Splash Park

Our fun trip continued with a stop at a splash park.  Once again Brannen was happy happy happy!  He and Reese really had a fun time.  It was actually a fairly cold day for Arizona spring - so only the very BRAVE were game for all the splashing.  (Or those who live in the arctic - and have to have fun when they can get it!)

Fun stuff!  His face says it all!

Slip and Slide!

Yahoo!!  Finally!  We get to try out Aunt B's slip and slide!  My kids were major excited about this!  Bekki and her friend went in together and bought this HUGE, GI-NORMOUS, VERY LARGE piece of industrial strength plastic from a landscape company and have been setting it up on the hill at their park whenever they are in need of some fun.  Well we needed fun!

Kelly and Bekki were the set r - up -r's  ---- then the fun really began. 
Bek emailed friends from her neighborhood to let them know that it would be set up - so lots of kiddos from her neighborhood enjoyed the afternoon.  But none more than my kids! 
Rae was especially crazy - and had the sore bum and red marks everywhere to prove it.  She seriously sacrificed her body for fun.  She was always making "trains" for all the little kids to go down together.  They had a great time.  Thanks Rae!

Oh wait - not all of my kids were convinced that slipping and sliding was fun stuff.  After going down on a few laps, Bran decided it wasn't for him.  Instead, he thought the far off duck pond offered much more allure.  See!  The pointy finger even to prove his point.  I ended up following him around for a while - we saw the ducks.  But I did finally convince him to come back and watch the kids.  It was my turn on the slide!

 Oh man - it was fun stuff!  Kelly even got into the action.  Reese and Brady loved it that he went down with them a lot.  Dad's are always the most fun!  Before you can slide down - you must be properly soaped up!  The kids all helped Kelly get SOAPY!
I had some designs on my t-shirt that were kinda too much friction for good sliding - and I tried to slide down on my stomach.  Well, Bekki thought she'd give me a push from behind - and I didn't move!  But her finger sure did get crunched - ouch!  Sorry!  Her poor finger was swollen and bruised for the rest of the week.  She couldn't even bend it.  I think I may have cost her her living!  Is it getting better Bek?!?

What a FUN day!  We all had such a blast!  Good thinking Aunt B!!

We're Goin' to the Zoo

On the second day of our trip, we all went to the zoo!  Great fun!  Katie and Kevan came with us and we had a great day.  All of the kids enjoyed it.  Oh yea - congrats Katie and Kevan!!  After the zoo they went to their first ultrasound appointment - and  . . .  IT'S A GIRL!!  Awesome!!  Dave says they should name her Kevleen - he he he!  :  ) We are so happy for you - and so glad that we got to spend the day with you.  You two totally rock! And uh, don't go with Kevleen.  Think harder! :  )

Saw some fun animals - and some yucky ones.  Aunt B loves them all - while I am much more choosy about the animals I get excited over.  The bats are just toooo nasty to even think about!!

Brannen's finger is just now recovering from all the pointing that he did during the week!  That little guy was so darn happy on this trip.  He loved it!  My favorite was to watch him do his happy step-hop-walk-and-giggle on the way to see something really cool.  His whole body celebrated!

Cousins!  Bran and Maura had such a fun time together!  I was surprised a bit - I expected a few more battles - but they did great!  It was so fun to see the differences in them.
Example:  driving to the zoo, Maura sees a cool castle out the car window (Golfland - oh yea!) and proceeds to say - "Mom, I see a castle.  I love castles.  I am a princess so I love castles!"  Bran says, "Maaaam - Duho!!".  Yea well, he tries!  He did point too!  Does he get bonus points for that?!?
I totally get Bekki's frustrations with quiet Garrett who spoke his own language.  Brannen doesn't even seem to try to make the right sounds.  Oh well.  It will come.  But Maura is a talker!  Oh man!  How cute!!
We also noticed how GIRLIE Maura is vs. Brannen's ALL BOY all the time.  He wanted to hit things - she wanted to dress up - he wanted to stay outside - she wanted to watch "Princess and the Froggie!"  They did have fun together though.
Oh yea - cute, and funny Maura story.  Bekki was combing her hair one morning while we were there, trying to get the snarls out and she said, "So who slept in your hair last night?" (You know, the thing all moms say - "look at this rats nest!" )  to which Maura answered very matter of fact, "Cousins".  CUTE!

Anyway, we had a great day!  Much fun at the zoo!  Thanks Aunt B for a great trip to the zoo!

Spring Break 2010

Yipee! Arizona and Aunt Bekki's house for Spring Break! NICE!
I'm thinking that Dallin is excited to see Brady - whatcha think?!? 

The Russell's have a great backyard!  It is the best!  I think that is where Brannen spent the majority of his time - and I can't blame him.  All the kids loved their tree house too.  It is totally cool.

 I mean - come on!  What's cooler than a tree house!?!  Not much!

Happy Birthday Grandma Marge!

I would say that turning 91 is definitely something to celebrate!
Happy Birthday Grandma! It was so fun to wish her a Happy Birthday! Doesn't she look BEAUTIFUL?!? If only we all could look so great at 91!!
We love you Grandma!