Adventure Day: Save the Trailer

The trailer coming to get our gear from the Verde River trip broke about half way in. Half way on a 2 1/2 hour dirt road. So after we retrieved all the people and I reconnected with our babies we set out for long strenuous Adventure the next day. It took us over 12 hours to retrieve our old trailer and a lot of muscle on Gary's part. The kids joined us and had a fabulous time Running around in the Matazal Wilderness. It was an Adventure we hope to not have to repeat, but being together as a family after four days apart was wonderful!

 

 

This is my baby...

Our converstaion while laying in bed yesterday morning:

Trek: "Mom, boogers don't turn into snakes and spiders when you eat them." (at the babysitter he learned that when you eat your boogers they turn into snakes and spiders bite your tummy)
Me: "They don't?!"
Trek: "No, because last time I ate my boogers they didn't eat my tummy."
 

 

Verde River 2013

With high water levels and a crew of both seasoned river runners and first timers we set out on a fabulous four day adventure. It was surreal and awesome to be on a river trip with my Dad and our long time family friend Jack. Billy, CJ, Colton, Clorie, Butch, and Metzel, Gary, my Dad, Jack and I rounded out fun group all learning from each other. The rapids were a bit more exciting than the previous year, but the scenery calmed my soul. And spending time with my sweetie couldn't have been better. We saw eagles, snakes, badgers, and herons to name a few. We ate good, slept warms, and floated safely. Here are a few of my favorite photos day by day.
Day 1:

 

Day 2:

 

Day 3:

 

Day 4:

 

Nanny Goats Gruff: Starring Willy Goat

Canyon was in a play at school called Nanny Goats Gruff (ever heard of it?).  Well he was Willy Goat.  The smallest goat crossing to greener pastures.  He was precious! His sister Nilly was precious.  He did a marvelous job and captivated his audience (me, Gary, Trek and Grandma).  Trek was relieved that his brother made it past the Troll and Canyon let him try on part of his costume after the play was over. I am loving these Kindergarten activities. They're so fun.

 

Happy Birthday Mad Science Style

Celebrating 6 gathered a houseful of Kindergartners (despite the epic weekend storm) and some super helpful family members (I could not have pulled it off without all of them). Each kiddo donned a lab coat, goggles and a magnifying glass then headed into the science lab to enjoy a party of science experiments and games.  It was WILD and CRAZY and sooooooo much fun!

Skye, Mark, and my Dad each manned as station.  Matt manned Trek. Gary shoveled snow and directed traffic, and I prepared the little scientist for their experiments.

The scientists made crazy putty, lava in a cup, blew up balloons with CO2, built molecules, dissected dinosaur bones, popped atoms, and filled test tubes with gum balls. It was a blast for us all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zip Lining

After a scout camp out Gary grabbed the boys and I and we enjoyed a sunny afternoon of zip lining. They boys loooooved it and weren't scared at all! As you can see by Trek's boasted chest he is proud (the scrapes on his head are not from our afternoon outing, but an earlier attempt to "fly" off the front porch with Mr. Incredible and Batman).

 

March 5th

Today I told him a little about his birth story (the kindergarten version). About how in the late afternoon, on March 5th, six years ago when I felt love that could move mountains, that could change the world.  That changed our world.  What a precious day that was! What precious days have followed.

Today he went to school, had doughnuts for breakfast, and has requested PIZZA HUT for dinner. I took treats to his classroom where his classmates sang to him and he confidently wore a birthday crown.

Canyon,
You melt my heart. You make me proud.  You are kind, thoughtful, intelligent.  You are creative and funny. You are my boy. My boy. I am infinitely proud to be your mama. Happy Birthday, dude! Six is going to be AWESOME!