tales from a far-land

What to do in August in Arizona?  Take the kids on a Daddy-Kids overnight camping trip to Woods Canyon Lake, which is just outside of Payson, AZ.  Josh and the kids joined some of our friends and their kids in the fun.  They departed really early on Saturday morning and arrived home Sunday midday.  The kids fished, ran around the forest and enjoyed some campfire time.  It was a fun little break from the everlasting summer heat.  Based on the pictures, it looks like everyone had a great time! Nate assisting the kids with their fishing poles Fishing Woods Canyon Lake Nate with Aiden and his fish Josh with Aiden and his fish Nate with Addison and her fish Nate with Madi and her fish Josh with Madi and her fish Nate with Charlotte and her fish Chris with Charlotte and her fish

In August, Madilyn lost her two top front teeth.  Each time, it seemed like the tooth would just hang there by a thread for a couple of weeks until it finally fell out.  The first of the top teeth fell out while Madi slept. Thankfully, she didn't swallow it.  The second top tooth fell out at school.  And again, for the second time, the tooth did not make it home.  The Tooth Fairy is getting very used to receiving explanation notes instead of a tooth.  Now, Madi parades around the house singing "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." Let's hope they come in by then.

In August, while my sister and Mina were visiting Phoenix, we seized the opportunity to take "cousin" photos at a JCPenney Portrait Studio.  They turned out awesome!  Plus, this allowed us to surprise my parents with a canvas portrait of all three kids for their anniversary. Mina Rose Aiden Price Madilyn Rae The Farrell Cousins The Landers Kids

My little man turned six years old this year!  He is becoming such an amazing little person.  So happy, most of the time.  He is kind and sensitive.  He is sarcastic and funny.  He enjoys being the life of the party, but sometimes pretends to be shy and aloof.  He is sporty and competitive.  Definitely doesn't like to lose or be wrong.  Very confident.  Sometimes this makes him a little intense. He is very smart and a good student.  He learns very quickly and has a really good memory.  He likes to tease, but doesn't like to be teased in return.  He is very stubborn and will hold his ground for a long while.  And he knows what he likes and what he doesn't.  He is extremely charming and will use his smile as a lure. He is a great dancer and loves music.  He is already a fashionista.  He is very particular about his clothes and hairstyle.  He is a good brother, when he wants to be. Some of his loves at this age are: Legos!  He will play with his legos for hours Swimming

Wednesday, August 9th, was the kids' first day of school back at BASIS Phoenix Central.  Aiden is a first grader and Madilyn is in second grade.  I seriously cannot believe it!  The kids were super excited for the new school year.  They both got up early, ate breakfast, got dressed, took the obligatory first day of school pictures and out the door we went.  Knowing the first day of school traffic was going to be insane, we parked at my office building and walked (the kids almost ran) over to the school.  And before I could even secure a kiss and hug, they disappeared into the school.  I am so glad they love school so much! Aiden, age 5 Madilyn, age 7

We celebrated Aiden's birthday with his friends on the Saturday before he turned six.  One of Aiden's latest obsessions is Nerf guns.  We have had several Nerf battles this summer at the house and up north at the cabin.  So, I researched and found a local arena called  VIP Airsoft  that hosts Nerf parties for kids.  It was exactly what he wanted.  The package included all of the equipment, unlimited ammo, a private party room, pizza and drinks.  All we had to bring were the cupcakes and favors. Aiden and his friends had a great time (after the Dads got involved and helped re-load the ammo in the guns). They just continued to run around shooting each other and running back to refill their gun to do it again.  So much fun! The birthday boy! With his lego creation (another obession) Nerf Gear Time to play! The Whole Gang! Nerf Cake & Cupcakes "Happy Birthday" Time! Blowing out the candle Dad, Mon and Aiden Yum! A