Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary

In the beginning of August, we celebrated my mom and dad's 50th wedding anniversary. All of the siblings were able to make it, which is an accomplishment of itself. We had a fun time swimming, hanging out, and then had a dinner and program for my parents. Gifts include a photos album, letter from friends and loved ones, and a quilt with photos of all the grandchildren. It was a lot of fun and so great to be together. My parents are so awesome and it was great to be able to celebrate them for a change.

Big Bear

Rather than going to the beach this summer, we decided to go to the mountain town Big Bear in California for a week. We had a good time escaping the summer heat and were able to enjoy each other's company. Activities included playing, walking, fishing, miniature golfing, boating, water slides, go karts, and an alpine slide.

Movin' on to 1st Grade

Jayce and Noah graduated from school and even received some honors for memorizing more than 100 sight words. They both really progressed throughout the year in reading, writing, and socializing. Not sure they are happy to be in school all day, but we sure are.

Father and Sons Outing

Last weekend we had father and sons outing at Mt. Charleston. We got up there around 3 p.m. and the kids had a blast climbing the mountain, playing with sticks, and running around with their friends and cousins. Their favorite part was the few patches of snow that were still there. They had a great time playing in the snow and throwing snowballs at me.

Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge

While Robin and her mom were at women's conference in Utah, me, the kids, and her Dad (who stayed with me while the women were in Utah) walked across the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. Since Robin expressed no interest in ever walking across the dam, it was a perfect opportunity to take the kids. It was a little surreal: the dam and lake so far below and cars zooming past on the other side of a concrete wall. The bridge connects the Nevada and Arizona approach highways nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River. It has also makes the drive to Phoenix much easier.

Valley of Fire

We were looking for something to do Easter weekend and decided to take a day trip to Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The kids had a great time hiking, scrambling up rocks, and going to the visitor's center. It's crazy how daring all of the kids were climbing up and down the rocks. Only a couple of Band-Aids were needed.

Spiders, Ants, and Bees Oh My!

Jayce and Noah had their kindergarten performance of Bugz. They were spiders and did a great job singing and dancing. They are very shy and didn't want anything to do with the speaking parts. Grandma and Logan also came to support them. It was cute and all the kids did a awesome.