Arizona

We decided we better squeeze in a vacation before the baby comes or else it wouldn't happen this year.  Caitlyn had spring break so we decided to head to Arizona to visit Matt and Lori.  Unfortunately, Keith didn't have spring break at the same time so our trip was shorter than we wanted.  We were glad we could make it work though and had a great time.  I love this picture of Wyatt and Caitlyn. 

It was warm there, but the pool water was pretty cold so only the kids swam.  It was fun to be there on Caitlyn's birthday.  I asked her if it would be okay if we were down there on her birthday and she was thrilled with the idea.  Later Jonah told me, "I think I will go to California to visit Grandma Betty for my birthday."   A trip for every one's birthday, that is a nice thought!

Lori always has fun ideas and does such fun things with the kids.  She had an Easter egg hunt for them in the pool.  The kids loved it.

They both did well at swimming around and gathering them up. We didn't put Wyatt in the pool.  He was wandering around and luckily we stood right next to him because he tripped and fell into the pool fully dressed.  Keith immediately pulled him out, but oh man was Wyatt mad about being cold and wet!

Jonah has been so excited for this trip.  He has been telling anyone who would listen that he was going to Arizona for weeks now.

The kids were really excited when they found money in their eggs. 

We loved being in shorts and enjoying the warm weather.  The kids spent a lot of time playing outside. Jonah and Wyatt love the jeep.

Caitlyn and Elena had fun with the chalk.

Wyatt loved the chalk and thought laying in it while he drew was a good option.  He was covered from head to toe in chalk.

Lori gave the kids a drink that looked like kool-aid on April fools day.  They couldn't figure out why it wouldn't come out of their straw.  They thought it was so funny that it was actually jello.  Lori worked so hard and prepared such yummy meals for us.  They are always such good hosts!

Wyatt was in love with their cat.  He was constantly walking around with his hands in the air saying, "meow" while looking for the cat.  He would get so excited when he saw him.  Mogley was a good sport and let Wyatt pet him and even let him brush him a few times.  Wyatt really wanted to pick the cat up.  He would look at me and grunt with his hands up (which is what he does when something is stuck or too heavy)  and try to pick him up.  It was so funny to watch him chase him around all day. 

I was amazed at how late my kids stayed up the night we got there.  Cody and Jonah stayed up until almost midnight (keep in mind we left at 5:00 AM) and were up before 6:00 AM the next morning.  Luckily the rest of the trip went better.  It could have something to do with the fact that we separated the boys at night!  Caitlyn and Elena usually went to sleep pretty quick though.  They built a tent in the bunk bed and both slept on the bottom.  They looked so cute sleeping next to each other.  I love how sweet they both look and I love that Caitlyn is hugging her doll and Elena is holding paintbrushes!

Matt took us out in the ranger.  Lori was great and stayed home with Wyatt.  I was excited to go for a ride until we got going and I remembered that I am a complete wimp!  I have always been scared, but it is getting worse in my old age.  At one point I told Matt that we couldn't all die because then Wyatt would be left all alone. 

The kids loved it.  At one point they were all screaming with their arms in the air like they were on a roller coaster.  It really wasn't very dangerous, the hills just looked a lot bigger as you were approaching them. 

The kids spent a lot of time outside playing.  It was a great trip.  I wish it wasn't so short, but I'm grateful it worked out and we were able to go.  The kids did really well on the drive.  Wyatt didn't get car sick and only hit me a few times the first time I had to put him back in the car after we got gas.  Wow that boy has attitude lately!  Keith and I had fun visiting with Matt and Lori and just watching the kids have a great time together.  Thanks for a great trip Matt and Lori!