Spencer's Sight

Spencer told us in church a few weeks ago that he couldn't see the hymn numbers up in front. So I took him to the eye doctor. He had a very mild prescription, and only needs to wear them during class. I was not surprised. I had to wear glasses when I was 11, and Shayne started when he was 10. Spencer is only 8, so I guess I didn't think it would be so soon-the eye doctor said that the eyes change usually with every growth spurt-so I figure he probably will only use these glasses for 8 months or so. So I gave him the options from the cheapest frames. And he chose these. I think he actually looks pretty cute. He does not seem to be at all concerned with how he looks or worried what others will think. Partly his being a boy, partly his personality, and partly being 8. I had very very different feelings about my glasses- and tried hard to avoid being seen in them. I'm glad I don't have to deal with what my parents had to with me and my glasses.
This video of Spencer is pretty typical of him-he's a funny kid, but it is embedded through utube, so don't watch any of the randomly selected other videos it offers after ours.

Ben's Birthday Bouncing

So we had Benjamin's birthday party at the Bounce U, which was great, because then he could invite as many friends as he wanted and I didn't have to do much. And they really had a great time! Except there were quite a few knocked heads- They got really crazy. But we don't do friend parties every year, so I am glad that this one made Ben really happy. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Benjamin is 6!

Today is Ben's special day. I can't believe he is 6 already! He loves school, has lots of friends, is so easy going, and loves to help me. The word that often comes to mind when I think about him is JOY. He is a special part of our family and I am grateful he joined us 6 years ago.
I let him choose whatever he wanted for dinner tonight-barring pizza or any junk food, and he chose: Meatballs(the frozen kind I save for last minute suppers) and a package of Lipton Rice Sides. Ha, Ha. I thought that was pretty cute.
Happy Birthday, Benjamin!

We'll have his birthday party (with pizza) tomorrow.
-Michelle

Who's the Cutest Little Baby??

These are Sam's 9 month pics. I just love them. They really capture his happy, happy faces and his drive to be on the move. He has a joyful personality. Which one is your favorite picture?
-Michelle
Check out the flickr site to see them all together in a slid show

Another Hike at San Tan Regional Park

Okay, another entry for another hike. The trail was gorgeous. We hiked the Goldmine and San Tan Trails at the San Tan Regional Park near Queen Creek. we have a lot of rain this winter and we could see that the hills were beginning to show green (no really, I mean it, green hills in Arizona) so we wanted to catch the desert wildflowers as it started to bloom. Unfortunately, we were just a wee bit early to see the bloom, but we could really see that the desert was getting ready for a great show, I anticipate that it will be in full force in 2-3 weeks. Peralta trail in the Superstitions will be our next attempt to see the big 2008 bloom.


For us the hikes have been an excuse to find interesting places to catch a bite to eat. So yesterday we returned to a place we had found a while ago called the Olive Mill in Queen Creek. Best way to describe it would be, "Not what you would expect to find in Queen Creek". It was quaint, clever, and tasty (we each tried a variety of the breakfast frittata panini, I decided the veggies with fresh herbs was the the best). Best part of the shop are the complimentary olive and olive oil tasting bar!


Thanks John and Michael for a great hike!

Ben Does Basketball !!

If it involves a ball, Ben is all over it. This season he is really enjoying basketball! His team is named the Snakes. check out the following pictures of his latest game. Thanks to Lori for all her great help as the team coach!!

Ben chose the slide show style!

Austin & Riley's Birthday Party!!!

Its great to have cousins that live near enough to celebrate with!
We had a fun time at the party. Glad you turned 6-Austin and Riley!

• We played rolling down the hill
  
• We watched them open presents
• It was a transformer party
• We ate VERY BLUE cup cakes

See you at the next party!

Telegraph trail hike on South Mountain

Spencer and I, and a few friends, took a hike on the south side of south mountain where we saw this petroglyph. Pretty cool we thought. It was a perfect day for a hike and the winter rain was just beginning to show green growth everywhere! We are definitely planning a desert wildflowers hike in two weeks. I'll post some additional pics soon of the hike. We are doing Peralta trail next... right, John.
-Shayne