Payne Family Reunion

Just after the Fourth of July we headed up to Utah for our tri-annual Payne Family Reunion.

We made the best of the trip by planning lots of activities in the car and making lots of stops along the way.

Jake loved this magnet idea that I found here.

Ours didn't have chalkboard paint - just magnets.

Out first official stop was Toroweap at the North rim of the Grand Canyon.

Haven't heard of it? Here's a link. Apparently it isn't for the faint of heart.

But the view is spectacular.

Some of Arizona's best.

After a night's stay in Hurricane, UT and a new tire in Washington caused by our journey the day before ... we spent the next day exploring Springdale, UT. We ate at Oscar's Cafe there and it was SO good. After lunch, we decided it was time to make our way through Zion and the rest of the way up to Richfield to meet up with family.

Here is one picture of Zion from the car.

Our first night in Richfield we all went to this fantastic place for dinner and Cam and I were HOOKED. We ate there once every day for the next two days.

Besides setting up and helping run the family reunion, we spent lots of time swimming with cousins at the hotel and finding a doctor to treat an ear infection that Jake had.

Oh, and we danced a bit in our hotel room.

At the actual reunion there was lots of fun to be had.

Cameron was in charge of the rocket station where people made and launched rockets for the whole first day until the launcher finally gave out. Then there was softball, and auction and lots of free time for bonding with cousins.

Jake and Rylee enjoying a cool treat.

Daddy and Jake catching a nap.

This was the last day. He was completely pooped from traveling and not sleeping well. He slept like this for almost 3 hours.

And, by the time he woke up, we were mostly packed up and so we grabbed some picture with Grandpa before heading back to the hotel for one more night!

A nice four generation one for the scrapbook.

When Aly Comes to Stay...

... We play!

Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey HALF PRICE style.

Seriously. I took 9month preggers, a two year old and an 18 month old to the CIRCUS. In Downtown Phoenix.

The kiddos loved their seats. Actually, I think Jake was terrified he was going to get clamped shut in his, but whatever.

I see this look reappearing in about 14 years... a lot.

We also went to the zoo and braved the heat.

Which of the following two pictures is cuter?

I can't decide.

And, the real reason we went to the zoo.

The splash pad.

Aww. Handsome man.

Ember had her own little Marilyn Monroe style.

Or maybe she was feeling a bit European?

It was a fun couple of weeks hanging with these two cuties...

and waitin' for this one to make her appearance.

Happy Birthday Rory!

Happy Fourth of July

I thought Jake needed some festive church attire, and Daddy wasn't around to stop me, so I made this little little bow tie a few minutes before church today.

My next bow tie will be shorter and fatter... :)

Father's Day was a Success

Well, Father's Day was a success! It was complete with family time, great gifts and even more awesome food.

I think every man's dream is to wake up to legos in the morning. :) Okay, maybe not every man's, but definitely mine. Do you like my creations?

I made this car. Haha.

Cam was very specific about what he wanted for Father's Day. So Specific that he researched and purchased it for himself. I claim the wrapping job.

Oh yes, love at first sight.

Hunny, pose!

Check out my craft blog to see how I decorated.

(Links show up on the top right of this blog.)

What We're Up To.

This is us as of late.

Jake is really interested in my camera. As soon as I get it out, he stops whatever cute thing he is doing and runs towards me in hopes that I will let him push some buttons.

We were goofing off this day, hence my scary eyes. Isn't it cute, though?

This is what happens when the camera gets taken away.

We know this face well here at 18 months old.

That's okay. He LOVES our play kitchen.

He is very serious about food prep.

Awww. A puppy intermission.

We've been garage sale-ing.

One of our favorite things to look for are Mega Blocks.

These are our newest additions getting a bath.

Jake thinks they're more fun like this than as building blocks...

See the happiness?

And this is why they say you should watch your kids around water, even if they aren't IN water.

Yeah, He slipped in head first and Cam grabbed him. :) I took pictures.

This week was also Jake's first date. Carrie lives down the street and Cam baby sat. He took this picture of the two lovebirds watching Toy Story and sharing snacks. Awww.

Major cut his paw. Cam and I make a good vet team. It is all healed up now. Can you see the wrap job on his back foot?

Speaking of kitchens... I have been having Jake "help" me in the kitchen.

Tonight he made this very fine tower.

and then when I was done with my very gourmet meal of spaghetti and corn, we had a mommy-son dinner date. He loves sitting up to the table.

and he loves spaghetti.

That's what we're up to!

Family Outings

Since I am working our family time is severely limited, so we have been trying to make the very most of every moment we get together.

(Sorry for all the pictures. I have no idea how to cut back.)

Several weeks ago we went to Jump and Shout (scratch that) whatever-that-place-is-called-now...

A good time was bad by all. :)

Then, just this week, we went to The Children's Museum of Phoenix.

I have been wanting to go for a while...

Jake loved the car wash, but only if we pushed him through.

I think the noodles won as the favorite toy of the day.

but these chimes were right up there.

It was fun! The museum really made me want to have a huge playroom! :)