Kambria's Baptism

We send our love to all the friends and family who came from far and near to celebrate this special day with us, including those who sent their support but weren't able to make it. Before going to the church, Kami said to me, "A lot of kids are nervous when they get baptized. I'm not -- I'm just excited." Then, as more and more people started arriving, the more shy she became. The attention, which she thrives on, was even more overwhelming than she expected, I think. Again, I am so sad I didn't get pictures of the Wilcocks, Raymonds, Grandparents, Aunt Heather, and so many more. I stink at this stuff.




Cousin Curtis just arrived from Peru two days prior

Nate's family traveled from Casa Grande (practically another state)

Grillones traveled from New Jersey

Speases traveled from California

Kam said the water was so cold. It took a while to get warmed up afterwards.

For the closing song of the program, we asked all the children to stand up front and sing, "I Am a Child of God." I realized that Gavin wasn't there. He had fallen asleep while driving to the church building so Eric laid him down on a couch in the foyer. We both got so busy with the baptism and, I must admit, forgot about him. Please don't report us to CPS. I turned to Eric and asked, "Where's Gavin?" He asked, "Did he ever wake up?" I had to snicker. I couldn't believe we didn't know. Sure enough, he was still on the couch in the foyer. So here's a snapshot of what Gavin experienced while we all viewed Kami's baptism.

Tour de Phoenix

Saturday morning we went to Red Mountain Park to cheer Eric and Gary in from their 72mile bike race. I think Eric took 6th place; what a stud!

Phoenix Zoo

Yay! Time to go to AZ and visit the cousins! We enjoyed time at the Wilcocks swimming and making a trip to the zoo. We were especially surprised to have Heather and Josh drive down from Utah in the middle of the night to join us for our fun-filled, special weekend celebrating Kami's baptism and Leyna's 4th birthday.



Wow, I really thought I took more pictures than this of our time at the Phoenix Zoo with the Wilcock cousins, Grandma, Aunt Heather and Josh. In reviewing the weekends' photos, I realize I don't have pictures of those individuals we spent the most time with -- Tiff & Devin, Heather & Josh, Mom & Dad. I suppose I took their presence for granted, figuring I'd get their pictures later and never did. :(
I wish I could drag a photographer with me everywhere I go. I'm awful about pulling my camera out. Sorry, Fam -- you know I love you!

Grandma the Great!

Kade & Kami decided to write a song to Grandma Teri. These are their short, but sweet lyrics.

Grandma, we like you so much
We would like you to stay with us.
Grandma, you are so fantastic
And also Grandpa Rick.
Grandma, the presents that you bring us are so amazing
That the gift is a gift of your love!

Easter

Easter Sunday was fabulous -- we celebrated the Resurrection of our Savior, Kambria's 8th birthday, had an egg hunt, enjoyed General Conference, good food, family and friends!

Grandma decorated eggs with the kids!






The Fortuna and Raymond families joined us for a turkey feast!





Game time with the Williams and Raymonds!

Girls Night Out!

Dinner at the Claim Jumper filled our energy tanks so we could get our groove on, salsa style, at Borderline.






Mom does not discriminate. She worked up a sweat (on the dance floor that is) with numnerous men, both old(er) and young.

California Science Center

For all who haven't visited the CA Science Center, you've got to check it out. There's so much to see. Though the kids seemed to enjoy most of the center, their favorite area was the Ecosystems zone, especially the underwater zone.


Hurricane Simulation

Come join us for a morning of Family Fun!

Birthday Party/Sleepover

Kambria is turning 8! To celebrate, she invited 8 friends over to swim, decorate bags, eat dinner, watch a movie, then sleepover. Boy was I glad for Mom's early arrival from AZ on Friday morning. We expected her in the afternoon, but she arrived at 9 am (crazy lady started driving at 3 am!) Even with no sleep and probably utterly exhausted, Mom stepped right up and helped like no other person on the planet can help. (She is the greatest support there is!) What I thought would be a no-big-deal evening with the girls turned out to be more tiring than I imagined, so the extra help was wonderful. Following are just a few snapshots of the weekend.