It's been a good day!

Arizona First Lego League Competition, getting ready for round 1

Jared the robot programmer

Sara playing Let it Go and Up on the Housetop

Sara with a few of her recital pals

Daniel getting picked up from Double V after completing his Order of the Arrow Ordeal (think Boy Scout honor society)

Peep Jousting 101

Every year around Easter the kiddos like to do a something we call peep jousting.  It's a joust involving marshmallow peeps (chicks or bunnies), toothpicks, and the microwave.  The peep to receive be impaled with a toothpick loses and gets eaten by the spectators.  There's always lots of cheering and speculation as to who the winner will be along with a running commentary during the joust.  Oh the great fun that it is to blow stuff up in the microwave!

If you've not enjoyed the sport of peep jousting, here's a quick tutorial to get you started.

Peep Jousting 101 part 1 or 2 

Peep Jousting 101 part 2 of 2

Peep Jousting 102  the introduction of riders coming soon

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

To celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday we enjoyed a yummy dinner of green eggs & ham and truffula fruit (aka mangos & pears).

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

Wanna Twist?

Nothing brings a family closer together than a good 'ol fashion game of 

TWISTER!

Family Scripture Study?

Sometimes this is what family scripture study looks like at the Kemp home. Children faking that they are asleep.  Silly kiddos!

January's Family Reading Party

Family Reading Parties are the BEST!!!

I can't think of a better way to start off the new year!

2010 Spudman

Melissa, Jon, Bryan
Kemp siblings

Coloring Easter Eggs

The kids had a lot of fun decorating their eggs.

Easter Breakfast

Bryan woke up very early and surprised us all with a delicious breakfast. Of course, the kids wanted a picture of their beeeaauuutiiifuuul pancake creations. ♥

Our little fishermen

Daniel's catch

Jared patiently waiting for a bite

Sara learning to cast

Sara reeling it in

During the school break we did a little urban fishing with some friends.  Good times!

Vail Pride Day Displays

Every year our little community & school district host what is known as Vail Pride Day. It's an event held at the fair grounds that brings the community together for food, fun, and some great student showcase. In spite of the torrential downpour, we braved the wind and rain in order to see the boys' displays. Daniel also volunteered at his robotics club booth.

Jared's famous American project on Abraham Lincoln

Daniel's ABC's of recycling project

Daniel's art projects
sadly we didn't find Jared's art project in time to get a pic

Pima Air & Space Museum

For his birthday last year, Bryan got a family membership to the Pima Air & Space Museum. It's been such a nice thing to have. We popped in for a visit and enjoyed a lovely time. It was Chris's first time. We sure are glad he could join us!

It's a party!

Once again the boys did a fantastic job with their reading goals.

Way to read Daniel & Jared!!

the Fam & Chris showing off their oreo smiles

Trip to the Gila Valley

Grandpa & Grandma had to head home on Monday. Since it was Labor Day, we thought it might be a good opportunity to take a day trip down to the Gila Valley. While we were there we drove by the temple site, drove up Mt. Graham for a picnic, and visited a lovely orchard with all kinds of yummy apples. What a great Labor Day!

checking out the progress on the new temple

at the orchard after picking apples

It's a party!

Because Daniel & Jared were very diligent readers this month and reached their AR goals, we decided to do something special. Bryan, Sara, and I decorated the house and surprised them with a party! We had root beer floats for our after school snack followed by yummy pizza, mango sodas, 7 layer dip & chips, cookies, and chocolate eclair cake. Yum!! In the evening the F. family came over to celebrate with us. The kiddos played some serious Wii while the parental units hung out in the kitchen and hit the board games. Fun was had by all!!

Thanks boys for giving us a reason to celebrate!!

OUR FANTASTIC READERS!!

4th of July Flag Raising Ceremony

We love the 4th of July!! In the morning, Daniel participated in the flag raising ceremony at the church. Then we enjoyed a yummy pancake breakfast and chatting with friends. In the evening, we drove over to the radio controlled airplane airport to see the cool planes light up the night sky. Good times!!

Daniel looking sharp

Easter Festivities

The Saturday before Easter Sunday is the day we typically reserve for the secular celebration of Easter. It was a bit of a cold and rainy day but we had fun anyways! In the morning we colored eggs and worked on our bunny baskets. In the afternoon we hopped on over to the church for the Pinewood Derby. Daniel did great! Then in the evening we enjoyed a nice little BBQ and egg hunt with a few friends. We're grateful everyone was such good sports about playing and hunting in the rain. Good times!

Our cute little egg decorators.

We saw this craft for bunny baskets in a magazine and thought we'd give it a whirl. The kids had a pretty good time making them. Definitely, something we'll do again.

The finished "bunny" baskets. Cute and fun to make.

And the hunt begins, regardless of the rain!

Sara thought it would be more fun to stop and eat the candy in her eggs everytime she found another egg. Silly girl! Notice the soaking wet pants, the rain didn't stop her from having a fun.

Spring Carnival

Once again the carnival committee did an amazing job with this year's event!! Everyone had a wonderful time. Of course, our favorite performance of the night was the 3rd grade show.

Daniel we're so proud of you!!

Sara loved clapping for all the performers!

Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet

We had a great time at this year's

Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet.

Daniel earned another bead towards his rank of wolf.

The scouts singing a fun rendition of "Do your ears hang low?"

Daniel chose to display his quarter collection and marble collection.

Daniel made a batman out of black beans and lentils.

Part way through dinner, Sara decided to "adopt" herself into another family. She picked up her plate and relocated into Carrie's lap. Sara simply adores Carrie and Tarin.

The leaders did an amazing job with the decorations. Wow!! It really felt like we were transported back in time and stepped into an old fashion fair. If you have a minute stop by Camille's blog for better pictures of the decorations. They really were amazing!