tales from a far-land

My kids are obsessed with YouTube Kids.  This is an actual childhood phenomenon.  From what I understand, most kids my children's age are obsessed with YouTube Kids.  And, we parents, do not understand.  Especially, because some of the channels my kids watch are painful to watch as an adult and yet, they love them.  One of my kids' favorite YouTube video channels is Ryan's Toy Review.  This kid has one of the most popular YouTube channels.   The premise of the channel, as the name implies, is that Ryan reviews toys. He provides his thoughts on the selected toy.  Then, he “unboxes” the toys, sets them up, and plays. That is the concept of the entire show until he signs off with a simple wave and says, “See you next time.”   Really!?! Here is a glimpse of Ryan's channel: Baffling, right?  My kids love him.  They will sit for hours, if we allowed them, watching Ryan unpackage toys and review them.  It is mind numbi...

While we were up in Munds Park, we surprised Mom with a party on Saturday night to celebrate her birthday. Mom's good friend, Sandy, had been planning the event for months.  It was one of the main reasons that Aunt Jerre and Uncle Loren decided to visit the cabin earlier. The rousse created by Sandy was that since she hadn't seen Jerre and Loren in a long time, that we should all come over for dinner.  Mom gladly accepted the invitation and when we arrived for dinner, many of Mom's friends were gathered in her honor.  She was so surprised.  We got her! It was a fun evening of drinks, food, conversation and celebration.  I am so glad that we were able to celebrate Mom's birthday with her this year.  With all of the kids' activities, it is getting harder and harder to get up to the cabin in the summer.  What a fun night! Grandma and the kids The gang! Balloons, presents and cupcakes! Mom and Sandy Madi and Aiden Crazy frosting!...

Our family spent the weekend of July 7th up north to spend time with my parents and my mom's sister and her husband, Jerre and Loren.  They were in Munds Park visiting from Loveland, Colorado. Saturday morning, while the other four adults golfed the Pinewood Country Club course, Josh and I took the kids on a three mile round trip hike in Flagstaff.  This was our first family hike.  We choose a relatively easy hike -- Red Mountain Trail #159.  The kike is no more that 2.5-3 miles round trip. All of the hiking websites state that it should take about thirty minutes to complete.  Here is a blurb about the trail from the Coconino National Forest website: Red Mountain, located in the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff, is a volcanic cinder cone that rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. It is unusual in having the shape of a "U," and in lacking the symmetrical shape of most cinder cones. In addition, a large na...

The third swim meet of the summer season was held at the kids' home pool, Sunnyslope Pool.  The meet ran so smoothly.  In fact, we were home before 9:00pm.  It was amazing.   This was definitely Madilyn's meet.  She looked strong and focused.  She placed very well in all of her races.   Madilyn placed: 1st -- Free Relay 3rd -- Free 25yd Individual Participation -- Breast 25yd Individual 1st -- Back Rela y Aiden, on the other hand, looked a little off and tired. My little competitive one was very disappointed in his races.  So much, that he wanted to throw all of the purple (Participation) ribbons in the trash.  We had to remind him that this is his first year swimming competitively and that he is still young compared to the other swimmers. Aiden placed: 3rd -- Free Relay Participation -- Free 25yd Individual Participation -- Breast 25yd Individual Participation -- Back Rela y Aiden ready to dive in the pool Madilyn div...

We celebrated our nation's independence day on the 3rd of July with a pool party and the viewing of the Moon Valley Country Club fireworks from our front patio.  It was the perfect celebration!  We didn't have to worry about parking or crowds.  Plus, the kids were able to swim as much as they wanted while the adults enjoyed some refreshing/intoxicating beverages.  Happy 4th of July! Aiden and Madillyn Looking too cool! Pool Party! Slushies ... yum! Maelyn and Keaton Aiden and Keaton Josh and Pete Stephanie and Dan Logan Mae Silliness! Campbell, Sydney, Madi and Brooke Logan All of the kiddos Sparklers! The Birthday Girl Glowing in the dark Me and Paige Keaton and Madi Miss Madi