Camping at Scott Reservoir

Ok, Daddy here with my first contribution to the family blog. I've been talking to Jeremiah about going camping for a couple months now and we finally got the chance when he had spring break, since my days off are mid-week. I almost thought the camping plans were trashed due to my getting jury duty on one of my days off but we still made it work. I had jury duty on Tuesday but was dismissed at the end of the day (although it would have been interesting to be on that jury - it was for a vehicular manslaughter case). Early Wednesday morning we made the 3.5 hour drive northeast through Gila County, into Navajo County, stopping at Scott Reservoir near Pinetop-Lakeside. It was a long jaunt but it sure was beautifully scenic. We could have pulled over several times to take pictures but we only stopped once to view the Salt River Canyon. I hadn't been to the Pinetop-Lakeside area at all before which is partly the reason I chose that spot (and there was no camping fee to stay there!). Pretty standard 'car camping': park, pitch tent, hang out, start a fire, roast some marshmallows. I figured since this was only a 'reservoir' going for a walk around it wouldn't be too difficult. The first half of going around it was nice, easy flat grassy areas. The 2nd half was rugged, rocky, and craggy. I don't know if we just got lost off the trail or what but we ended up having to cross a little brook to get back to the camp site. We threw a bunch of large rocks in the water to make a 'bridge' to cross. There were a lot of animal tracks and a LOT of poop along the way (deer, elk, coyote, fox). With all the tracks and scat around I was surprised we didn't run into any large animals. So that was a nice two hour hike. Back at camp we struck up the fire, cooked hot dogs, and enjoyed a lazy evening. The stars are always so spectacular at night once you get away from the city lights. Jeremiah went into the tent around 9pm to 'rest his tummy' after we killed off all but three marshmallows from the bag. It was a little chilly at night (mid 30's) but not too bad. The next morning we left around 10am and got home at 1:15 in the afternoon which gave me about five minutes to shower before I had to leave for work. We had a great time and hope to enjoy God's magnificent creation again sometime soon.

Girl's Day!

Yesterday Alayna and I had a fabulous Ladies Day Out. Grandma (Peter's Mom) joined us for half of it. Peter and Jeremiah left around 7:30 for an overnight camping adventure. We lazed around in the morning and then went shopping for some summer clothes and an Easter dress for Laynie. Then, we had a healthy lunch at Jason's Deli!!! YUM! After that we headed home and Grandma took Alayna over to the pool for some pool time, while I enjoyed 30 minutes of reading out on the porch. Then, we prayed together and took Grandma to the airport. Once she was safely inside, we drove to a park for a little while. After that it was MORE shopping at Target--just for household stuff, but still fun! Finally, we came home, got in our "comfy clothes" and did some Wii Fit together! We had a supper of leftovers and then I gave her a mani-pedi! She was so excited! It was the first time she's ever had her nails painted--and she loves them! She cannot stop talking about her "pretty nails" (even though I did a HORRIBLE job, as you can see). She still loves it. This morning, we lazed around and played games and read stories and did some more Wii action. Then, we just hung out outside and waited for "Daddy and Brother" to get home. They got home with just enough time to spare for Peter to shower and dash off to work. And we spent the rest of the playing outside with friends.
All in all--FABULOUS times were had by all and Peter and I think we need to make this as a monthly thing! :)





Peter will be posting something about the camping trip, so stay tuned!

Golfland!

We took advantage of the GORGEOUS weather on Wednesday (and Jeremiah's shortened day) to go miniature golfing. We had such a fantastic time! We hardly ever do anything like this as a family (something that costs money, that is). Its a rare opportunity that we have the time and the funds for such an excursion, but so worth it! We invited Jeremiah's good friend Timothy and his Mom to join us, and it was great. A lot of other families had the same idea, so it was a little crowded, but not too bad. Both Jeremiah and I got a hole in one (and no, not on the last "hole" where you turn your balls in). Alayna pretty much gave up after the third hole--but Peter was able to convince her to take some other shots along the way. She would take the first shot and then go and pick up her ball and go on to the next hole. It was just nice to do something as a family that didn't involve the Wii or the park (where I can get a little bored and irritated at other children who are not being supervised and using nasty language, throwing sand, and what-have-you). We didn't just want to hang out inside and read or play board games either--the weather is too nice right now and in about a month it will be too hot to be outside for long periods of time (unless you're swimming).

So, yes, much fun was had by all!

Mr. Robot-O

Jeremiah is such a creative and funny kid. He has a fantastic imagination. I love listening to him when he plays in his room--with his Legos or transformers or blocks (which he builds these elaborate castles with)--he has some interesting dialogue. I can't help but laugh, but at the same time wonder--is he really only 7?! He's pretty amazing. The past couple weeks, they had been studying robots in school. He had made one cardboard robot as an extra credit project. Unfortunately, we didn't get a photo of that before it came home from school, pretty much destroyed from being carried in his backpack. But, yesterday, we were outside enjoying the gorgeous weather we're having, and he made a robot out of whatever toys/stuff we had on our porch.

I think it looks like a pretty good robot.






Yep, he's a an interesting fellow, that Jeremiah!