Catching up...some random things we did this year.

Dave swam his second 2000 meter open water swim at Lake Pleasant, AZ in June. Improved by over 15 minutes.

Kids played soccer with Strikers League. Three soccer games every Saturday. Gotta love it.

Dave helped coach Ryan's team this year.

Dave, at the top of Piestewa Peak on his birthday. We were preparing for our Rim to Rim hike in the Grand Canyon.

Our yearly trip to Rocky Point in June. (This was only our second year going but hope to go every year). Love this place!

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

We sure had a blast this summer at our family reunion in Zion National Park. I was in charge of the planning this year and we decided to try out this ranch resort. We camped there but enjoyed the use of there showers, swimming pool, entertainment, and nearby entrance into the park. We all loved the place and plan to go back for future reunions. Here are a few highlights:

All the cousins together

Ella "cliff jumping" at the pool

Fun waterslides

"Amazing Races"

A 4th of July Rodeo

Enjoying the little ones

And.....doing some great hiking!!

Just Like Glass

Dave's been out enjoying the early morning glass at Lake Pleasant this summer with a couple buddies of his. Brings back the memories of summers skiing at Lake Powell with his family. Not too shabby, I say!

Grandpa and Grandma

We love having my parents close enough by (Prescott, AZ) that they can come for visits here and there. Plus it's always a good excuse to go to Barro's Pizza with them! Love you guys!

Swim Team

I've always known other moms who bear the summer heat while their kids do swim team every morning....but I never could get my self to commit to it. This summer I decided it was worth a try. Surprisingly, it was a good time and the kids did an amazing job learning all four strokes. Each Thursday they competed in a swim meet which was the best part. Funny how excited they can get over a ribbon! We are impressed with our little athletes and will for sure add swim team to the list next summer when Ella gets to race too. Great job Kylie and Ryan!

Kylie getting ready for the buzzer to go off for her freestyle swim.

Ryan is off for backstroke. He's pretty fast on this one and his arms look like windmills.So happy with his ribbon!

Way to go girl!

Ryan ended up competing in the finals in three strokes (breast, back, and butterfly) and also on a relay team. They got first place and were happy to have upgraded to a medal. Kylie also competed in the finals for breaststroke.

Huntington Beach

Memorial Day weekend we took off and went to Huntington Beach for a little vacation....We went straight to the beach...

...Dave taught Ryan and Kylie how to surf and boogey board...

...then did a lot of surfing himself. Waves weren't that great he said.

The kids buried themselves in the sand....

...built sand castles...

...and looked for shells.

More boogey boarding....

... and playing in the sand.

And just RELAXING!

The funnest thing was cruising the boardwalk on these bikes. Ryan loved riding a purple bike with a banana seat, especially because it had a bell on it he could ring.

We had a great time and will for sure do this again soon!

Derby Girl

This year, Kylie's pine wood derby car was more successful than last year AND "Dad" spent less time making it. I think Kylie's "surf board" car ended up getting 5th place overall. It was pretty fun to watch her face when it came in 1st on the first race down the ramp. Much improved from last year by far. Plus she was awarded "Most Colorful" car.

Dave is getting some good practice in so that when Ryan is in scouts he will really know what's goin' on. Watch out Dads...(because hey, what kid really makes the car all by themselves? We know this is serious competition!)