Arizona Day 3

We decided to do something different this morning than head straight for the pool (although the kids were not sure that was a great idea at first.)  So, we went for a walk around the resort. 

The kids loved exploring, and there were plenty of trails and neat places to go. 

They love the river and think that there are giant fish in it just like the animal planet show we watched about the amazon last night. 

There are giant fish in it, but they look more like catfish to me.  No matter, the kids are fascinated by them!  It is a very beautiful area too, we had fun exploring.

My little explorers.  We found many lizzards, 2 different kinds of ducks, roadrunners, horses, lots of bugs and birds and of course, the infamous fish. 

A view of the river and the pools.

This afternoon, we went for a boat ride along the river.  The kids were very excited as we waited for the boat to arrive!

Jaden took a picture of us, proof that I was there!

Aubrey liked the boat ride, but wasn't that fond of the driver.  He kept pointing at him saying, "I don't like that man."  How did I get one so introverted, and one so...

Well, we all know Jaden.  He talked to the driver the whole time.  "Um, excuse me, sir?  What happens if we see a sea snake?  Um, what about if you run into a boulder, will we sink?  I think I see a sea turtle.  Are there turtles in this river?  Sir, back there I saw a rock with a big square under it that looked like a  book... what was that?"  Surprisingly, the man knew what he was talking about and told him all about the pump and filtration system and how it works.  Jaden of course, was very interested.  He always keeps the conversation flowing. 

This one is just glad Jaden distracted the man so that he didn't bother him. 

And this one... she has had this glazed over, exhausted look since the first night.  I think she is pretty worn out, but she is being super sweet and cooperative so I can't complain.  :)

"Land Ho!"  "I will be on the lookout for boulders!  ALL CLEAR!!!"

Arizona Day 2

Monday here in Chandler was a blast too.  The weather has been perfect.  The kids and I ran into town to pick up some goggles and misc. things this morning, and then came back and swam all day until the dinner party this evening.  Here is Jaden in the big pool that overlooks the replica of the Gila River.  The river is gorgeous and runs along the whole resort, which is massive.  I'm not sure where it goes after that.

Jaden has no problem making friends. Here he is with Layla. They had a blast playing together. :)

Aubrey enjoys a little break.

Baylee and Daddy horsing around inthe pool.  People always tell me she looks like me, but all I see is Tony.  They are twins! 

Having fun with Daddy.

Somewhat unsuccessful attempt at a picture of my three.  Baylee was freezing, and not that happy to be leaving the pool.  It does get a little chilly here in the evenings, especially if you are wet!

Once we got everyone cleaned up, we hopped onto a big tourbus and headed over to the other side of the resort.  (I'm telling you, this place is massive!) It was called the Equestrian center, and we could see why when we got there.  Horses everywhere!  They had a band playing country music very loudly (Baylee LOVED it) and they had all sorts of cowboy games (roping haybales with horns, quickdraw with very loud guns, (Jaden was fascinated by this!) darts and all sorts of things.  Aubrey is waiting for his meal "being a gentleman" with his napkin in his lap.  This is his new trick, so cute.  :)

Here is Baylee at the party, I was trying to get a picture of the sunset, but she thought it wouldn't be complete without her.  :)  It was breathtaking, perfect cool weather, amazing views all around, fun music, great food and the families there were all wonderful.  It was a fun night.

Arizona

Well, if you haven't guessed from all of the funny quotes (which probably don't mean much of anything to anyone else but me, but hey, it's my blog!) :) We made it to Arizona! We are actually here right now, and because the kids go to bed so early, I have time to blog.

Here are Tony and the boys waving to us from the balcony of our room. 

The kids had a BLAST sleeping all together in a queen sized bed.  It took them a while to settle down that first night, but tonight, they are OUT!  :)

This is why.  They spent pretty much the whole day swimming.  Here they are enjoying the kiddie pool, they also made appearances in the big pool, and the big water slide. 

Here are Tony and Aubrey on the slide.  :)

Here is my little social butterfly.  He is killing me with his little personality.  Tonight, he asked a white man who is married to an Indian woman "Is that brown woman your wife?  Oh, cool.  I have two brown babies at my grandma's house!"  I can't help but think about what a guy like that thinks about my parenting skills.  Oh well!

Here is Baylee near the spot we found a dove nesting in a cactus.  She loves nature!  Especially if it involves baby animals. 

Here she is at dinner tonight.  Can you tell she is exhausted??? Long, fun day!  We are hoping for the same tomorrow.  :)

Kid Quotes

Tony brings a guy over to introduce to us and Jaden asks him, "Are you the waiter? Where are you from? Do you have any children? Well... haven't you found a wife yet?"  The poor guy finally left and said, "Man!  I can't handle all of the questions!  I'm going to make sure he finds my girlfriend tomorrow night and he can talk to her about all of these things."  :P

Kid Quotes

Jaden: "What is your name?"  Little boy: "Thorsten."... "What? Toasten?" ..."No! Thorsten." J: "Well, if I never met you, I would be toast. You are my friend now, and I will carry you in my heart forever." Thorsten: "Um, ok."  Jaden: "I hate basquetti balls." Thorsten: "Oh, I hate basquetti balls too."  (I guess I could learn a thing or two from my little boy about how to make friends.)  :P

Kid Quotes

Aubrey sees a Mexican family sitting at the table next to us at lunch and informs me that "those Indians are thinking of a plot to kill us." This, I'm afraid, is going to be the theme of our vacation, the kids are all a little nervous about all the Indians at our resort... too much Jim Elliot? Probably.

We are on our way to Arizona! Now that I know how to blog from my phone, get ready for some funny quotes and updates. :)

Jaden to Baylee: "Mommy told me that I was going to marry a different girl, and you are going to marry a different boy... but I will NEVER forget you!"

Baylee: Mommy, is our house smashing Jesus? Because my teacher said to build our house on the rock, but you said that Jesus is the rock.

Easter

What does it take to get a decent family picture when you have 5 small children? Don't ask me, because we haven't figured it out yet! This one was almost perfect, until Aubrey decided to be superman and fly away.

Tony tries to restrain him, and Baylee and I tell him to put his hands in his lap.

Unsuccessful. He stops flying and begins punching an imaginary bad guy. I love Tony's hand, like he is saying "Look at this child. Oh well, I tried." More likely, he is waiting for those little hands to get close so he can snatch them and hold them down.

Finally, a "bald eagle" flys by. Probably a hawk, but I wasn't really paying attention. It seems I was the only one not impressed. Well, maybe next time. Or, maybe when they are all over the age of 5! :P

Easter

My three big ones before church.

Baylee and "her" baby. She has claimed Livie, and Jaden has claimed Brenna. It is pretty appropriate considering their personalities. :)

I have about 100 pictures like this, but I can't get over it, it is too cute!

Brenna hanging out with Daddy.

Easter

Brenna's first time in the bumbo seat.  This was Aubrey's, but he was much too chubby for it.  :)

Hunting Easter Eggs!

The kids love Grandma and Grandpa's house. 

It was a beautiful day, but a little cold!  One egg hunt was enough to suffice.

Easter

I know, I know.  I just can't resist.  Why are they so cute???

Granddad thinks so too.  I love this picture.  :)

Livie tries out the jumparoo for the first time.  Her feet look close, but trust me, they were not anywhere near the ground. 

Nana and Brenna.

Easter

Grandma got the kids these bubble guns, a huge hit!

They had an all out bubble war, with Grandpa getting the worst of it. 

"I am Captian Bubble!"

This one just wants to shoot things, ALL BOY.  :)