Sunday, October 28, 2007

Visit with English/Scottish Friends






We had a great time visiting with our friends from the UK. (Thanks for coming!) Mostly, the kids just enjoyed each other and took the sites for granted. For example, at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, they were most interested in picking up sticks and running through the Juniper trees. And when they saw the amplitheatre, they danced on stage. They were quite oblivious to the massive canyon, which saved Rachael and I some grief about anyone falling off the edge. The next day we went on the toadstool hike in Utah, and the kids hiked wonderfully and enjoyed the rocks and sand. All around a nice visit. We hope to meet up with them for camping next spring/summer, perhaps Bryce Canyon?

Friday, October 19, 2007

First Boat Trip on Lake Powell






We had a fantastic day out on Lake Powell. This was the first boat trip for Jacob/Annie, and they did a wonderful job. Having their friends Eve and Jason certainly helped ease any worries. Our friends from down the street, Christine & Steve, took us out on a boat ride through the canyons of Lake Powell and on to the beach near Warm Springs. What a day! Thanks Steve, the boat captain. You will notice the buzz haircut on Jacob, an improvement.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Grandparents Visit







Grandma and Grandpa Sweatland came to visit us in Arizona. We've had fun catching up with them, playing with the kids and seeing the sights. Today took us to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The picture of the Grand Canyon has the family (minus me and little Annie) out on the walk. Besides that, we've seen the lake, the dam, the Vermillion Cliffs, the Kaibab Forest, the city of Page and a drive-by of Lee's Ferry. They're off tomorrow for the drive home to Kansas. We'll miss them, especially the kiddos.


Monday, October 8, 2007

Happy Birthday ! 4 years old !




We ended up celebrating Jake's birthday a day late, due to our trip to Prescott. But it was quite a day. We opened up gifts in the morning, and then rushed to get ready for his birthday party. We had about 12 kids over, mostly from his pre-school class. I, of course, forgot the camera until the party winded down. So I missed capturing the cake and the like. I used some of our moving boxes to make tunnels and rocket ships (Rachael, your boxes have seen a third life, the last being the most fun.) Plus we borrowed a bouncy-castle from some friends (thanks Christine!). I think everyone had a great time, especially the birthday boy. Thankfully we have the day off, and we are just going to relax.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Prescott (aka Preskit), Arizona









We spent the past few days in a cabin in Prescott (pronounced Preskit to Arizona people). We were there for a Trails Conference, which Aunt Annie helped organize. Since it was work related, lots of people Aunt Annie knew and worked with were there. And they all remarked at the similiarities between Aunt Annie and I (wow, are you twins? you must be related. I did a double-take. I tried to get your attention.) It has been a while since either of us have heard that. The drive home was a bit long, due to a slight detour. A very pretty detour through the mountains and past Jerome, Arizona. But we would have preferred the speed of the Interstate.