Fred the Cactus is gone

We were sad that our very large Saguaro cactus got a disease and was dying.  He was so tall and if he fell it would be very dangerous so we had him taken down.  We named him Fred when we first moved here and the name stuck.

We researched what we could do to try to save him, and tried using the bleach and water solution that was recommended.  It worked for a while, but then it just got worse and worse.  Those gray spots kept getting bigger and bigger.  After it was removed, the guy who took it down said that it was rotting inside.  

Cutting Fred down

If you look at the end of the video, you'll see our neighbors were outside watching the process.

Bye, Fred!  We miss you already!

The first day of school--again!

 The kids are going back to school in person!  Yay!  These pictures are basically the same as before, except that their smiles are bigger and they are dressed a little nicer.

Emily, Senior

Andrew, freshman

Emily drives them to school at 6:10am for zero hour

Daniel, 8th grade

Jonathan, 6th grade

Jonathan takes the bus and Daniel walks to school

They are so glad to be done with online classes and they had a great first day back!

Visit with Shannon and Jay and family

Michael's sister, Shannon, and her family visited this weekend.  On Saturday, we met them for lunch.  On Sunday, they all came to our house, along with Erin, Carol, and Steve.  It was nice to have his whole side of the family together.  Shannon and Jay and their girls Chloe and Julia, live in Kenya, but they also have a new home in Utah where they have been staying during Covid.  They drove down here and did some sightseeing on the way here and on the way back.  Our kids had a great time playing with their cousins!  We also had a fun time playing 5 Second Rule together.

The whole family, except for Nathaniel

Playing Jenga

It was great to see everyone!

Nathaniel is now at BYU!

Michael and I were able to go up to Utah to help Nathaniel get settled into his apartment at BYU.  He is excited, but he has also been away from school for two years so he is a little apprehensive.  I know he'll do great!

Here is our before picture on Tuesday

Here are the common areas of the complex.  They have nice grounds, a pool and hot tub, a bbq area with a pizza oven, and an exercise room.

On Wednesday, we walked around campus.  We got his ID and found where his classes are.  

This was taken in front of the library. 

The Joseph F. Smith building was especially cool.

Here he is in front of his apartment

"After" pictures of his room

Good luck, Nathaniel!  You can do it!

Andrew's 15th Birthday

Andrew had a great birthday!  On Saturday night, he had some friends over and they played games and hung out and had pizza and cake.

On his birthday, he wanted lunch at Olive Garden.  Jonathan and Daniel didn't want to go and Michael and Nathaniel were at work, so we had fun with just the three of us.

Andrew was glad to get birthday money and this Titanic 3D puzzle.  He is also pretty excited about his new flight simulator game he bought for the laptop, using his birthday money.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!  We love you and we are so proud of you!

Jonathan's 11th Birthday

Jonathan had a great birthday!

On Thursday, he opened his presents.  He was so excited about his Funko Pops and wooden 3D puzzle!  He also loved the huge box of Sour Patch Kids and his new Pokemon watch.

Then we all went to Sodalicious to get sodas and cookies.  

On Friday, he had four friends over for a party.  

They went swimming

and had pizza and cake.

Andrew helped him with putting together his new 3D puzzle.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

First Day of School

The kids said that today doesn't really count as the first day of school because it's online, but I say it does and I took the pictures anyway.

Emily, Senior

Andrew, Freshman

Daniel, 8th grade

Jonathan, 6th grade

All ready for online school!