spring adventures

 We purchased year-long passes to the local aeronautics museums here in Tucson in January.  There's the Pima Air and Space Museum, and the Titan Missile Museum.  The first few pictures are the kids playing in a cockpit at PASM.  Flat Stanley came along for our trip in March, thanks to a school project.

Sara the Astronaut

 The kids loved the wildlife we saw while waiting to get into the PASM.  The line was long that day, so we had lots of time to admire this prairie dog.  He'd sunbathe on the large rock, and then hide in the shade of the bush.  Amazed he held still so I could get this picture!  And then we also saw a lot of cactus wren.  The kids especially loved how this one is sticking just it's head out!

in the control room

 And finally, the missile museum.  I just love how Kylie has her ears covered... we've been here enough that she knows, the moment we walk into the control room, that a loud noise will be coming... eventually... she had her ears covered the whole time we were in there!  They do a little demonstration of what the procedures would have been, had we ever launched the Titan II missiles.    And here's one look at the Titan II missile. 

Karate

So little Jared started Karate in the fall. And here's a glimpse from his first belt promotion back in December. I'm hoping we'll be able to show pics from another promotion ceremony soon!

so from what I understand (because I'm far from an expert in Karate), the belt holds all the karate knowledge. We never wash the belt, it never touches the ground, it's very sacred. So first, have to transfer that knowledge into the new belt. Then student and sensei break open the belt. It was a pretty cool ceremony! And Jared definitely looks forward to his weekly classes.

Grandma, this update is for you!

So, I was informed a couple of weeks ago at how bad I've been at updating this blog. Yeah, I know... *sigh* but since I know that certain peoples check this every Sunday, I will TRY to do better!! So here's a little something to tide you over, and who knows.. maybe there will be more than just this one update when my wonderful family up in UT checks up on us this weekend!

Okay, so these are from Thanksgiving weekend in Yuma. The 3 older kids were caught in the midst of perusing the Black Friday ads (Mom's orders) to make Christmas wish lists. So in order, we have Jared... when he was done with his list, he was helping Sara circle pretty much everything in the ads, so so helpful! Then Joseph, running around outside. And then my two beautiful girls. Sara and Kylie, both so focused on the ads!

Madera Canyon in August

I love Madera Canyon. especially when the creek is flowing! If you're ever in the Tucson area, I'd recommend you take the time to go. The weather is cooler, the scenery is beautiful. We went up the day after Kylie's baptism, while family was still in town. Nick and Tiffany came, with Jayson, along with Grandpa and Roma, and my wonderful in-laws.

We found a bush that was covered in ladybugs! I had never seen anything like that before, it was quite amazing! and here's just one picture of the lovely creek.



















I really liked this picture of Grandpa and Roma. and here is, probably our most recent, the family!

Kylie

OK, So apparently I've been really behind here... in July, our oldest turned 8, and was baptized! Here she is with her dad.









Jared, Kylie and myself. My mom made that dress for Kylie, and it's still her favorite dress.

And then some of the cousins that came for her special day. I especially love how Claire is attacking Kylie and Kitty with love and hugs!