Thanksgiving trip to Arizona 2012

We got to spend Thanksgiving down in sunny Arizona this year. It was a fun time and we got to hang out with Shawn and Byrdie and even Daniel a little. We went for a hike up the Usery mountain trail.

 I don't know, I think the heat might be getting to Jimmy. What do you think? He kind of looks like he's going to die and I'm pretty sure that he thought he was. 

  

Halloween 2012

This year Jimmy was a mad scientist, Ben was the scream ghost and Luke was Hulk. The funniest part of this Halloween was when we went trick or treating around our apartment complex. There are a lot of people from foreign countries that don't really understand the concept of Halloween and we knocked on a door of one of these people. She decided that instead of giving candy away she would take one out of our bags. It was definitely one of those "you had to be there" moments, but it was hilarious to see the stunned look on the faces of the kids. They didn't know quite what to think or say about it. It was totally bizarre.

 Is this not the most adorable mad scientist that you have ever seen? I wish I could get him to gel his hair everyday. Unfortunately he won't let me touch it! :(

Trip to Sequoia National Park

We decided on a whim to make a trip to Sequoia National park to see the biggest tree in the world. We went with Leslie and Aedan and it was a blast! I'm so glad that we decided to go. If you live in California and you haven't seen this yet you need to go. You will not regret it!

 I think the boys almost liked staying at the hotel and swimming in the pool better than the park! Doesn't take much to entertain these guys!

 Sitting in the car for hours with these hooligans was quite a treat! I was ready to pull my hair out by the end of the trip!

 Going inside the crystal caves at the Sequoia National Park. 

 I love this picture of Ben. Seriously, what is going on inside that head of his? Do I really want to know!?

 The General Sherman. The biggest tree in the world! It was an incredible sight to behold! The pictures don't really do it justice.

 I am not a rule breaker but I really wanted to hug one of these giant trees. They had fences around it and signs saying to not trespass, but I just couldn't resist myself. I know, I'm such a rebel!

 This is actually the roots of a giant tree that fell down. Yes, you are looking at the bottom of the tree. Huge!!

 We got a little bored in the car while we were waiting for construction on one of the mountain passes. What else are you going to do?!

Happy 9th Birthday Jimmy!

Grunion Run

Living by the coast sometimes gives us some unique and cool opportunities. We were able to go to the beach one night last summer and watch the grunion run. These fish come up onto the beach once a year to lay their eggs and they come by the thousands. We were able to see it and even catch a few in the process. Aside from the thousands of people who also wanted to see it too, it was a pretty cool thing to witness.

Derek and Ashley's Wedding

Derek and Ashley got married last July and we were fortunate enough to be able to go. Ashley looked beautiful. . . and Derek didn't look to bad either. Congratulations guys! We love you!

How sad that I can't even get Jim to wear a suit for his own brother's wedding! Sorry Derek and Ashley - I hope he didn't ruin your pictures too much. Stubborn Jim! Everyone else looks great though.

 Like father, like son. It's always a struggle to get the boys to wear their ties longer than 5 minutes. Wonder where they get that from! ;)