We had a great time visiting my Grandma, Uncle Doug and Aunt Debbie for a few days in Arizona! Although it is a neighboring state, it is the first time we have ever traveled to Arizona... and we discovered so many wonderful things to do there. The kids loved seeing Grandma again, as it had been a whole year since they last saw her (and they know that she loves to spoil them!). Thanks for hosting us in your home Doug and Debbie! It was wonderful visiting with you. Here's a few pictures of our adventures while we were there...
Part of the Truax clan
Uncle Doug and Micah at the top of the mountain
Looking out over the valley
A rare picture of me and Nathan
Micah liked being in the lead... the farther ahead, the better (as far as he was concerned)
Doug took us to a Dodgers/Diamondback game one night. Micah is a true Angelino though - he told Doug up front that he would go, but he would be rooting for the Dodgers. He was in good company as there were several other Dodger fans there as well.
It was a good game - the Dodgers won 13-3
The kids had lots of fun riding around the neighborhood and the dirt paths on the motor scooters, even though Mama was less than thrilled with the idea!
There goes Daddy and Ashlyn
Here come Doug and Micah
Uh-oh! Is that a Beaver hat that Micah has on? Don't show Nana or Uncle Bobby!
Micah was very excited about the pool! Even though the weather wasn't very hot, and the water was cool, he wanted to be in there as much as possible. This was his first swim of the season.
The rock waterfall at the end of the pool made for a great jumping platform!
This was a favorite spot for the kids... in Grandma's room watching TV. They know all they have to do is walk in the room and Grandma is quick to find a show they like.
Ashlyn also discovered Grandma's little snack - sugar puffs. Both Ashlyn and I were surprised about a week later when we opened Ashlyn's purse and found that Grandma gave her a little baggie filled with sugar puffs. Ashlyn was giddy with excitement over the find!
Doug and Micah sword fighting
One afternoon we went up to the Hohokam ruins to hike around. This was fun as we learned a little about the Hohokam in school this year.
Barb and Debbie
It was great to spend some time with my Aunt Debbie, probably the first significant amount of time since I've been an adult.
Crazy boys
Ashlyn discovered the bean bag toss in the back yard... here she comes with an armful of bean bags.
She discovered that the game is much easier if you stand right next to the hold and just drop the bag in.
Ashlyn and Grandma ~ fun times!
Grandma and Uncle Doug
Ashlyn and Grandma exploring together outside.
Ashlyn wasn't too sure about the pool, but she was willing to dip her feet in as long as Daddy was sitting right next to her.
Micah loved the rock landscaping of Arizona!! And finding a large dumptruck made it even better. If you ever need rocks moved around, just ask Micah. He'd be happy to help you out!
One last snack with Grandma before heading home.
We spent one morning on a bike ride around the campground and a portion of the lake. Micah loved being in the lead.
Here comes the gang
The weather there was HOT, so we enjoyed cooling off in the ice cold water of the water park. Here's everyone floating down the lazy river.
Ashlyn wasn't too excited about the water, but she gradually warmed up to it by the second day.
Abby and Ashlyn ~ so cute!
Micah discovered this rock and thought it would be wonderful to climb!
Ashlyn always enjoys piggyback rides.
The kids all had fun throwing rocks in the little creek.
And Micah was eager to get into that water. Pants? No problem... just pull them up as high as possible and they won't get wet.
Digging was another great thing about camping... there's dirt everywhere and nobody cares if you dig it all up.
Daddy and Ashlyn
3 of the kiddos... ready to eat
Micah discovered that he loves burned marshmallows. Not sure if its because of the taste, or because it looks cool while its burning.
Ashlyn just likes eating them with chocolate and graham crackers.
All gone!
Mmmmm! Now that looks good!
This little scooter was a recent garage sale find and Ashlyn was determined to try to follow Micah on his bike.
Playing around the campsite.
Micah loved that he could get on his bike at any time and just ride in the circle around our campsite. It was a great spot for him, and a blessing from the Lord since our reservations were made last minute for a sold out weekend.
Stacking up the firewood for a BIG fire!
Enjoying the campfire!
