Fountains & Flips

Friday night was recognition night with one of the groups we
belong to.  All the kids got recognized for their accomplishments from
this year and completion of the grade they are in.
All the kids got metals and certificates.

 We had a busy, busy weekend

filled with all sorts of fun things.

Nora, Lily, Lauren and some friends went to a cheerleading clinic
at a local highschool.  They had such a good time!

The Texas Ironman took place right by our house this weekend.
We went to the finish line to watch the competitors finish.
So inspirational!

We got to play in the fountains for the first time this year.

Then it was on to "Gymfest." Where the girls got to
show off their gymnastics skills.

Lauren did a great job on the beam.

And she had fun on the bars.

Nora on the beam.

Lily on the beam.

Nora rocking the bars.

Lily showing off her skills.



Three sisters...all champions!

A Double Day!

Yesterday was a great "double day" as Lauren called it. 

It was my birthday and Mother's Day. 

It doesn't get much better than that!

We went to one of my favorite resturants for brunch.

Had cake...with just a few candles...much to the children's dismay.

The kids made a cover for my chair at the table.

It says "Queen Mom."

So cute!

 We played at the park...

...I tortured the kids with a few more pictures

...after all it was my day! 

 We watched another mom and her babies.

 We watched the clouds go by.

We even stopped to smell the roses.

A perfect "double day!"

Tucson Days 3, 4 & 5

We drove up into the mountains to see ancient Indian hyroglyphics.
They were very cool.
The boys especially were awed.

Yes, we're still alive around here. 

Hanging on by a thread some days--but we are hanging on. 

Life is so busy, such a blur, it is hard to keep up with the blog. 

My priority is my 5 little treasures and my one handsome husband--

and the blog while I love it,

is taking a back seat for awhile. 

I've been working a ton which has not helped the blur around here one bit.

Anyway...back to our Tucson trip.

Seven of us all looking the same way for a picture!
A miracle.

We went to "Old Tucson."
It was a real live wild west tourist trap.
The kids thought it was cool.
The adults were less than impressed.

The highlight was getting to meet real cowboys and ride horses.

Lily in particular was in heaven on the horse.

We rode the Merry Go Round a few times because the lines were not long.
This is one of the advantages of homeschooling...traveling in the off season!

The next day we went to visit Matt's Aunt Kaye and Kathy.
They have a lovely house in Tucson.
The kids had a great time watering her plants.

Luke, our budding photographer, showing Kathy his photos from the trip.

All of us.

Then it was on to Mt. Lemmon.
We had a picnic by this beautiful lake about halfway up the mountain.

We walked some lovely trails.

The kids are getting to be quite adventerous and outdoorsy.
(Even Lily :)

Luke always watches out for Lauren.
So very sweet.

Uncle Nick and the girls.

The whole crew before we headed out.

Me and my sis.

We homeschool year round,
but we do change pace for the summer.
The kids school year enrichment classes are winding down...
yipeee...
I don't have to live in my car!
This momma is tired after the year we've had.
We're looking forward to some fun trips this summer back to Wisconsin and to
an adoptive family camp in Colorado,
playing the the area pools,
spending more time with our friends,
and getting to see some of the areas (ok most) of Houston
that we have yet to explore.

Adoptive mommy friends--I actually won a paid trip to the Orphan Summit
from Lifesong for the blogging I do for them.
I had to turn it down because I was just too tired to go.
I was so sad because it was something I've always wanted to do.
I've got to take care of the treasures I've got first!
But, it would've been fun.
Maybe next year...anyone?
As I say every year...next year has got to be easier!

I 

Tucson Days 1 & 2



We're just back from our week in Tucson seeing my sister and
brother-in-law.  We had a great time exploring the area.

The day we got there we swam, and swam, and
cooked out for dinner.

The second day we went to Sabino Canyon.
The kids were thrilled seeing the mountains and
Seguro cactuses.
Angela was working but Nick went hiking with us.

At the top of Sabino Canyon.

We found a lovely creek to play in.

We found a small corner of shade and had a picnic lunch.

So very blessed.

Luke had a ball climbing rocks.



A slice of heaven for an 8 year old boy.

Lily our budding naturalist tried catching minnows with her hands.



Lauren and Uncle Nick.

Exploring

Seguro Cactuses

Then we hiked down the mountain well over a mile.
It was very, very hot and
the kids did a great job.

The blooming cactuses were a real treat!