Field Trip

The kids and I went on a field trip a couple weeks ago to a high altitude helicopter training facility. We found out that pilots here have to be specially trained due to the high altitude the air is thinner. Their reaction time is shorter. It was pretty cool and we learned a lot. We did find out it would cost about $20,000 dollars just to learn to fly and get your lesson. Of course the favorite part was sitting in the helicopter! It looked so small and it actually sat 4 people! At the end they gave every child a bag with a color book, poster, plastic helicopter, and a book to read about helicopters. It was such a fun trip!

Awana cars

The kids have their Awana race next weekend so Last Friday and Saturday morning we worked on their cars. On of the men in this church has a large workshop with everything you could need to make your cars. They even served us pizza! The kids had a great time working with their dad and turning a chunk of wood into a car. Keith had to do the cutting but they did the sanding and some painting. Avery of course made a pink princess car, Kaylee made a blue car, and Zack made a corvette that is gray with a black stripe. They all turned out great and we will see how the race goes next weekend!

Our weekend

Since Keith was going to be gone for Saturday night the kids and I decided to go have some fun as well. We went down to Phoenix and found a great hotel with a pool and hot tub. We did alot of swimming (outside I might add!) and then we went to the zoo. I love my kids and I love spending time with them. It was so nice to hear that this was the best weekend of their lives! A lot of pictures follow and a warning to my midwest friends, you might get a little jealous!

My kids!

We had to ride the merry go round!

Kaylee at the little people barn.

Avery looking cute!

My little turtle.

We celebrated this little girl's 3rd birthday today

Super Star!

Zack favorite part is touching the stingrays. This time we got to feed them!

Zack hanging out at the pool

Feeding the stingrays

Kaylee taking a dip!

The girls!

Girl's night at Starbucks

Zack went to a boy scout meeting and Keith was at work so the girls and I were alone. We ran a couple errends and then went to Barnes and Noble and had a treat at Starbuck's. Of course Kaylee chose the cheesecake and Avery had to have the huge chocolate cupcake. She was a mess! We had a great time. I love sharing these times with my girls and I hope we always stay close when they are older!

Zack's First Game

Zack had his first basketball game on Saturday. It is hard to believe this is the same kid who played two years ago. He has only played that one season and after he played that I considered that basketball may not be his sport. Well this year he proved me wrong! He was awesome! He scored 14 of the 21 points and did awesome on defense. We are so proud of our star player!

Basketball Boy

Zack started basketball again this year. He is playing with upward basketball which is a Christian based league that teaches character and values. Keith is one of the coaches and Zack was so happy about that! He had his first practice tonight and he had so much fun and can't wait for his first game on Saturday.

Nice Weather

The weather here has been so great we have gotten to be outdoors quite a bit again. It is so nice to enjoy the fresh air! We went down to the field and Kaylee and Zack proceeded to play football which always consists of Kaylee tackling Zack. It is so nice to see them playing together. The also played soccer and hit some golf balls. While they were busy Avery was making a campfire and playing on the rocks. She is usually in her own world! This week we are looking forward to many outside activities as it will be almost 70 degrees!

Guitar player

Ever since Zack recieved a guitar this summer from uncle Mike he has been waiting to start his lessons. Finally we got into some private lessons with a really fun teacher. He is so excited to be able to play 3 songs and learned 2 chords. He is doing so well and I hear him in his room frequently practicing. He is really wanting to play an electric guitar so we will see how it goes!

The Grand Canyon

Well after living here for over a year we finally made it to the Grand Canyon! Grandma and Grandpa were visiting and they wanted to go as well so off we went. The drive was pretty easy and the kids were so excited to see all the snow up there. Of course we had to have a snowball fight! I was a little nervous that someone was going to go sliding down into the canyon. On the way home there was a horrible wreck which closed the two lane highway for almost an hour. We had a great day and the kids got another one of their junior ranger badges! If you look closely at the photos of the canyons you can see some people standing at the top which should give you a sense of the amazing views of the canyon. Going there truly makes you see the awesomeness of God!