A Weekend with the "Mountain" Papa & Grandma

So anyone who lives with naturally growing trees around is considered "Mountian People." And the boys were SO excited for their Papa & Grandma to "come down from the mountain" and visit for a long weekend...(you'll notice the mini-me syndrome between Luke & my Dad).

Charlie enjoyed showing off his '57 Triumph Chopper (Karen is speechlessly thrilled he has a motorcycle, again--did someone say "Diasability Insurance"?). And after my Dad fiddled with a few things it starts with one "kick"--which I assume is great (I kinda liked it better when it didn't...just sat in the garage & looked pretty). The best part is that Luke calls the motorcycle a "bicycle"...and makes sure Charlie always wears his helmet. Don't tell Charlie I told anyone...but he was so happy after he bought the bike...he would go peak in the garage just to make sure it was still there.

See...happy to the point of tears! (Ok, so maybe it was breezy out).

We never let anyone come visit without seeing SOMETHING cool about Arizona...so this time we tried to go to Old Tucson (an old movie set from the 1940's)...but they were having a speical event someone neglected to post online and were closing 30 min after we arrived...and it was going to cost about $75 to get in, so we skipped the "faster-than-lightning" visit & will go back another time.

Then we drove to the San Xavier del Bac Mission built in 1783 (but a majority of it was covered with scaffolding for restorations).

Third times a charm...We drove over to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. (Luckily all these places were only about 15-20 min apart).

Luke loves planes...when he walked into the museum we thought he was going to die from excitement. Seth & Brendan preffered "The Graveyard" with all the fighter planes, helicopters, etc...even the Presidential planes...but really liked the simulator.

This huge plane is the Columbine (I'm sure it's famous for something...but with 4 kids you don't have too much reading time at a museum)...You know it's a big plane if it makes my 6'2" Dad look small!

This was his favorite...because of the "big A" on the side of the helicopter...the only letter he ever says.

Concentrating so hard...Luke really LOVES to fly (which would explain his attachment to Superman).
Trying to start the plane like "the olden days...do you remember that, Papa?"

This is the Tucson Ring Meteorite which was first discovered by Jesuit Missionaries in 1736.

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing at home and enjoying the sunshine. When Dad & Liz flew home on Monday it was 74 high/ 48 low for Phoenix...when they landed at home it was 52 high/ 42 low for Portland. The boys can't wait to go camping in Oregon this July. It'll be much warmer by then!

It's Great to Be Eight!

We can hardly believe that Seth is almost eight! (Ok, so maybe we can hardly believe we're OLD ENOUGH to have an eight year old!) Grandma Liz and I took Seth over to Villago Park to catch a couple of good pictures for his baptism announcements. I guess I've "trained" him well 'cause Seth ended up with quite a few good shots...there's hope for the other three yet!








Seth turns eight on March 23--yes, it's Easter--but has to wait until April 12 to be baptized (which is also the day of the Pinewood Derby) There's nothing like being double booked over and over and over...

Hiking at Picacho Peak

Uncle Brandon loves to hike...and Arizona has PERFECT hiking weather in the winter. We took the boys to Picacho Peak (about 20 min south of Casa Grande) and went on the "Children's Cave Trail--1/2 mile" (which is basically an indentation in a gi-normous boulder with a lot of rocks for the kids to climb on) and attempted the "Nature Trail--1/2 mile"...but somehow took a wrong turn and ended up hiking farther. It was a lot of fun and the boys thought they were in the "wilderness"--but if you look real close in the picture of Diane & Brandon, you can actually see I-10 in the distance.

Notice the cantine Lucas is holding...the boys packed ALL their "camping gear" for the hike in a backpack that Seth is carrying...including the lanterns..."just to be safe."
Look real hard and you can see the white trailer of a "Big Truck"...then notice how tall this catus is...considering Diane is 5'9" and Brandon is even talller!Aunt Diane even carried Dylan most of the time...Mommy is getting very spoiled this weekend.

Grandma Carolyn and Grandpa Wayne came to help keep the boys from kissing any cacti...and carry the water...and the backpack...and the tired 3 year old Lucas...and then stuff all three boys into their tiny car so Karen, Diane, Brandon, and Dylan could have a quiet ride home in the mini-van. Thanks.

We sent Brandon ahead to make sure the boys couldn't fall over the top...Uncle Brandon thinks Mommy and Aunt Diane are paranoid.