tales from a far-land

Growing up, I fondly remember my family's camping trips. Fresh air in the mountains, fishing with my dad, exploring the forest with my cousins, playing various outdoor games, and roasting s'mores over a roaring fire. These family adventures allowed me to gain valuable life's lessons:  how to squat over a campground open air toilet, how to roast the perfect marshmallow, how to whittle a stick, how to clean a fish (the rule was if you catch it, you clean it), and how to skip rocks on the lake.  It also allowed me to strengthen my connections with my cousins, aunts, uncles, sister and parents. We wanted to have our kids have some of the same experiences I had above.  So, in mid-May, we took the kids camping up near Show Low with a couple of other families.  It was one of the most beautiful campground I have ever visited.  Clean bathrooms, a gorgeous view of the lake from the campsite, and a playground in walking distance from our site.  The weather was chill...

The kids love it when their school celebrates Spirit Week.  It is a fun time for the kids to express themselves by dressing up while boosting excitement and creating unity among the students and teachers.  BASIS Phoenix Primary celebrated the last full week of school with their final Spirit Week of the year.  The Landers kids enjoyed dressing up each and every day! Monday ~ Character Day   Tuesday ~ Decades Day Wednesday ~ Wacky Day   Thursday ~ Sports Day  Friday ~ Spirit Day

This year we celebrated Mother's Day with our Moms.  It was a wonderful way to commemorate such a special day.  To start the day, the kids delivered to me a cart full of cards and homemade gifts.  They were so excited to watch me read and open every little gift.  So sweet.  Then, we drove to Josh's mother's house for brunch.  The kids loved seeing their cousin, Finnley, and swimming in NaiNai and YeYe's pool.  Our day concluded with dinner at Valle Luna with Grandma and Papa.  The highlight of our meal was when we taught Grandma how to use all of the different photo filters in Snapchat.  What a great day! The kiddos delivering my cards and gifts Homemade hats! Cards.... Time with Finnley Dinner at Valle Luna Snapchat Fun!

We spent the entire day celebrating Josh's birthday.  His special day included dropping of the kids at school, breakfast at Breakfast Kitchen Bar, Shabbat surrounded by family and friends and eating a homemade pazookie.  It was a fun birthday all around! Dropping off the kids at school Breakfast at BKB Shabbat! Josh with all of the kids Pazookie Time

To highlight what the kids have been learning in music and drama, BASIS Phoenix Primary had a Spring Showcase at the beginning of May.  Madilyn performed on Thursday night and Aiden performed on Friday night.  Both of our kids did great!  Madilyn had a one-liner to introduce one of the songs and Aiden seemed super focused demonstrating sign language while singing one of his songs.  Too fun! Madilyn before her concert Madilyn with her friends (Noor, Noel, and Calista) Madi performing Madilyn's little one-liner Singing "Let the Games Begin" Aiden before his concert Aiden performing Aiden singing "The Bare Necessities" Aiden signing "Circle of Life"