looking to conquer the next challenge. He prefers battling on the ground.....it's fun to watch.


This lady looks sweet enough but
don't let looks and size fool you.....#2 just getting her purple belt...she worked really hard, especially considering that she had to overcome the setback of having a chipped bone in her elbow.......Her kicks are a sight to see.

Random Summer photos

Random Photos are the best!


Here we have #2 being signed by her Cute Grandma

She loves to dance --------

Almost everyday #4 wants to know if its Monday so that she can go to dance class. It's so extra cute! She is taking tap and ballet. - She loves to show her new moves! Plus, all her little friends are in the same class- which is bonus joy for her!

Twin Day

Welcome to Twin Day - #1 and #2 were twinned up with their matching shirts, shorts and sticks -

FEEL the LOVE!

These pictures are just stuck in here because I love them and I didnt' go back to the actual entry - they should be included in.....

they were taken in June - while we were at home in Idaho - I suppose I love it because there I don't have to be the Mom all the time - there I get to be the daughter and relax into the old days.


This cute Auntie A - is so tender with all the nieces and nephews- they feel her love and give it right back! So- #5 and cousin D are enjoying the benefits of their birth.

COMPANY

In July we had company - the Sweetheart's sister and her children stayed with us for a couple of weeks - they were yearning for the 110 degree heat.
It was good renew relationships - This is the first time we've seen them since they moved to vermont 2 years ago.

.

Our Crew and the Vermont cousins!

Sweetheart's Fam, Father and Sisters! Left to Right- Aunt D, (vermont) Aunt L, PapaTito, and Aunt M!

Cousins are the BEST!

These two - dancing up a storm - getting a little grove on!


I CAN SEE!



Our #two finally got some sight going on - and Wow - she's a doll.


BUBBLES ANYONE?

So bubble bath + jets = way too much fun!

#2 Turned EIGHT

What a special day to be 8 and be Baptised.......

On the 15th of August
surrounded by those who love her - including all of her grandparents, she made one of the most important decisions in her life. I've never seen someone so excited. She was bouncing with anticipation!

While Auntie S. took the picture - the rest of the party put on our best smiles.

I can't believe she is eight. After she was baptised, I met her in the dressing room and she was beaming with the most radiant smile. She looked at me with pure joy and exclaimed,
"I am baptized!"



What a lovely young lady - we are so thankful to be her parents.


It was a beautiful day- Pink cast and all.

On to SUMMER!

Summer Vacation






swim little ones

You know summer break in Arizona isn't the same as in other regions of the country. We have to fill our summer days escaping the sun! So we spent the hours with swimming lessons, karate class, summer movies and visits to the library. You can go out after dark for a little non-water outdoor activity but mostly people around here stay in doors, or just leave....and go North- anywhere North!

The kids all loved swimming lessons. I tried to schedule them at the earliest times available, because while the offspring were being aquatically educated - #5 and I were melting. We did bring ice water and a spray bottle to spritz ourselves but that half hour was a cooker! We saw fabulous progression from everybody - thanks teen swim instructors!

IN JUNE -


Little sister and her Eternal family.


this picture just didn't want to be big- I tried.

We (the sweetheart, #5 and I) did a quick trip Home - Idaho way, to attend a momentous event. My youngest sister, spouse and her darlings were sealed together for time and forever more! Oh - the joy! Plus, we were able to meet our new little nephew - who was born in May.


Then in July -

We made the crazy long trek to Idaho for our annual 4th of July Reunion. As usual it was so very much fun and a highlight of the summer. I just can't get enough of those Parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins kids etc. You might have noticed that I didn't mention sisters - well that could be because non of them showed. Pretty lame - but we did get some great quality one on one with the Parentals.



#2 Eating Chow with the Parentals


The Sweetheart hanging with Cute little Daddy



The Whole gang!
#5, #1, the Sweetheart, #2, #3 and #4 hanging in the common area at the Family Reunion.

If you look really close you can see #5, me and my darling Aunts. I sure do love these incredible ladies. If everyone could be so lucky ........

We were camped next to this wilderness hill that the kids kept wanting to hike and explore - So they got all suited up with their tennis shoes, sunglasses and water bottles and even found a courageous good sport to be their escort up the mountain side - and off they went. "Auntie" as she is referred to as by #4 - is seen here displaying their wondrous find. It ended up being the complete skin of a rattle snake - #1 and #3 were thrilled - we the parents - on the other hand thought it wise to halt the hiking excursions and find other less - dangerous activities to do......they were not pleased.

After our 4 days days in the hills - we headed to Boise. I had to get my Idaho fix plus, I wanted to see at least one of my sisters - so my eldest ventured down to bond with us for a few days.

We had so much fun taking out the ol' boat to Lucky Peak-. Most likely the unspoken nick-name of this vessel is"Ol' Reliable" - in the most sarcastic form possible. But on this occasion, to every ones pleasure and surprise - it started right up and we had a delightful afternoon. Every grandchild had the chance to captain the boat and I even tried water skiing after years of not.... I did get up but man "It ain't like it used to be". The kids still thought it was cool - and that's all that matters - right?Now this little photo of #5 and Little Mother on the dock - had a mind of it's own so just tilt and squint - it's worth the effort.

I do have some other really cute photos of this day and Boise - so stay tuned again....because it's so worth waiting for.......