Last Minute Lake Trip

I haven't posted in a few weeks.  We've been doing things.  They're just not necessarily blog-worthy things.

Our routine is this:  Mondays- swim lessons.  Tuesdays- run errands.  Wednesdays- Summer Movies.  Thursdays- errands or stay at home and fight play.  Fridays- Water Park.

So, you see, we're keeping ourselves busy, but it's probably not too exciting to read about.

On Tuesday, Marcus planned to go to Lake Pleasant with the youth for their combined activity.  He came home at 1:30, and we suddenly decided it would be lots of fun to wake the boys up from their naps, throw a bunch of stuff together, and take the whole family to the lake.  And we had to be at the church by 2:00.

Now, if you've ever made a trip to a lake or beach with small kids, you know you have to bring a lot of stuff.  Towels, sunscreen, water toys, drinks, food, diapers, etc.  It was a bit of a mad dash getting everyone ready to go.  We didn't make it to the church right on time, but soon enough, we were loaded up and on our way.

Emma and Kyle are getting to be stronger swimmers.  In our rush, we could not find their life jackets, though, so we let them swim wearing innertubes.  They had a great time hanging out with the older kids, who were nice enough to put up with them.

Drew as usual wasn't too interested in going in the water (which is a lot easier for me!)  He spent the afternoon throwing rocks into the water or sitting on my lap.

The older kids even got to go out on the boat and get pulled around in the raft.  They loved it!

We stayed for dinner- a BBQ on the "beach", then headed home when Kyle decided to throw a screaming fit on the canoe.  That was an obvious sign that our day was done.

With that bit of excitement, we are back to normal.  Summer is rushing by- we need to do something else fun before it's over.  Less than three weeks, folks.  School is beckoning!

What We Did for the 4th

This post doesn't have any pictures.  We did a lot last weekend, but I didn't take any pictures.  I apologize!

Two short days of recovery after our trip, Grandpa Steve flew in for a visit.  That means we had an excuse to get all the Arizona Earnests together.  

Friday we met up with Chelsea and Taylor at BJ's Restaurant for a Pizookie.  And dinner.  

Saturday, we drove down to Todd and Amber's for a BBQ and some fun with the cousins.  I discovered that Drew is terrified of dogs, as is Emma.  After some delicious food, we made our way to the Mesa Freedom Festival.  The kids jumped on bouncy houses and we tried to make our way through the crowds to check out the vintage cars and fun booths.

I should mention that the high was 118 that day.

I think we must have been crazy.

At 8:45, we had had enough, and headed for home.  We saw a fireworks show on the way home, then watched the local show from our front step when we got to our house.  It was a late night for my early risers.

Sunday was the big day.  See, Steve flew in because Marcus wanted him to be the one to ordain him to be a high priest.  That's right- Marcus was called to be in the bishopric for our ward.  2nd Counselor, to be precise.  Thanks to Todd and Amber's family, and Chelsea and Taylor, for coming up to join us for that special day.  We are excited about his opportunity to serve in this way, but of course apprehensive of the changes it will bring.   He will be gone on Sundays and evenings during the week a lot more, and I will now be wrangling my three young children in the pew by myself.  The only thing I can think is that they are getting older, and (mostly) better at being reverent each week, so it will only get better from here.  

After church, we had a quick family lunch, and then Steve was off to the airport.  Thanks for coming, Grandpa- we loved having you here!

Monday was the actual 4th of July, as you know.  Marcus went golfing with some friends (the high was only 108), and my friend Anissa and I took the kids to see Cars 2.  Then we got lunch and did a little shopping.  The kids swam in our little backyard pool all afternoon, and we celebrated the 4th with a little BBQ and some legal-to-buy-but-not-to-use fireworks.  We just used sparklers and pop-its, actually, which were approved to use here in Phoenix.

I am thankful to live in America, and thankful for the freedoms we enjoy.  I appreciate our armed forces for serving so faithfully in times of war and peace.  I can't think of a better gift than spending a holiday with friends and family.  I hope your 4th was just as fun.

Dancing in the Reign

Before we left for Mexico, Emma had her dance recital.  Its theme was our blog title.  This year, she was in two dances:  Hot, Hot, Hot (tap) and Totally Minnie (jazz).  They were cute, as always.  Her class has gotten so much better since last year.  Last year, they all had to look offstage at their teacher the whole time, and half of them forgot what to do next.  This year, (mostly) no one watched the teacher, and while they are still dancing at a very  basic level, their rhythm was better, and they even tried to smile and dance at the same time (tough for 6 year olds!)

 Here they are at dress rehearsal, all lined up to go.  So pink and girly.

Emma loves dance so much.  Though rhythm and movement don't come naturally to her, she has an amazing memory and can always remember all the steps.  I am excited to watch her grow each year as she keeps dancing.

We weren't allowed to film the recital, so this is one of her dances from their dress rehearsal.  Their dancing makes me laugh (especially when they try to shake their hips!), but they're so cute, and really, they have learned so much this year!