Hiking at San Tan Mtn Regional Park

On Saturday morning, after breakfast, we decided to take the kids hiking (something we've never really done as a family in AZ). The closest place was San Tan Mtn Park...only about 10 minutes from our house. The kids were excited because they also got to see some snakes, lizards, a tarantula, and a scorpion that were on display inside the visitor's center. The guy took one of the snakes out for us to "pet", but only Jake, Daddy, and Mommy were interested in touching it! We had a fun time together.

The scenery is quite a bit different here, compared to hiking in UT...

...but fun was had by all, none the less!

I love the fact that our boys get to experience so many different elements of nature...having lived in both UT and AZ. I was 20 years old when I saw my first cactus...and my first palm tree, come to think of it!

Indoor Camping

I love Friday's and we usually try to do something fun with the kids on those nights. Typically, it consists of a movie from Redbox and popcorn, but last Friday Curt and I thought the boys would have fun sleeping in the tent in their bedroom.



The boys were so excited to go to bed that night. I wish I could say that they were perfect little angels and all fell asleep within 5 minutes...but at least they were having a good time. I love how these boys are all best friends...even though the relationship is "love/hate" some times.



Some of Ty's favorite Webkinz and his Puffle all snuggled into their makeshift bed that he makes most nights before bed...

He has these guys on either side of his pillow. Gotta love that kid!

Arizona Winter Fun

Since Christmas break, the boys have had a fun time spreading their blankets on the grass and laying down with their Pillow Pets. I took these pictures from inside the house because 40-50 degrees is too cold for me!

Ty Loses His First 2 Teeth!



The hole from tooth #1
Ty was such a champ! He let Daddy use his pliers to get the tooth out,
and not one tear or whimper came from Ty!



A few days later, we convinced him to pull the 2nd one out. What a kid!!



AND...
This is Ty's Lego truck he had me take pictures of...



...and this is his Lego guy :)

Christmas Day 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas!

Santa hooked Ty up with an easel...



Luke got a bunch of Kung Zhu stuff and a Beyblade...



Jake got a train set...

The boys got the thing that they have been talking about for MONTHS
(thanks to Gma & Gpa Holbrook)...Pillow Pets!

Ty with his new BB gun...

The aftermath!



Daddy built this awesome table for the train and also for Lego's!



We are so grateful for the generosity of others, especially our families. Christmas morning was filled with the opening of presents, breakfast burritos with Gma & Gpa Holbrook, Aunt Alayna, Ashlie, & Joe (Ashlie's boyfriend), and playing ball outside with their new "T", bats, and gloves (thanks to Papa & Gma Debbie). We feel so blessed and are excited and hopeful for the new year to come.  

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve at Grandpa & Grandma Holbrook's = Yummy food!

Jake loves this snowglobe.

The Pajama Elf found us at Grandma's!



Luke reading the letter from the Pajama Elf...





Cute boys in their new jammies, ready to go home to bed so that Santa can come!



Jake's Preschool Christmas Party

Jake had his preschool Christmas party yesterday!
He was so cute and did a great job singing.
They did a gift exchange also and all of the kids had so much fun with that.

School Pictures Sept 2010

I came across these school pictures when I was sifting through some boxes the other day. Better late than never!

Ty- 1st Grade

Luke- 3rd Grade