R Family Update

I can't believe that it has been just about a month since my last post--sorry Mom & Dad!

The summer is going by in such a blur!! Here is a somewhat quick update from June.

This picture doesn't really have to do with anything. I just like it because the afternoon before, we had gone to the library and Kevin checked out a bunch of comic books. The very next morning, he comes down dressed in his Superman costume, (Superman just happens to be his favorite comic book Hero), while he continues to read his comics. 

The biggest highlight of June was the celebration of Kenzie's 4th birthday. I'll post pictures and more later. We ended up not really having a party, mostly because she could never be consistent on what she wanted.  She kept changing her mind about everything--except the huge chocolate cake from Costco. It's crazy, but since her birthday it seems like she has turned a corner and is more a preschooler than a toddler. It's exciting and sad at the same time.

Our other big highlight of the summer was definitely our trip to Arizona.  Justin had enough flight miles that we all flew for free--which was an experience to say the least.  Our kids are pretty good travelers and were good sports about getting up early (4:30 AM) to get to the airport. We packed so tightly that we were able to carry everything on, including two booster car seats. I was pretty proud of that!  I will definitely post pictures soon. (That's part of the reason why I haven't posted yet. It has taken me some time to upload and edit all of the pictures from our trip).  It would take too long to share everything from our trip, so here is the TOP 10:

10). I loved seeing how much the kids enjoyed flying on the airplane. Everyone, except Kenzie that is. She did not like it at all and did not want to look out the window.  The best part of the flights? The 10 minutes or so that Kevin got to sit in the cockpit with the pilot on a quick stop in OK City. They had quite a long conversation and Kevin was even allowed to sit in the Pilot's seat.  It was pretty awesome.

9). We definitely have to mention the amazing 76 degree weather on the 4th, complete with swimming in the rain.  We had to giggle a little as the Arizona natives complained about how humid it was.

8). Our kids absolutely loved, loved, loved all of the cousin time!

7). We enjoyed meeting Teresa's new husband, Earl Williams. We are so happy for both of them and loved being able to spend time with them. Thank you for driving down to the valley to see us!

6). Swimming, swimming, and more swimming--3 fun cousin swim parties, complete with swimming Olympics where everyone's prize was there own pack of gum. 

5). Reflecting on the legacy of Glen & Eloise Randall. Enjoying happy memories and grateful to be part of their family.

4). Exploring at the Tonto Natural Bridge.  All but Kenzie hiked down & through the bridge. Before it was a state park, Glen & Eloise owned it and Justin's Dad, and aunts spent all of their summers working and exploring.

3). Enjoying an amazing and memorable dinner in a private dining room at The Barking Frog Grille, one of the restaurants where my brother Mark & his girlfriend Erin work. Not to mention my parents driving from Flagstaff to see us and spend a short time together. Kate loved trying the Cactus Fries. My favorite?  It's a toss up between the Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, or the amazing Cheesecake--both of which my brother makes. YUM!

2). Getting to stay with Mark & Erin, and getting to know them, Erin's children and their pets, Phillip, Zoey, & Kitty. Additionally exploring in the orchard, the tree house and Oak Creek.  Our kids miss it so much! Kate was talking today about how she would like to move there. :) I loved playing "Apples to Apples" and "Hearts" with my Parents, Mark & Erin.

1). Finishing the trip with the baptism of Justin's sister Emily.  It was a long awaited day and very special. We are grateful we got to be a part of it.

We love all of our family and are sad that we are so far away. We had such a great time and look forward to seeing everyone again soon. (Maybe even around Christmas? ;) ).

I've just about edited all of the pictures from our trip. Those will soon follow.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible and so enjoyable. We love you!