Safford Hot Air Balloons

Well this is the closest we're going to get to hot air balloons this year. It's not quite the same as the Albuquerque balloon fiesta, but it was pretty fun. The kids loved getting close to the balloons again. Darci absolutely loves hot air balloons. Plus, we only had to wake up at 6am instead of 4:30am!

Videos

We took the plunge and got rid of Darci's binky.. I'm convinced it's the reason she's getting so many runny noses. As you can see from the video, I'm still considering giving it back, at least for naptimes. I'm missing her 2-3 hr naps!

The big exciting thing this summer is that Derek has learned how to swim. I honestly wasn't sure if he would ever learn, but he surprised us and is doing great at it after only 1 lesson this year. Hopefully Paige and Kevin will pick it up as easily next year.

Darci loves to get on the trampoline and run around and have fun.

Camping on Mt Graham

We went camping last week up on Mount Graham. I guess it rains the entire month of July up there, so it was really no surprise that it rained pretty good that night. The sound of rain drops dropping off the trees onto our tent kept me awake most of the night. But I think everyone had a lot of fun. Thanks to our friends for letting us borrow their tent. Our tent-poles have mysteriously disappeared.

The kids found a rope swing at our campsite.

They also had fun building a fort. They thought it would be a good place for the bears to sleep at night.

I was surprised at how green everything was and how many ferns covered the ground.

Darci back at home trying to eat one of Grandpa's ginormous cucumbers.

Her hair is getting so long and blonde and pretty.

O-BAMA the green dinosaur

Kevin got this green Toy Story dinosaur from my mom for his birthday. He loves it. He asked me what it's name was and I said I didn't know, we can call it whatever you want. He instantly said, "Obama!" So, meet Obama, the green dinosaur!

We had a great rainstorm last night.

Derek has learned to swim FINALLY so next year we'll work on the other 3.

Lulu is loving it in Nana and Grandpa's backyard with the 4 other dogs.

Riding bikes...

Darci likes to climb up on the table when we're not looking and sneak people's drinks... Yesterday I heard her whining in the kitchen and I walked in and she was hanging off the table.

Down at the river...

A fire down by the river

We finally found a house to rent to rent - just around the corner from Tad's parents. We wont be able to move in there until the end of Aug, so hopefully his parent's don't get sick of us before then and kick us out on the streets!