More AZ Stuff

So, we are finally home. Have been for a few days, but just getting around to downloading all of the pictures from this past month! Phew! The kids and I had a great time with family in Arizona while Jake was away. I'm so glad we live close enough to see family more often now! We made another trip once Jake got back to go to my new little niece's baby blessing. I could probably make the drive to Mesa with my eyes closed now! Not a bad drive. Anyway, some more stuff from time in Arizona this summer that I don't want to forget...

*We swam a lot. Thanks to the pool, sprinklers, hoses, and squirt guns... Luke would end up soaked every time he went outside.
*Went Jet Skiing with dad, Abby, and Chris!
*My fam was nice enough to watch the kids while I would run. Even Dak got in on the babysitting action. 54 days left until St. George!
*Here's cute baby Amy, Daniel, and Ella. Ella was pretty curious about Amy, and didn't like me holding her. I managed to hold her a few times though.

*Luke and I were hanging out on my parent's porch one day eating some chips. This mantis sat and watched us for the whole time.

*Luke found out that he loves "strawberry cheese cream." He will eat some bagel with it, but mostly requests the "cheese cream" just on a spoon. He makes me smile.

*Ella found out at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house that she can climb up the stairs. FAST. Scary. She has been loving the stairs now at home. Luckily hasn't fallen yet!

*Went to Davey and Shauna's birthday dinner. Had more fun with fam! Awww... aren't they cute. *Got to hang out with my college roomies and their cute kids! One day Jess and I took the kiddos to the Mesa children's museum. We spun Luke around on this spinny chair thing and he was so dizzy that he puked all over a few minutes after we were done. YUCK!! Luckily Jess brought an extra shirt for Tagg that Luke was able to squeeze into!

*Cyndi and cute little Paisley and Cosette met us at the Tempe Town Lake splash pad another day. The kids had fun cooling off while moms chased them around. Karalee and Heather, we missed you guys! We all had so much fun at BYU together. I'm glad we get to catch up every once in a while!

The kids... Luke, Paisley, Ella, and Taggert.

*Saw other friends... the Padillas were in our ward in TX. Went swimming at their new house in Queen Creek. Good to see them in their new place!

*Got to hang with Abby and Chris quite a bit! Luke "helped them" paint some book shelves they were making with my dad. Another night Chris made us a Dutch dinner from the mish. He's a good cook!

*Visited Grandma Taylor

*Met Abby for lunch during her work break a couple of times!

*Built LOTS of paper airplanes and sailed remote-controlled boat in the pool!

*Shopping! Went with mom to Arizona Mills and another day went with Sherry to find picture outfits for all the cutie cousins next month. We managed to find the same skirt and similar tops for all the girls, and matching navy polos with khaki shorts for the boys. I think it will be fun!

It was great to have so much extra help with the kids and just relaxing with everyone. Thanks everybody!