Tender Mercies

A couple of days ago Bryan came home from his presidency meeting and mentioned a video that Pres. Theis recommended we all watch. So we did. As we watched the video my eyes filled with tears as I realized, I know them! Victor and Katrina are an amazing couple. I'll always be grateful for how they touched my life when I was a BYU student.

Our cuties

Thanks Janei for a morning of picture taking fun!!

our mouse babies

handsome oldest brother

handsome older brother

the princess aka pretty girl

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

Grandparent visit

Grandpa & Grandma Flores dropped in for a visit on Saturday. It's always so nice when they come to town. The kids love it!! As always, Grandpa brought along his box of science experiments and the boys had some serious science fun. In the afternoon, we watched the Pink Panther with Grandma. We ended the day with a competitive game of Monopoly Jr.

On Sunday, we had a very inspiring family home evening about the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. As a little girl I interviewed my dad's mom for a 6th grade history project. Tho it didn't realize it at the time, that experience has become one of my most treasured memories with Grandma Sara. I really wanted our kids to have a similar opportunity for a great memory with their Grandpa. So, at the conclusion of family home evening we pulled out the mp3 and recorded my dad bearing his testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. It was an amazing experience! I'm so grateful we were able to do it.

playing Monopoly Jr.

Grandpa with his grandbabies

Singing during family home evening

Camping Trip

We've had an incredibly busy summer and didn't have a chance to squeeze in a family camping trip. This weekend was our first 'non busy' weekend so we packed up the car and away we went. We didn't go far just over to Gardner Canyon. The weather was perfect!! It kept threatening to rain while we were setting up camp and we were getting a little anxious cooking in the rain. Thankfully, it didn't rain until well after dinner when we were settled for the night. In the morning after breakfast we took a short hike and enjoyed Heavenly Father's creations. There's something about being in nature it's just so calm and peaceful. It's rejuvenating!

Jared with his new cool stick &

Daniel displaying his freshly caught crickets.

Rain

It rained this afternoon and we love the rain!

The kids put on their swimsuits and set out to have some fun.

It was fun until the rain turned to hail.

Then it was not so fun anymore.

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!!

Cub Scout Indiana Jones Pack Meeting

Daniel, decked out as 'Indiana Jones',

receives his religious square knot.

He's worked really hard this summer and it shows!

Sara

The other day Sara was running through the living room carrying the bathroom step stool. When I asked her where she was going, she replied "I climb a mountain"

Sara climbing her "mountain" aka the changing table.

Fun with food

The trifle I made for the Scentsy party. It was just so pretty that I had to take a picture. Sometimes, a girl just has to toot her own horn. Hee-hee

Cub Scout Summertime Pack Meeting

The boys receiving their chess belt loops.

Earlier in the month, Daniel & Daniel F. taught the rest of the pack how to play chess.

Daniel in a shoot out to get his awards.
He received his chess belt loop, leave no trace badge, world conservation badge, and a red bead.

Way to go!! We're so proud of you!

First Day of School

Ready to go!

1st day of 4th grade!

1st day of 1st grade!

Cheese

Sara

loves

her

cheese!

Chess

Daniel really enjoys playing chess. So to fulfill one of his bear requirements he and his buddy taught the rest of the cub scout pack how to play chess. Daniel and Daniel F. were both part of the chess team at school so they know the game well. They got together a couple of times to plan the activity. On the big day, they hauled all their chess boards over to the church. They had10 between the two of them! When their fellow scouts arrived, they divided them into two groups with each Daniel teaching a group. I was so impressed with they way they followed their outline and the patience they demonstrated in teaching. They did a fantastic job and every boy there earned their chess belt loop!! Way to go!!

Nightly ritual

Sara love to snuggle. Part of her bedtime routine is a little snuggle time with mom on the couch. I love our little snuggle bug!!

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

A new do

After some thought and a desire to be a little more giving I decided to grow out my hair and donate it. I opted to donate to Locks of Love. I can honestly say, I'm glad to have done it. Even though,I've never had short hair and getting used to it is going to take some time.

before

after

Happy Birthday!!

Daniel celebrated his birthday with a little back yard fun. For his party we had a few relay races, a shaving cream adventure, launched alka seltzer rockets, cake & ice cream, and the company of good friends.

Happy Birthday Daniel!!

shaving cream fun

rocket launching

cake and ice cream

good friends.

Girls Camp

I LOVE girls camp!!

What an unforgettable experience.

I can't wait to do it again next year!!

Grandparent visit

Thanks Grandpa & Grandma Flores!!

We so appreciate you watching the little people

while Bryan & I were at girls camp.

The grandbabies had a blast!!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!!

You are the greatest dad!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

It's a party!

We had a water party in the yard to celebrate Jared's birthday. He enjoyed the company of good friends, silly games, lots of water, and yummy cake & ice cream.

Splish Splash Fun

Friends

Jared

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday!!

There's nothing better than breakfast in bed on your birthday!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Little Tidbits

Bryan cleaned out his office at the church today. The children used to bring him little gifts and pictures they drew. They were always so thoughtful. I know he will miss it. It's hard to say good bye to a calling you loved so much.

Tomato Mystery

Lately, around dinner time, we've had a little bit of a mystery going on in our home. The tomatoes in our salad keep disappearing. Where are they going?? No one really knows.

Until...

Bryan caught this sight out of the corner of his eye one night and then quietly watched. Sara plucked all the tomatoes from the salad and put them on the bench. Then she slid onto the floor next to the bench, where she sat and enjoyed her tomatoes.

Heart Attacked

The activity day girls from church heart attacked our front door. It was their way of showing their appreciation to Bryan. He truly enjoyed his experiences and the time he spent serving as the bishop.

Thank you girls!!

Uncle Kevin comes to town

The boys just LOVE Uncle Kevin!

Kevin came down for the High Adventure Trip to Havasupi.

Bryan & Kevin had a great time with the young men in our ward.

Trip with the Grandparents

Grandma & Grandpa Flores took the boys and on a quick little road trip to check out the aquarium in Albuquerque. They also had the opportunity to meet one of Granpa's sisters, their Tía Abuela Aida. They sure did have fun!

Granpa Flores, Jared, Sara, Daniel, & Grandma Flores

Sara & I drove to NM to pick up the boys.

They certainly had fun!

Cub Scout Day Camp

Daniel, the cub scout, if off for his first time at cub scout day camp. Oh the FUN he did have!!

When friends come to town

We enjoyed a nice evening with Jerry & Amy at Gavi's.

The food and the company were great!

Picnic lunch/dinner up Mt. Lemmon

It was so nice to see the Biang family again.

We certainly miss them!!