Tombstone

We explored Tombstone on our way to an overnight excursion in southern Arizona.  

After a lunch that took forever we explored the town.  Brian remembers coming here as a kid.  He said they had shootouts in the streets and characters dressed up everywhere.  Unfortunately things have changed.  You had to pay for every little thing.  The boys still had fun - and William bought a pair of trick handcuffs that have been the source of countless fights since then.

 We did pay for one extra thing - the haunted house.  All three boys went through with Dana and Daddy. 

This little man cracked me up.  I swear he spent the entire week asking me to take his picture with different cacti to send to his Nonna. 

 All in all it was another great vacation day seeing things that we just can't see here at home.

Phoenix Children's Museum

 When you walked in there was this amazing climbing structure for the kids.  I think the boys must have spent at least an hour climbing all over the place.

 There were a few other things Jack really loved - like this giant xylaphone.  He also loved playing this peg game with Aunt Maxi. 

Since we were at the museum on March 14th there was a special pie day activity - the kids all got to make a pie!

 The boys were super into mixing their pie crust by hand.  It was a bit messy, but they had a lot of fun. 

Cousin Dana even got in on the action.  None of the boys were blown away by the final product, but they had fun getting there. 

Hiking in Arizona

 It feels like nothing says Arizona more than a hike where you pass a giant cactus.

Andy, Maxi and the dogs joined us on our adventure and we all had a great time.  

 As we got higher the terrain got tougher.  More boulders to climb over and a much steeper grade.  That didn't stop this guy. He may have been slower than his brothers but he was determined to make it to the top.  He kept telling me that his leg muscles were getting stronger with every step.

 William and Max were off!  They didn't even seem to break a sweat.  They both loved helping Aunt Maxi with the dogs.

How does Max look like a practical teenager here!?!

After about an hour we made it to the top of the trail.  The views were incredible - although the boys just wanted to see how fast they could get down.

Welcome to Arizona!

Our hosts were so sweet and its safe to say that all of the boys made themselves feel right at home on our trip to Arizona!

A certain someone spent so much time in this hammock over the week that there just might be one wrapped up for his birthday on Sunday.

Eleven?!

 I can't believe that my baby boy is 11.  It just sounds so old.  I mean its a whole three syllables.  It means he is almost out of elementary school.   It means he is too old for childcare at my gym.  It means he is going to start middle school this fall.  It means he is growing up. 

 We celebrated Max's big day while on vacation in Arizona.  His sweet Aunt Maxi and Uncle Andy went above and beyond to make sure that his 11th birthday was special.  It was so fun to celebrate with them!

Max's huge genuine smile tells me that he had a pretty great time too. 

He got to pick our adventure for the day and he decided we should check out the petrified forest.  More pictures will be coming, but I just had to get these up. 

There is so much joy in all of our faces here.  Max is growing up and while part of me longs for the three year old french sounding boy that would yell 'mama mama' at me, another part loves seeing the person he is growing into.  He is excited about the changes coming in school.  His teacher has no doubt that he is more than ready for middle school and we can't wait to watch him continue to grow into a fine young man.

We love you more than you will ever know our sweet maxman.  You are the one that made me a a momma and I thank God every day that he saw fit to bring you into our lives. 

Muffins with Mom

 Oh my goodness.  Just look at that gaptooth, crazy eye smile.  I can't take it!

One Friday in February before school, the kindergarteners were able to invite someone special for a muffin and a song.  I was honored to be deemed special by this oh so special little boy. 

He made me a crown, but then decided he wanted to wear it instead.  He looked so cute up there belting out the mom songs they learned in music.  I swear it doesn't get any better than this.  I'm one lucky momma.

All District Strings Event

 Our little cellist had quite the cheering section for his 5th grade strings concert.  It was pretty amazing.  There were over 1000 kids playing together. 

It was so fun to watch him perform with a huge orchestra.  He has decided to hang up his cello in favor of the clarinet next year, so it was a little bittersweet.  I'm so grateful we live in a district that values the arts and provides our kiddos with opportunities like this.

Pinewood Derby

 It is only going to happen once, but all three boys  built pinewood derby cars and raced against each other.

 Jack was sooo excited to watch his car race down the track.  He had the time of his life. He loves any time he gets to hang out with his lion friends.

William decided to focus on design rather than speed this year.  His police car - with working lights and sirens even - took home best design in his den.  

 The day was a huge success.  Each boy got a trophy and they all had a great time.  Max came in 2nd, Jack 3rd, and William got best design.  It was a good day for our household!

Lion Cub go Hiking

 I took our little lion den on a hike a couple weeks ago.  These little cuties had a great time wandering along the path, looking for wildlife, and learning about some trees. 

Of course a snack at the end helps as well.  They also participated in the pack meeting as the service den.  These little kindergarten lions led the flag ceremony and they were so proud of themselves!