Sunday, August 31, 2014

Last Days of Summer 2014

When we got back from Washington we only had about 3 weeks of summer left before school started. We spent most of it in the water, no surprise since most days the temperature was around 110 degrees. I think the best summer event we enjoy is going to Mesquite Groves Aquatic center. It is great for all ages and includes a lazy river, slides, diving boards, and a fun water feature. All the kids had a great time and it was even more fun because we met some of our Gilbert friends there for the day.












Not only did we have a blast at the water parks this summer but the natural rains and flooding that drenched our backyard from time to time (not often enough in my Northwest opinion) provided many rainy afternoon adventures.









 On the last day of summer we went to Mesa Riverview Splash pad to soak up some sun and cool down. We finished our adventure with frozen yogart from Yogartland.











 
Finally it was back to school. We decided to try a new school this year. Self Development Charter School. It has proven to be a real challenge so far. I am not sure accelerated learning is for every family. I am afraid we will be going back to Barbara Bush at the end of the quarter but it was good to try something different. The kids love the school but the homework load and expectations are proving to be too high for our little kids. I have come to realize that while school and learning is very important they are only young once and I don't want to take that fun childhood experience away from my children.

With fall comes soccer, dance, karate, a trip to Disneyland, and a wedding. We are a busy bunch!

PS. Here is a picture of the baby bump at 20 weeks. 

Family Houseguests in May 2014

Before we took off for summer we had some wonderful house guests.

First Sarah and Steve came for some Arizona sun and stayed with us for a week long vacation. We spent most of our time in the pool so Sarah could work on her tan for her trip to Hawaii. The last time they visited we were on vacation while they babysat so it was fun to spend the entire week with them. They were so laid back and just wanted to relax. It was awesome.




















We did take one night away from the pool to head to the bowling ally. Jackson learned how to bowl for the first time (he had bowled before but didn't really get into it until that night). It was a great family night complete with a trip to Neilson's frozen custard.

  
 
Then at the end of May, Caitlin and Filipe brought baby Charlie for a visit along with Filipe's sisters, brother-in-law, and their two kids. We also had a visit from Aunt Ashley. It was a wonderful weekend full of love and a beautiful baby blessing on baby Charlie. Elizabeth was the most fond of the baby, constantly mothering him and making sure he had all the attention he needed which wasn't much because everyone wanted to hold baby Charlie. We really missed our family members who are serving missions but it was nice to have the family that could visit all in one house.