Apple Pickin'

Over Fall Break we went to Thatcher so that we could do some apple pickin' up on Mt. Graham at Angle's Orchard. Cari and her girls also came to join in on the fun. The day was perfect! The weather was beautiful, kids were happy, and we got lots of delicious apples!


Cindy introduced me to a new variety of apple called "Arkansas Black." Yummy! We had Dad working like a mule, picking us buckets full. Most of the ones left were high in the trees, so the job fell on him. He's great sport.

There are no ladders or anything available for us to use, so it's pretty much pick what you can reach. Lucky for the kids, they had my shoulders. Everyone needed a turn, but here are just a few of their pictures. Good times.

Showing off the prize!

Carter was pretty proud of the bridge he "built" to help us all across the stream.

Excellent work, Carter. Good thinking!

The kids all had their bags loaded....

...but there was always room for just a couple more. Every time I thought we'd finished, the kids would come walking out with another apple or two. All the apples were pretty hard to resist.

Even Ian loved them! He commadeered Nikki's prize apple and wouldn't give it back.

After we picked apples we went down a bit to Noon Creek and had a nice little hot dog roast. It was a great spot with shade for the adults and lots of rocks to climb on for the kids.

Even Ashlyn got adventurous and was all over the rocks.

I'm somewhat of a professional hotdog cooker...

....yet I still fail to compare to Dad's skills.

I love picnics in the mountains.

After the mountain, we went back to Thatcher for a few days. I don't know how Grandpa and Grandma handle all these nuts!

Cari's girls introduced Grandma to silly bands, so she went and bought a bunch so she could be in on the trading. The kids had a blast. Grandma has a special knack with her grandkids and they always feel important and special when she's around.

After Cari's family went home, Cindy helped me make a baby blanket for a friend of mine while Grandpa and Ian had some good bonding time. Ian helped Grandpa with his jobs and Grandpa helped Ian with his playing. They were a great team. Grandpa loves his grandbabies!

I took my box of apples home and made applesauce, dried apples, and apple butter. It's always so satisfying and they all turned out good. I especially loved the applesauce with those "Arkansas Blacks." Next year I may have to get two boxes!

Carter B-Day!

Carter turned six this year and he wanted to celebrate in style - camo style. It was his year to have a birthday party, so we had an army water party. We had boot camp, complete with drills, an obstacle course, a water balloon/squirt gun battle, etc.

We ended with target practice on our pinata.

They shot and shot, but it held strong and wouldn't rip. We finally had to take a stick to it. Whatever works, so long as they get the candy!

I had visions of a really awesome tank cake for Carter, but everything that could go wrong, did, so I trashed it and made cupcakes with an army man on top. The kids were just as happy and it was way easier.

Carter's birthday morning we went to Crispy Creme's first thing to get his free dozen donuts.

We opened a couple of presents that morning, but saved the rest for Dad that night. Grandpa and Grandma got him a Popular Mechanics for Kids DVD set. He loves those shows and we have watched them over and over and over again. At least it's educational, right?

Here are a few other random present opening pictures.

Ian was very helpful with the present opening.


We went to Monkey Business for dinner and played and played until we were all worn out then came home for some birthday cookie and bed. He seemed to like everything he got, especially his new scooter. I'm glad it was such a hit. He's a great kid and we love having him in our family. We love you, Carter. Happy Birthday!

So Long Curly Locks!

Ian's fro was starting to get a little out of control. I promised my mother-in-law I wouldn't cut it until after their visit, but as soon as they were gone - so were the curly locks. I had forgotten to take a good "before" picture, but this one works really well. This is during my in-laws visit a week before his haircut.

All combed out and ready to go.

It was so long!

Ian was very good and cooperative...

...until he started to worry that the torture would never end.

HOORAY! They're finished!

Isn't he soooo handsome? I love that sweet face!

It needed to be done, but I miss his curls. Fortunately, they're already starting to grow out again. This time on the back and sides, too. Can't wait for his next fro! :)

Denial

This morning as Carter was walking around with me surveying the death and destruction that I like to call my garden and landscaping, he resignedly said, "Mom, we're not very good planters."

My neighbors would probably agree. My husband does agree. The seemingly hundreds of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and one small tree that have met their demise at my hand most definitely agree. However, I just can't. I have a watermelon. My one bright, shining hope that I will have a green thumb yet!

They're here! They're here!

The kids have been counting down a long time for Nana and Papa's visit. They came in January when Ian was born, but that was all just baby stuff. We were excited for them to come when we could actually play! They got in late Wednesday night, just in time for pack meeting on Thursday. Isaac worked really hard to finish his wolf so they could be there when he got it.

Isaac does a really convincing "Cub Scout Promise." Check out his face.

My favorite part of him earning his wolf was getting to draw all over him!

Way to go Isaac!

The kids had a half day on Friday, so when they got out of school, we headed up to Mt. Lemmon where we had reserved a cabin for the weekend. HIGHLY recommend this! We had a WONDERFUL time! The kids wasted no time exploring and finding big worms.

We spent our time playing games, doing puzzles, climbing on rocks, napping, reading, hiking, exploring, eating, talking, and escaping the 100+ Tucson heat. Obviously too busy to take many pictures!

Nana gave Ian his first icecream.

He wasn't much of a fan!

Since Carter's birthday was the week after they left, we declared Saturday as an early birthday and celebrated in style with pizza, cake, and presents.

We had such a great visit it was sad to see it come to a close. Back to the airport. Thanks Nana and Papa for a FABULOUS time! We love and miss you!