Out of Africa

Out of Africa is in Camp Verde, AZ about 1 and a half hours north of our house. My parents and little boys decided to go up today on President's Day while Daddy is out of town. Look at how beautiful the mountains look and how close you really get to the animals. It was really neat!
Caeden holding his first snake. Daddy is scared of snakes so he couldn't wait to show him this picture. :) Later in the day we pet a 17 foot python snake, it was crazy!
We rode a safari bus that came right up to the giraffe and we were able to give him a carrot. I put mine in my mouth so I could get a kiss as he ate it. It was very fun! This giraffe was especially wrinkly, as you can see and the tour guide said giraffes only sit about 20 minutes a day so this was quite a thing to observe. :)
Here is the clan after 5 hours at the park. We all had a great time! Thanks mom and dad for treating the boys and me to a fun day out!!!

Thanks Uncle Dutch

Fun times at the mall...
Playing trains....
Eating, talking and playing as a family...
And great fun at the Suns game with the Star Wars characters. We sure enjoyed our time with you Uncle Dutch and we miss you already!!! We love you.... Caeden and Caleb

Happy Birthday Caleb!!

Our littlest sweetheart just celebrated his second birthday on Feb 3rd. :) We lit the candles and HE sang, happy birthday to you, and blew out his candles with a big smile before we could even join him. He was super excited to celebrate his own birthday. :)

Only a 2 year old with a big brother is in love with Darth Vader and asks for a Star Wars party. He loves himself a costume. He now runs around the house as superman, darth vader, a storm trooper and buzz light year.

My sweet, sweet boy... you have added a ton of joy, humor and balance to our lives. Before you we were born we were 3 first borns that needed a second born to join our clan. I love that you don't always let us know what you are thinking... we have to pursue relationship with you to know your heart in all its fullness. I love that you are ok to be independent and do your own thing. I love that you keep me on my toes through all of your climbing and getting in to things. I love that you are so compassionate and sweet that you long for harmony in our home among all the family members and want to cuddle a lot. I adore your sweet stories, cute words, precious smile and love of life. God had a perfect plan in creating you and I am so blessed He has entrusted us to help raise and love you. You truly are our joy boy! Happy Happy Birthday!!!!

Show Low with Dutchy

The boys so enjoyed 3 straight days of playing with Uncle Dutch. Wrestling, running, tickling, playing legos and toys...they are cramming in a whole lot of fun in a short time. Thanks Uncle Dutch!
Caeden and I had a BLAST sledding down Grandma and Grandpa's golf course hill. My boy even got so brave that he would "snowboard" down, way better balance than his mama!! Thank you God for giving us time in the snow, it was a treat for us!
My precious monkey bundled up.... it was his first visit in the snow. Cute as a button!
Yeah family!! We had a wonderful time like we always do, but such a blessing to have Uncle Dutch join us since it had been 2 years with him in Show Low. Thanks Mom and Dad!!

My bro

Kev arrived home today from South Korea for a 2 week stay. He will head back for his 3rd year of teaching English only this time it will get to be to University students. :) Caeden was THRILLED to have his playmate, Uncle Dutch back for a visit!
Brothers back together! Lots of family gatherings are planned..... stay tuned for our fun. :)