Family Pics

While in AZ, we asked Kare's friend Ashley to take our pictures. Ashley does such great work for Kare and her family, I was really hoping for some great pictures. Well... she did great work on her part, but note to self... try to avoid getting pictures done when your kids have just lost their front teeth and are still learning how to smile photogeniclly (or just not smile at all) with their new ones. Eeesh.

Visiting Grandpa Burkhart and Anita

Charles's Grandpa and step-Grandma, Anita live in Tucson, so we spent one of our days during our trip to see the Merrills to go visit them.  We spent most of our visit  just catching up, showing them pictures, and then trying to learn more about them and their lives.  We got out a couple old boxes filled pictures and letters and listened to Grandpa and Anita identify people and tell us a little bit about their history.

Brynnlee and Bradley were nervous about the dogs and so they hopped on top of the hot tub for safety. :)

They stayed there for quite a while.

Then we went out to Subway for some lunch, came back, visited some more, listened to Grandpa play his keyboard while the kids built a fortress, and then took a few pictures together before heading out.

It was a lot of fun seeing them, they seem to be doing well and we look forward to visiting again.  Here they are laughing at me as I pull out my camera for yet another picture.  I'm sorry... I have problems. :)

Easter in AZ

Wr arrived in Sierra Vista on Easter morning.  It's a good thing the Easter Bunny still knew where to find us!

That day we went over to Randi and Brent's house for Easter dinner and got to meet there friends Danica and Hank.  After dinner all the kids had an Easter egg hunt.

Brynnlee was cracking me up.  She was passing so many obviously placed eggs and I didn't understand why until I looked in her basket...

She's a pink-a-holic.

Meeting Baby Reed

The best part of a road trip, is swimming at the hotels along the way.

Look at them holding hands. So tender...

We made it to Sierra Vista! We came out to hang out with the Merrills and meet Baby Reed.  I hated that I had to wait almost 3 months to meet him, but he was worth the wait. :)

A few days later was Jaden's actual birthday.  Thanks Kare for amazing Texas Sheet Cake!

Kare introduced us to Jamberry Nails.  LOVE them!  While the boys went hiking, (and Charles ran a red light which later resulted in a traffic ticket in the mail) the girls stayed home with Baby Reed and blasted Frozen while doing our nails.  Girls are so fun!

One day we took all the kiddos to see Rio 2, and Bradley did what he always does at the theater.

This is me and Kare after 4 grueling hours of helping her friend do the photography for the T-ball league in the crazy sandy wind.  Man, Kare looks To'e up!

Reed was blessed the Sunday we left to go home, so we got to see my mom and dad and Alli for that weekend too! Just missing the Bartletts...

I love how Nathan can multi-task...

My Dad's oldest brother lives like 5 or 6 hours away (I think) and he came that morning to be at the blessing. We love Uncle Dave!

Look at that handsome kid!

While everyone was getting ready to go, Kare came downstairs to show Alli what she had decided to wear to Alli's wedding in a few weeks. Kare asked her if she thought it would be okay.  Haha! Kare is so funny.

Then Kaylee wanted in on the fun. Nathan told her how beautiful she looked and and asked her to marry her.  She said yes, but only in the temple. Then they played out their own little ceremony. Nathan unveiled her and kissed his bride. Haha! Those two.  Well I guess since Curtis is Kare's Cousband, why can't Nathan marry his own sister?

DANG, he look good!

After the blessing we took off to drive home.  We stopped at this dam... that I can't remember what it's called... or where it was... or what the significance of it was... I want to say my Grandpa helped with the engineering or design of the turbines... something like that. Dad? A little help?