Lava Tubes in Flag

In hopes of coping with my insane week, I gladly took Dave's invitation to bring the girls up for his last day in Flag. We swam in the pool, watched cartoons on the hotel TV, and ate at Outback. What more could you ask for? Well, the two mile two hour hike in the 30* lava tubes didn't hurt either. Beth is asking if we can come back tomorrow. Next time she gets to carry Sophia.

"V" for "VOTAW"!!!! This is us at the end of the tube. I can't believe we made it. It was much more like rock climbing than hiking. The $12 head lamps from Walmart were TOTALLY worth it.

Kate really really wanted a picture of her "bloody" fingers (her red head light made them look this way). So we don't have any pics in the cave of her looking up. Cutie.

Dave leaves. All heck breaks loose...

So, Dave decided to stay employed and leave us for a week. I can't blame him. I would rather have been in Flagstaff this week too.

In the course of the 5 days we missed him: (1.) I lost Sophia. A neighbor called the police when a cute, but young, little person rang her doorbell. Sophia told me later that she had been going to see Brenna (a little baby of a friend of mine). Nice. (2.) Sophia allowed Ernie the $200 parakeet to fly into the wide world yonder. He has not returned. My dad worried that he won't know how to eat. He has probably been eaten. So I'm not worried. (3.) Sophia killed Taco Bell the everlasting beta fish; (I may have also had a hand in it). She dumped a bunch of herbal pregnancy supplements into his bowl (note: I am NOT pregnant). In my frantic state to get him in fresh water, I filled his bowl with hot water. Then after putting him in the hot water and realizing my mistake, dumped out hot water and filled the bowl with cold water. While trying to not pour him down the drain. Somewhere amidst the supplement, hot water, and rapid water change, he stopped moving. Now every time Sophia wants to use the toilet, she says, "Fishy in poo poo?". Note to self, do not flush the fish in front of the 2 year old again.

Dave has to go out of town for 2 weeks in September. I ask myself - how can one prepare for this?

First Day of school

We had a lovely back to school dinner and fashion show the night before Beth began school. Kate decorated for us by taking the contents of my craft box and hanging it about the living room.... She's cute!

Beth began two weeks ago. She's riding her bike to school!!! The dust has finally settled, and she officially loves it. Yesterday she informed us that she was going to grow up to be a basketball player. I can see it in the future...

Kate is returning to Miss Becky's. She is thrilled. I only got a pic of her at the end of the first day - so you get the general idea!

Sophia and I are enjoying the rest of the days together!

Wild Thing

Here's to the Wild Child in us all - mostly in my two blondies! Beth saves us from madness most days. Heaven sent me a good one to be first in our family!

Hiking (dragging) Up Timp

So as the family activity coodinator, I thought how much fun I would have hiking to Timp Caves in July. I made a plan and got tickets. Little did I know how easy that part of it was. All I can say is thank heavens for Uncle Danny who was carrying someone at all times. I LOVED it. As did Beth - she didn't look back. But, Kate would say over and over for days - "Mom, I HATE caves. I don't ever want to see another cave - okay?". She was a trooper, but the whole hike was a motivational talk by me and my mom for her benefit. Sophia enjoyed the princess carry. It's like she forgot she had legs for a few hours. Next time we're bringing Dave!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

My girls loved this open house. Beth kept asking to come back. Don't they look beautiful! It was so good for my girls to see what I do when I go there.

Sophia and her wisdom

At risk of seeming obscene. Sophia found this "nursing coverup" and began using it. I have never owned one or used one. She seems to come innately with knowledge about babies and nursing...oh, and the cell phone.