Camping at the Grand Canyon

In September, Matt planned a camping trip on the rim of the Grand Canyon as well as a hike to the river and back for his department. The kids and I came along and had a great time!! We had a campfire every night, cooked our own meals, roasted marshmallows, went hiking, completed the Jr. Ranger program, looked at the stars and made amazing memories. It was our first camping trip using our new mini van. It was very chilly in the mornings, reaching temps of 32 degrees. Brrr.
One memory I remember was that I had made GF chocolate chip cookies and GF brownies. I was packing them for the camping trip and was mentioning to the kids that I was going to keep them for our family. Derek said to me, "Mom why don't we share them that would be a better idea?" I thought to myself you're right buddy. Soni told him, "thanks for teaching me a lesson." I should be wanting to share them because its not ours to begin with. I was hoarding the cookies and brownies because they were gluten free and my special treats and cost a lot more but his heart wanted to share just like we share everything. Thank you Jesus for Derek and his heart and the lesson he was teaching me.

On the Road

Glow sticks and head lamps at the camp fire

Yummy s'mores!

Sleeping in our tent. Thank you Khatir family for blessing us with your tent. The kids love using the sleeping bags they got from Grammy and Pops for Christmas last year.

Exploring around the campsite. Matt rented a group campsite that could hold 75 people,
only 30 people came so there was so much room to explore!

While Matt was hiking to the river and back with some students, Derek, Rylie and I went to explore along the rim. The kids were excited to fill our their Jr. Ranger books and earn a badge. 

Listening to a Ranger Talk about wolves. They got to feel wolf fur afterwards. 

After the hike, Matt joined us to check out the beauty of the Grand Canyon.

LOVE these good morning pictures!

Derek's selfie of the tent!

Girl's Weekend

While the boys were away in Gainesville, Rylie and I had a great time together in Phoenix. We painted nails, made cookies, watched Sophia and played Sophia, went to the park and had 2 playdates with Grace. I let Rylie sleep in my bed, on Matt's. She had asked so nicely I couldn't resist.

Swinging and climbing and biking. Then Rylie laid her bike down and ran a lap next to Grace. I asked her what she was doing. She told me she was pretending to be the mom and push a jogging stroller and while her daughter (i.e. Grace) was biking next to her. It was so cute....just like I used to do with her and Derek!!
After the park playdate, Rylie was SO excited to ride in Grace's car back to our house.

Love sleeping pictures of my kids!!

 She fell asleep each night with me singing to her while holding my hand. Just LOVE this girl!!

Daddy and Derek Trip to Gainesville

Matt took Derek to a Florida football game in the Swamp. The Gators were playing South Carolina. The boys had a trip of a lifetime and shared some awesome memories.

Matt took Derek to the bookstore. Derek picked out a sweet Gator football and Gator shorts for himself. They boys picked up a tank top for me and a cute dress for Rylie. Then they explored the campus. Checked out Lake Alice, but didn't spot any gators.

For dinner, Matt and Derek met with our friends from Family Church and had dinner.

Matt, Chauncey, Caleb, Rose, Emily and Josie

Chauncey, Caleb and Matt

Derek got along so well with the kids. 

Sterling, Claire and Scott

The next morning Matt had a meeting and Derek came along.  

They went to the Butterfly Museum.

Later in the day they met up with more friends, the Suttons.

Zach and Kristy and their kiddos.

The morning of the game Matt and Derek had breakfast with Bob and Lisa Merrell.

In front of Matt's building 

During the game....face paint, new hat and a hot dog. 

picture with Albert and Alberta

Second try at Lake Alice and they spot a couple gators!!!

Waiting to see the bats fly out of the bathouse!

Flying home together after an awesome weekend.

Here is Rylie with her new Gator dress and my tank top!

trying on her brother's hat!

Fall afternoon at the park

I picked the kids up from school and we headed to the park. With homework, my class at ASU and after school activities, its been a while since we've played at the park after school. It was so fun! Derek had a blast using his "new" Green Machine bike that Sam gave him. He loves driving it and then doing donuts! At one point I turned around and Derek had Rylie on the back of the bike (no shoes and no helmet) flying around the park grinning from ear to ear!! I LOVE their relationship!! 

climbing fun

 Derek working on his skills with the Green Machine!! Really wanting to perfect the donut!

These 2 are the best of friends!! They share a special relationship that seems to just grow more and more with time. I am so grateful God planned them to be so close in age!!