Back to school

This week the kids headed back to school.

Randi decided to be in the Orchestra this year. She has talked about playing the violin all summer. But when we went to look at the instruments, the Cello stole her heart! However, I think we both questioned her choice the first day she had to pack it to school!

They had a great first week of school!! Ella and I had a great first week of quiet days and long naps!

History

Jim was headed to Camp Verde for a few days. We thought it would be fun to tag along with him this time.

While Dad was out working, we played. We found there was more than we could ever do in a few days. So we just chose a few.

Montezuma Castle!

We took our time and learned all we could about it.

Although it was interesting to most of us, Ellie just didn't see the excitement.

Then on to Tuzigoot

ending our day in the pool!

The next day we took our time, did the girls hair and waited for Dad to get back.

Jim took us to Jerome, the "Worlds Most Vertical City". I think his favorite part was the windy steep roads through the city. Definitely a place I would hate to live!!



This is the #7 shaft at the Phelps Dodge mine. In 1937 this was an engineering marvel! The shaft is seven compartment, concrete lined and reaches down 3700 feet.


This head frame is the oldest standing wood structure. At the Jerome State Park.


Randi, overlooking the beautiful Verde Valley!


Elle loves to pose, she was excited to take a picture like her sister!
and there always has to be some fun in learning history

But this time Ryder still wasn't feeling his best and just couldn't make it.

We had a great time learning some history of Arizona and being with our Dad.

Another round

We did one last session of swimming lessons before school starts.

Randi has always been a fish. With each lesson she just keeps getting better and better.

Ryder has taken off and is now swimming freestyle and the back stroke. He is becoming a fish.

This time Ellie graduated to a class on her own.

She loved having her own time and her own teacher.

Throughout all of the lessons, floating on the big floaties has been something she has wanted to do. She was thrilled when her class got to use it.

Happy Birthday

Randi is another year older!

For years I have wanted to make her a butterfly cake, but there was always something she wanted more. This year, she asked for a butterfly cake. I was so excited!!! She was happy with it also!

She couldn't wait to get to her presents. It took her a minute figure out that this one was real and not just a trick.

Isn't the look on her face cute? When she finally started to believe it was what she thought it was AND real... all she could do was look at her Dad with this look. Only fitting since he had told her there was no way she would ever get a cell phone in his life time.

She played with it all day. Poor Kara was probably tired of her.

Happy Birthday Randi!!!

Camping Fun

We went camping over July 4th weekend this year.

Camping has always been one of our family's favorite things to do. But over the past few years we haven't gotten to get out much.

This was our year to go out, have fun, and get dirty!

We enjoyed learning about the new critters and creatures

Ryder even took this little guy to the camp next door to show his friends.

We played games


went on a few hikes


and just relaxed.


We had fun cooking hotdogs on a stick


Although when it started to rain we all left Dad and Randi to endure to the end. After the rain we all roasted marshmallows and made smores.

She isn't sad... she is a good poser!

He is such a comedian

We had a great time!

We can't wait to go out again!

A Day with Friends

Before heading home from the beach, we stopped to see a few old friends.

It was nice to get in out of the heat...

While there, Randi entertained us

then, Ellie chimed in

After a short visit...

and a look around his house...

We took one last picture, said our goodbyes, and headed over the Mini's.

Mini wasn't there today, so we made ourselves at home

took a quick rest

and freshened up a bit.

Then we were off again, to see Goofy. After eyeing his clothes

Ryder borrowed a hat

It's kind of hard to drive when you can't see

No worries! Randi made a call and...

Dumbo came right over. He took us to see a few more special friends

We landed in Tinker Hollow

Ellie was thrilled to see Tinkerbell
"Glad to meet you Miss Bell"

We said our goodbyes and were off again

stopped at the castle to see Cinderella

Then on to the 100 acre wood

Where we rode a honey pot in to see pooh and his friends.

Pooh's house is always fun

It was a long day in the sun