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Well I'm finally getting around to posting a news letter about my month long trip to AZ. Just to set the record straight (Nathen) I am in fact posting a letter before AJ so were once again wrong. We headed out to AZ at 3:00am June 21st and surprising enough the kiddos did really well for the trip. Nathen and family headed out 156 miles behind me and until I hit Albuquerque they had only gained about 26 miles on me. In Albuquerque I met Sabrina, Armin, and Symantha we had lunch and set and chatted for about two hours before I could not bring myself to get back into the car. But once we were back on the road it was not that bad of a drive.

So far Lauren and Rachel play really well together execpt for one visit where there were not all that good of friends. It is really funny to watch how they interact.

So being on Vacation away from home for a month is an interesting thing, and there was much I learned. First off never under estimate the power of family and there ability to do things that you as a Mom can not. When I left the kiddos they were pinging off the walls and I was sure that it would not be a pleasant time to be the caregiver, but when I came back Aunt Bunny had them both asleep. It is amazing the things that your kids will do for other people!

I also found that what little control I had on my two year old was lost almost as soon as we entered AZ. I found myself telling her one thing and ever doting grandparents insisting that "Awh, that is okay", "Let me get that for you" or "Don't worry about it" and thus my power and the scary Mom was lost. I can't complain to much, as the people we went to visit (who have seem to have every glass figuring possible), had nothing broken when we left.

The kids also did not seem to mind sleeping at a different place every other night and other then the adjusting to the dry weather it did not seem to effect them in the least.

Lauren (much like Rachel) has a fondness for animals and it seemed that no matter where we went there were plenty for Lauren to adore. I think that before too much longer we will have to get one of these variety. This Dog's name is Sara and Lauren grabbed a hold of her collar and walked around with Sara in and out of the house for about three hours, until Sara finally gave up and laid down. This photo depicts what transpired after that.

I have also found that on these kind of trips one needs to always have a camera at hand as some people you only see once and there are only a couple of photo opportunities. Last year on my trip I missed Rebecca playing with Lauren. This year I did not make that mistake.

All in all I was very happy with the photos I came home with. However with that being said I could have taken more, and next time will strive to do just that.

The happy couple before the wedding. I have to add, as a side note, that I found Brittney to be very photogenic. I am happy she is part of our family!!

Zeke's Dad has horses and Lauren was just in love with them. Every time we pulled into the yard it was the first place she went. Lucky for her, horses eat a lot and they almost always needed to be fed.

Before heading to AZ Lauren preferred cats to dogs but upon playing with many of both species she has concluded that dogs generally are more fun! So much so that she is even sharing her blanket with this dog named Poochy.

Lauren learned quickly that if she asked and put a little effort into being cute she got almost everything she asked for. She does not look all that happy but she was tickled pink to get to ride a horse.

She was the same with the quad. Here at home, Zeke takes her around the yard on the Motorcycle and she has a good time but uses this same expression when on the machine.

Anyone who has been to Dad's they know that they have a cat that Dad claims to dislike, however this photo tells other wise. Also note Dad's ability to multi-task.

Dad and I took a trip down to Patagonia, while Barbara hung out with Lauren. I found that Grandma's old house now had hedges growing where her flowers use to be, also the town that was once simple and quaint is now a tourist stop. We had a good time just the same.

There are many down sides to being the one operating the camera. Usually one can capture photos of everything except themselves. Once again I managed to capture one of myself. However, it is not very good.

It seems to be that kids are good at finding things to play on no matter where they are. Even the people who do not have kids have many kid occupying toys.

Swinging on the hammock was one of the favorites at Margie's, however it was not as stable as I would have liked, and I felt the need to stand guard.

While standing there supervising the kiddos it occurred to me that I have reached a stage in life where I can still remember laughing at nothing for long periods of time for no apparent reason, but feel that to do such an act now would be unachievable. After hanging around 11 kids under the age of 7 I find that they too have been infected with this ability to laugh at no real source of humor.

While it is something that I no longer find amusing it is fun to watch the kids embark on such a passion.

But perhaps I have not lost all of my kid attributes as here I sit with a kids birthday crown on? I also find it very funny when I'm at home visiting and people mention Toast!

Here is a great photo that captures the ability of a child to sit in the most of poses and to be comfortable. I also must add that the tutu's Sabrina made were a big hit with the little ones.

The wedding was lots of fun but kind of hot if you look at this photo closely there are many flushed cheeks.

Lauren is a full fledged "monkey see monkey do" I asked her to stand so I could take her picture and because I asked her she of course refused.

However after Rachel posed Lauren felt the need to follow suit.

These photos need little comment, other than to say that Mia was correct when she said that the kiddos were really cute as walking, talking, or screaming decorations.

So somber!

Brittney called shortly before the reception and asked if I would do her hair. I was really excited it has been a while since I have gotten to play with someone elses hair. I chopped all mine off, and I live far away, so it is a hobby that I do not get to indulge in often.

Of course I'm biased but I think it was Perfect!

Brittney was once again picture perfect, Lauren however was a bit slobbery.

Don't tell anyone but I even got a very lovely photo for Symantha who as we all know does not like this side of the camera.

Cute!

This one is probably my favorite! Thank you, Mia for having pity on me and making me a skirt out of your skirt's scraps.

Dad also blessed Carson while we were out there. Thank you to all who came up to San Manuel for the blessing, especially to AJ and Brittney whose visit was short it was nice that you came.

Also thank you to Mia for taking all these photos of Carson. I think they turned out Lovely. You might have something there in your ability to take great photos.

I over indulged in the photos of Carson but I liked them so much I had to share.

I am glad to be home, I even got flowers once I got here. I know some one missed me.

However I want to thank everyone who took time off to see us, let us stay with them, or fed us. I really appreciated coming and getting to see everyone!

While I'm glad to be home I miss you all. Hope this finds you all doing well. Love ya Zeke, Mylinda, Lauren, and Carson Ellis

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