EFY Flagstaff

Emily and Andrew went to Especially For Youth (EFY) in Flagstaff this week and they had a great time!  They loved meeting new people, and some of their new friends live near us.  They were sad to say "goodbye," but also glad to be home. 

All packed and ready to go

Emily's pictures

Andrew's pictures

It sure was quiet with them gone, but we're glad to have them back!

First Week of Summer

Our summer is off to a great start!  It's already busy, but we're having fun. 

On Wednesday night, we went to the Hale Theatre to see Newsies! 

On Saturday morning, Andrew went on a hike with his Scout troop.

On Saturday afternoon, we went to pick peaches at Schnepf Farms and stopped by their bakery for some peachy cinnamon rolls, cookies, and lemon bars.  Yum!!

Joe and Brandie's visit

We had a nice visit with my brother Joe and his wife Brandie and baby girl Delilah.  On Saturday, we met them at Arizona Mills Mall and went to the Sea Life Aquarium.  It was very cool!  The kids all loved it!

After the Aquarium, we walked around the mall for a while.

Then, on Sunday, we all went to Betsy's house for dinner.  The kids loved eating tacos and visiting with their cousins!

It was great to see everyone!

Daniel's 12th Birthday

Daniel had a great birthday!  His friends came over this morning, and we all went to see Aladdin.  It was really good!  After the movie, we walked over to In-N-Out Burger for lunch.  Then we went back to our house for cake and presents, and the boys all hung out until the party was over.  Nathaniel was able to have a video call with us and wish Daniel a "Happy Birthday."  In the evening, Daniel wanted breakfast for dinner, so we went to IHOP.

Happy Birthday, Daniel!!!

Last Day of School

It's hard to believe the school year is already over!  Daniel "graduated" from elementary school, and I was there to watch the "clap-out."  The whole school was on the playground and made a path for the 6th graders, and everyone cheered them on as they walked past.  Daniel is officially a middle-schooler now!

After school today, I took the kids to get ice cream at Cold Stone. 

Let the summer fun begin!

Jonathan's Student of the Month Award

Jonathan was named Student of the Month for May.  The character trait for May is "Trustworthiness," and his teacher had so many nice things to say about him.  She said, "When I think of the definition of trustworthiness, I think of Jonathan.  He is sincere and reliable.  Jonathan expresses his true feelings in an honest yet caring way.  His friends can always count on him and trust him to always do the right thing.  I can entrust Jonathan with any task and know that he will follow through to the best of his ability.  You rock, Jonathan!"

Here he is with a model of his invention project--an Egg Blaster.  First you take a hard-boiled egg and take off a little of the shell from the top and bottom of the egg.  Then you put it in the egg blaster, and when you pump the air into it, the eggs pops out and is peeled perfectly.  He got the idea when I asked him to help peel eggs for Easter.

We are so proud of you, Jonathan!!!

Carrie Underwood Concert

We finally got to use Emily's Christmas gift of tickets to the Carrie Underwood concert!!!  Emily and I left about 5:30pm and went to Osaka for dinner. We just sat at a regular table and it was delicious! Then we headed over to the Talking Stick Resort Arena. 

Waiting for Carrie Underwood to come on

The concert was amazing! Carrie Underwood didn’t come on until about 8:30pm or so. She was amazing and the set was amazing.  I loved the medley she did of famous female country singers’ songs with the ladies from her opening acts—Runaway Jane and Maddie and Tae.  

We left the arena at about 10:45pm and made it home by midnight. It was an amazing, exhausting day!