We're Baaaaaaack

What a fun week in Phoenix! I decided to make it a wire free week, so I didnt blog check my e-mail or go on Facebook for the whole week. I read 4 1/2 books and took some good naps! Oh, we also got a lot of other stuff in too. This is Ryan and Roslyn before the trip. Roslyns mommy Lilac came to help me get the house and car ready for the trip. She also watched the bunnies while we were gone. I dont know what I would do with out her she is such a blessing in my life. We had to stop a Walmart to get some goodies for the trip.

Ryan couldnt wait to eat the cheetos.

Jessie and Ryan also needed sandals for the summer, so I took them shoe shopping while Cassie was at school. They were soo good that I bought them suckers.

We left Friday night and spent the night at Nancys house in Las Vegas. Saturday morning I helped her make bread and got the car washed and then we were on our way. We arrived in Phoenix Saturday around dinner time. The trip went wonderful and was very fast. There was a little bit of a slow up at the dam but we always expect that. When we finally let the kids loose in the back yard Ryan and his cousin Montana had a blast driving each other around in the various wheeled vehicles. Sunday was relaxing and uneventful. And Monday we spent hanging out. I did have to seek out a Schlotskys Deli for lunch. We went to bed early because we are headed to Tucson the next morning to go to the zoo with Erin and her girls. Here are the kids at the zoo when we firt got there. They were still happy and fresh at this point.

Ryan found some escapees and tried to corall them back into a cage.

When we stopped for lunch the girls found something to entertain them for a long time.

It was definately spring at the zoo! This guy was strutting his stuff for a pretty white female and a turtle that wouldnt leave the two alone. When the peacock first fanned out his tail Cassie turned around to look at us, started jumping up and down with one finger in the air going "YES! YES! YES!" It was so cute how excited she was.

By the time we had made it around to this part of the zoo Cassies enthusiasm was waning. So she didnt get in the turtle with the others.

Luckily there was an indoor exhibit nearby that had crayons and paper to color, so we took a breather there and let the kids run around some more. Jessie took this picture for us. I think she was going for an artistic angle.

We conned a lady into taking a picture of all of us, which was way easier said then done. The kids were tired and just wanted to go color but I think this one turned out ok.

And finally at the end of the trip I wanted a picture of me and the kids but Cassie was tired of being chased by paparazi. We took the kids to McDonalds afterwards and had chicken nuggets and ice cream. Then we headed home to get dinner on the table for the boys. Jeff left the next day for Oklahoma and me missed him so much!

Here are my two lovelies at Costco. I love it when they are so sweet to eachother.

I believe this was Thursday night after Taco Salad. We gave all the kiddos popsickles and sent them outside to play.

Friday my Dan Mike Joe and Dad all took off work to watch March Madness games so all the girls packed up some lunch and most of the kids (baby Anna stayed at home to nap) and went to the park. We ate lunch first.

Feeding 11 kids is easier said then done. But went rather smoothly.

One last picture before we let them loose. We had and eight year old, two six year olds, two five year olds, two three year olds, and four one year olds. Whew!

While we let the kids run loose and play, Erin, Jen my Mom and I had a family reunion meeting. It went well and I am looking forward to July when we get together with the Hilton cousins. After the kids got good and sweaty Erin and Jen began to heard them back to the curb so we could go home. As each one would return I would say "ONE!" or whatever number they were. There was a little boy who wanted to be counted so he ran over and sat down and said "Can I be ten?" it was so cute! Erin didnt even notice that we had an extra until we were leaving. Here they are after they have all been counted.

Friday was also Grandpas 60th birthday, so while he was out that morning the girls helped me decorate the living room for him. Grandpa wanted a picture of him with his posterity. I think the kids were so over having their picture taken so it was quite funny to watch this all go down.

Erin spent the night that night so after things had calmed down a bit we managed to throw the girls in the tub. I would wash them then Erin woulr dry them and dress them. It was a good system and we were done quickly. Then we put them on the couch for some story time.

Saturday was more B-ball for the guys and more playing for us. Erin and I took a few of the kids and did some garage sailing. I got Jessie a big girl bike and found a cool ride on tractor for Ryan. We were really missing Daddy by today and Ryan thought he could wrestle with me, but I wasnt having it. We had an egg hunt in the afternoon after some swimming and lunch and more swimming.

Ryan caught on quickly but was happy with just a few eggs.

Sunday morning we picked Dad up from the airport and headed home. We got home about 6 last night and the girls wanted to try out Jessies new bike. We put the kids to bed early and Jeff went to get some milk and dinner for us.It was such a fun time and I am already planning our trip back in August. I am glad to be home and happy to have this post done so I can get all my other work done!