Arizona

In early August we made the LONG trip to sunny Arizona. The girls and I went in the spring, but this time Robert and Aunt Amy made the trip with us. It was a busy and fun-filled week. These are but a mere fraction of all the pictures we took. (540+ at the Grand Canyon alone!) So here are a few highlights...



The Grand Canyon!
Here we are, already hot, ready and waiting to experience one of God's greatest creations.



I can't put into words how I felt upon first getting a glimpse of the Grand Canyon. I literally couldn't speak. How anyone could look upon this magnificent canyon and doubt the existance of a Creator, I'll never know.

Josie and Gramma Carol



Maia and Gramma Carol at one of the lookouts

Slide Rock

On our last day, we went to Slide Rock in Sedona. It was fun but we had to be so careful, because it is called "Slide" Rock for a reason.

We ended the trip with a birthday celebration for our little Josephine, who turned 1 year old the day before we left.

Reed Family Vacation 2009

In July the Sammy Reed family, Robert Reed family and Scott Reed family all met in San Antonio for what is hopefully to be a yearly (or maybe every other year) event. It was the first time we've done this in 5 years and the first time since all the granddaughters were born. And let's be honest, is it really a vacation if kids are there? :) But we had such great time getting to be with everyone and the girls played so well together. We sure wish we could be closer to Uncle Scott, Aunt Feather (not a typo, that's what Maia calls her) and little Lauren. But the fact that we don't get to see them that often, does make the time that we do spend together that much sweeter.


So out of about 30 shots, these are the best we got. Oh well, they still look super cute even though we couldn't get them to ever all look at the camera the same time.

These pics were all taken as we were getting ready to head to Sea World. We have more pictures from there, but they're on our other (cheaper) camera. So those will be posted at a later date.







Sweet cousin Lauren

XOXOXO

Last day of Preschool

This year, Maia started preschool. We loved having her at First Pres and she loved being there. She has grown and matured so much over the last year and we just can't believe how much time is flying by! Her class ended the year off right with an Ice Cream Sundae Party! We really appreciate her teachers working with her and having patience with her. And teaching them educational things as well as teaching them about the love of Christ.


Mrs. Noemi and Maia


Maia and Mrs. Katie

Happy 4th Birthday Maia!

On May 18th, Maia celebrated her 4th birthday surrounded by those who love her most. We celebrated with most of the Rydell's, Reed's and Mayo's at the park. She had a blast and it was so good getting to catch up with family we don't get to see very often. These are less than 1% of all the pictures we took, but I thought I'd save us all some time. :)




Doesn't get much sweeter people.


Maia pushing Josie, but clearly paying attention to Dawson!

Fun in the sun...not so much

So Maia's party with her friends was supposed to be a sort of water-themed party. Well of course the rain chose that day to make an appearance and the sun decided to dissappear for the day. So, we just made the best of it and let Maia's friends play on the swing set, trash her bedroom and of course, Karoke! A fun time was had by all, even the parents. Thanks to all who came and helped make Maia's 4th birthday a special one, despite the uncooperative weather!


Think she's excited to blow out her candles?




Kevin & Alivia Williams watch as Avery & Amber Ruiz sing us a little something

We haven't forgot about our faithful followers

Fear not blog devotees! We haven't forgot about you! We have been having some major computer issues, and to make a long story short, haven't been able to access our photos in a while. Rob is still in the process of getting things restored again. But, hopefully we'll have some new photos up this week so keep checking back. We love you all and hope everyone is having a fantastic summer and staying cool!