GO COUGARS

The boys came over for a BYU, Jimmer party. Hope they've been paying their tithing.

Sycamore Canyon

Today we hiked into Sycamore Canyon. It was about 6 miles, we crossed 2 rivers, thank goodness for the 2 older boys, they were such a huge help getting all the little kids across. So today we hiked, cliff jumped, swam, played in the mud, Spencer threw a lot of rocks into the water, they shot bows, rode on polarises, played baseball, roasted hot dogs, then marshmallows. After the smores we called it a day. We got home around 9:15. Threw the kids, who of course were asleep by the time we got home, into the shower. Then got them into bed, but not without a meltdown from each of them. Spencer was ticked off about, well everything. Eliza just needed someone to get up to her room and tuck her in, RIGHT AWAY. And Dallin, well he didn't feel well at all, and was positive something was very wrong. Over all a great fun day.   

 Spencer loves being outside, every time I turn around he is off to explore something new. He was running through the mud trying to keep up with the older kids. He spent most of his time gathering up rocks, and sticks to throw into the river.

 Hallie always takes such good care of Spencer she was blowing bubbles for him back at the camp. When Eva tried to take them away from him, she let her know they were not hers and to leave Spencer alone.

 Eliza and Sophie, they make me laugh. They played make believe the whole hike.

 Target practice with their bows and arrows. Of course this was another highlight of the day for Dallin.

 Spencer loved to pretend he was driving the Polaris. Couldn't keep him out of there.

 Obviously it is time to go home and to bed.

Grand Falls

We had a super fun, muddy day. There was about 7 other families there, we all hiked into together.

First we played in the black sand. The older boys started jumping off the cliffs into it. Then the little boys started jumping, then the girls.

Spencer tasted the sand for us, he kept putting it in his mouth so he must of loved it. So gross, I did my best to keep it out.

I had to go up there and convince Eliza to jump but she did it, again, and again, and again.

Dallin and his buddy buried Brent

After we played in the sand we hiked down to the waterfall. It's all lava rocks and I had Spencer in a pack on my back. It was a tight fit in some spots, kind of made me nervous. Some moms bowed out at this point.

I can't believe these crazy kids went in, it was freezing.

Spencer was having the best time. Every time I put him in the backpack he screamed to get back out and run around.

Then the MUD FIGHT started.

This is the end result.

Eliza was stringing mud through her hair. She was having everyone cover her in mud. It was fun until she wanted it off and had to lay in the freezing cold water to try and rince some of it off. Which is kind of pointless, since the water is basically mud.

Eliza and I hiked to the other side of the waterfall, we hike about 3/4 of the way up but the rest was really muddy and slick rock. I didn't want to come down with Spencer on my back, so we said good enough.

A look down the canyon, they call this the Little Colorado, obviously it empties into the Colorado River. I was a great kick off to Spring break. Now I have to get ready for Sycamore Canyon tomorrow and all I really want to do is go to bed.

Spencer playing in the black sand and loving it.

Spencer slidding down the black sand hill like al the other kids. He was laughing the whole way down.

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Dallin following his peers, and jumping off the cliffs into the sand.

Spring Break in full swing

Before I get into spring break, today after church, Dallin said, "An eagle just flew by our window." Of course my first thought was he was mistaken. Sure enough I was wrong. We have been outside most of the day watching him fly over our heads and the lake. We can see him perched on the tree (picture right below), from our back windows. He sits up there for about 30-40 min. then flies around the lake for about 5 minutes. We figured out why he is here, all the ducklings are starting to hatch. Because we sit right on the lake, he literally turns right above our house and swoops towards the lake right in front of us.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were all early out days. The weather has been so beautiful we have spent as much time outside playing as possible. On Friday I checked the kids out early along with, Brooklyn (so she could babysit Spencer), Tanner, Taige and Brody I took them all up to ski and snowboard for what I think is the last time this winter. The lifts stayed open until 6. So it was a very fun, long day. Everyone was tired by the time we were done. Saturday, chores, but then we played. We rounded up some boys and played baseball for a while. Then the kids came back over to our house for a late night. We got pizza, the boys ding-dong-ditched us for about an hour. We sent Lucy after them. Then we loaded everyone one up and went hot tubing over at the country club, and then back to our house for these owl cupcakes (below) that the girls and I made. Thank goodness today was a down day, so I can get ready for the upcoming week. Our plans for the week go as follows. Monday- Grand Falls aka Chocolate(mud) Falls, Tuesday- Sycamore in Cottonwood, we are meeting friends up there who are camping and riding 4 wheelers for the day, Wednesday- a take it easy day, Thursday- going to Sedona with friends for the day. Friday and Saturday I'm not to sure about yet. I'm sure I will come up with something. I do get to go out on a date with my hubby Saturday night that will be fun,

Sarah, these are for you. As soon as it gets a little warmer, I will put everyone in there Hawaiian outfits that you sent, and get a picture.

He is still playing with this frog all the time. I have to say I'm getting a little sick of the song. But don't worry my kids aren't, and neither are all of their friends that come over.

Visit from Aunt Stacy

Spencer enjoying a cupcake at the last b-ball game of the season.

Aunt Stacy  came for a visit. It was fun to have her around. I did feel bad that Saturday was so crazy. She got in Friday night at 8:30. We were at a Mardi Gras Party, which was so much fun. The Graham's always have a good party, friends, music and great food. Then Saturday, we had  our last basketball game. Eliza had to cheer for a game. Home for lunch and nap by 1:00. It was also baseball tryouts, but we decided to go on Monday. At 3 I had to be back over to Trinity, (that's were they play ball), to help set up the gym for Awards night. At 4:45 it was the coaches banquet, then at 6, we met our team in the gym for the Awards. It was over at 8:10. My kids stood in line to get a basketball players autograph. This guy came who could do some amazing tricks with basketballs and showed of for the kids. he also shared his testimony of the Gospel with them. Then finally home.Oh yeah and Steve had to work all day. It was a fun season we went 8 and 2. Proud of them. Basketball season over and right into baseball. They asked me to coach Eliza's team, should be fun, and busy.

On Sunday we went to Sedona for the day.

Stacy, "Someday my Prince will come!"

Emily don't be greedy, you already have a Prince.

Eliza, not ready for her Price yet. She still has her Dad.

Spencer being oh so funny, and OH SO BUSY!!!! Monday night the family was sitting around the table talking and I had just got Spencer out of his high chair. Steve said to me, "Have you seen him do this yet?" I turned around to see him climbing up the chair and onto the kitchen table.

We were trying to find a park to have lunch, and we found this one. I have been to Sedona a hundred times, and have never seen this park. I just happened to catch a glimpse of this park from the road. We drove around until we figured out how to get in, and SOOO well worth it.

Not only did it have a giant chess board, they also had booce, horseshoes,  miniature golf (free), a river to feed the ducks and fish, and a swing set. Also it was so clean, we spent a few hours there, just playing. 

Yep, they also had a maze.

I feel like I am going to run out of energy soon. Spencer is giving me a run for my money, and I'm not giving anything up. If anything I am adding to the schedule. Monday, up bu 6 to take hip hop carpool. I watched Hallie who's Dad  was getting knee surgery.  And  cleaned house all day, I did squeeze in a work out, P90X, kicking my trash. For family night we played a fun game of hide-n-go-seek, and went over Family rules.Tuesday, up by 6 to get Eliza off to dance. I was out the door by 9:30 to run errands or should I say chase Spencer through the stores. I came home made cupcakes for my girlfriends birthday lunch-in that was Wednesday morning, worked out, took Dallin to baseball tryouts. He did really well. Rushed Eliza over to tap dance which she ended up missing because tryouts ran late. Finally made it home by 6 and then pulled out leftovers, did homework. I was in bed by 9. Today was supposed to be fun. I went to Traverna's for Gretchen's Birthday lunch, Spencer had to come. I think i got to take a couple of bites of food and talk to a friend a couple of times. i mainly chased Spencer in my heels through the restaurant. He will not stay in his highchair. he stands up and climbs out. He managed to change the TV channel about 4 times and broke open the remote about 4 times. He ran into the kitchen twice. I had to change a dirty diaper, and try and feed him. HAHA he only feeds himself now a days. The best part is, some of there decor was a bowl of pine cones, I turned to watch Spencer running and throwing 2 of them across the floor. He's only one kid right? The best part was when Cindy asked Spencer, "Your a good boy, right?" And Spencer shook his head, NO!!! The rest of the day was busy but not rush, rush from one place to the next. Next week is spring break, our plan is to ski and hang out. We are trying to save for Disney World 1st of May.