Camping and archery

Last weekend was our first camping trip with the girls (where we all slept in a tent - you know, REAL camping ;)) in AGES! We headed up to Mormon Lake where there was also an archery shoot going on that the adults and kids could all participate in. We had a really great time, and the weather was perfect! It made it really hard to pack up and come home to 100+ degrees.

I do realize I am skipping over a couple months of stuff here... so I am planning to try and come back and fill in the gaps a bit now that our homeschool year is wrapping up!

Here's to a lot more posts to come!  =)

Woods Canyon Lake

The next day, we wrestled our tired selves into the car and drove up on the rim for a day at the lake. It was, again, a gorgeous day - and we couldn't get enough of being outside!

Independence Day

Justin's parents were nice enough to let us use their home in Payson over the 4th of July weekend, even though they were out of town! We arrived to beautiful weather and headed straight out in the rail to swim in the creek.

Back at the house the girls played outside until dinner and firework time. Lauren, the animal whisperer discovered this little guy.

And the girls all ready to go to fireworks.

But, after hours of waiting with LOTS of people, we got rained out. =( But, it was an adventure - and we always love a good adventure!

Hiking in Flagstaff

In June, we ventured up to Flagstaff for the day and went on a beautiful hike on the mountain!

I love my little family! Look how cute they are! =)

This one LOVED the dirt and dust on the trail.

And as we know, any adventure with three little girls would not be complete without a touch of drama. Paige found this butterfly caught under some long grass and called Lauren and I over to see.

Lauren then lifted it up from underneath through the grass, with Paige saying all the while, "Don't let it go."

You can see big sister's decision and little sister's reaction below.

After a few tears and a drink of water, we were on our merry way!

Peaches

We ventured out to the peach festival in Queen Creek with friends this year, and the peaches did not disappoint! =) Here's a peek into our day.

Lauren turns NINE!

I had to triple check that I hadn't posted anything about Lauren's birthday, but sure enough I am further behind than I thought! So, here is my sweet girl turning nine back in May!

First stop was Claire's Boutique to spend a gift card from Grandma Nel!  We waited in the car for it to open.

And this is what it looks like when I am waiting with my children.

Haha! After shopping and being THRILLED with her Rainbow Dash jewelry finds, we headed to the Science Center for the day.

And then it was home for a special dinner, cake and gifts.  I think she fully enjoyed her day!