Summer Visit with Amanda

We were so happy to get to have Amanda here for ten days this summer!  And as an added bonus, over Fathers Day too!!  What more could any Dad ask for than to have all his babies in one place for Fathers Day.  Let me say that Amanda visiting is much anticipated around here.  The boys especially, get so excited that they want to plan out every moment...poor Amanda (but she is just so loved)!!  During her visit this time around we had more fishing, Fathers day, a visit to Mesquite Grove Aquatic Center, a visit to Bass Pro Shop, and lots of cooling off indoors (while watching the Casey Anthony trial!). 

And as it turns out, 10 days just isn't enough!

Family Camp at Bass Pro Shop

Always on the look out for indoor fun, trying to escape Arizona's summer heat.   We heard about family summer camp at Bass Pro Shop and really enjoyed it.  Bass Pro Shop is an adventure in and of itself, but their summer camp is really great!  They had clinics, crafts, bow & arrow and BB gun shooting, rock climbing, popcorn...and so much more, all free (super bonus!).  The boys LOVED shooting the Bow & Arrow and the BB gun! And I think Amanda has a new favorite store.

Fathers Day 2011

Fathers Day was extra special this year, being able to have Amanda here was wonderful.  We had a very low key day, since it was hot, and Daddy had a hurt back (boo!).  Mommy made a big breakfast, which is no small task when you are feeding 8 and cooking 2 pounds of bacon.  While Mama was cooking Daddy and the kiddo's went fishing.  After breakfast Daddy open presents.  Amanda got Daddy a Web cam.  We're still getting used to skype, but it sure is fun to get to talk to Sissy "face to face."  We rounded out the day with rest and relaxation and watching a movie.

Canyon Lake

Our friends Jennifer and Dave invited us to Canyon lake for one last hoorah before moving to Colorado (yes, another friend leaving!).  Dave and Jenn treated the boys to lots of fun on their wave runner, the boys got lots of rides both on and on the tube!  It was a nice way to spend the day before saying goodbye. 

Fathers Day Project at Art Be True Pottery

With fathers day approaching we wanted to make something special for Dad, so we headed over to a local pottery studio.  After steering the boys away from all the penny banks, and things they wanted to make for themselves, we settled on a big bowl we could create and fill with all Daddy's favorite treats!  We started out just winging it, but almost as soon as we started...4 little paintbrushes feverishly working away, the boys decided they wanted to make it look like a watermelon!!   





They used their fingers (prints) as seeds!

added names


About a week later we got to pick up our fired project, it looks great!  The store owner said that it came out so good that it inspired several other projects!

Ava is 7 months

Enjoying some Gram cracker at the park

She has us wrapped around her little finger!  She is so much fun, and develops more and more of a personality every day.  She does the cutest little thing with her mouth (we call it kissie face), I'll try to get some video of it uploaded because it's a must see!  She is an easy baby, we can really take her anywhere, as she is just as content as can be as long as she is in someones arms...which is just fine with us, cause that is exactly where we want her to be.