Believe me . . .

Believe me, the whole time this was happening, I was cringing with thoughts of chiggers and ticks. So far, none to be seen. But, this video, shot by Sam, is typical behavior most days after Ron comes home from work. You see Ron mowing, Teddy frolicking, Casey picking his nose and exploring, Maggie running and picking flowers, Zach (not seen) seeking out rocks worthy of a new collection, and Jill looking for trouble. Me, I just pray and hope that chiggers and ticks don't find us and love that the kids are having a good time.

A lasting memory

Our last night in AZ was spent sweating and cheering on kids at Kino pool. Sam, Zach, and Maggie swam in the city championship meet to say farewell to a fabulous swim season. Sam ended up placing sixth in butterfly and I.M. Zach placed first in backstroke, second in I.M., and third in butterfly. Maggie placed first in backstroke, second in butterfly, and third in freestyle.

It was a meet made more intense with Ron keeping track of points and contenders and me crossing my fingers for two hand touches. Sam was wishing he was twelve and not eleven, but swam an I.M. to remember. He continues to improve each year and is going to be a great mid-distance swimmer. Zach was seeded eighth in butterfly, but listened well to last minute coaching and tweaked his kick to improve 5 spots for third. He wasn't expecting a trophy and was surprised when he was awarded the runner-up trophy for getting the second highest point total for the boys 7-8. Maggie remembered to swim butterfly and NO freestyle arms to keep from getting disqualified and was thrilled when she won High Point trophy for girls 6 and under. They all did an awesome job, swam faster than they ever had before, and will always remember their last City of Mesa swim meet.

P.S. I found the cord, so pictures and video of MO to come soon.

Because I want to remember

I can't find my USB cord to upload photos, but it will be discovered among the many boxes soon. I had to post so I wouldn't forget my first impressions of our new home and surroundings. So, here are a few of my first observations.
1. It is REALLY green here
2. Being really green has its down sides (#4 and #7 and #18)
3. I so appreciate dentists
4. I don't like being told that I need to check Teddy for ticks after he romps in the tall grass and that he is stained green from his knees down
5. WP is actually bigger than I thought it would be
6. I was surprised with how many kids were in primary, but also surprised at the wide array of people in a ward that encompasses a whole city
7. BUGS
8. Nothing can replace great friends and family
9. I like vegetating at home
10. Kids do love space to roam, ride, and explore
11. It's amazing at the random people who stop by to say hi.
12. Some people are really nice and some people are not
13. I don't want to hear, "I hated it here for the first year and now I never want to leave" one more time
14. I am not excited for school, except for Casey (I met his teacher on Sunday and she seems great)
15. I'm glad I don't live in town
16. If it wasn't so much work, I could pretend I was on vacation
17. I'm glad I have my kids to fill my day
18. Humidity isn't fun no matter what people say
19. I love and miss pack 845 and all the great people who make it go round
20. It is fun to watch it pour rain and see a river form through the middle of the backyard
21. Missing the Maricopa County Library system because I don't want to pay $25 a year to check out books from the library so I am waiting for Ron to get proof that he owns a business downtown. Then, we can go and get some books.
22. I'm realizing that owning a dog in AZ is simpler than owning a dog here since I have an appt. for Teddy on Saturday to get a rabies shot
23. LOVE the red mountain memory book that you all contributed to. I can't look at it too often or I cry. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
24. I'm really going to miss mexican food
25. If I have to go to Walmart one more time this week, I will (and I mean it) explode

I promise pictures as soon as I find the cord. But, we are doing great and the kids are missing friends, but having a blast. I'm glad that they have each other. (At least, I am glad most of the time.)

Trip to the zoo

We made an early morning trip to the zoo. All the kids loved having Jo with us. She is such a great help and tons of fun. The highlight was the peacock all fanned out. Some of the kids had never seen that. And, the gibbons were making a racket. Definitely a successful and hot trip to the zoo.

And, it's over

Four weeks of basketball camp are over. The long haul of 3 hours a day at the RMHS gym, where fun and running happen, is done. All of the kids loved it. I'm happy to have a little more afternoon freedom. Case loved snakes and mice and soda pop Friday. Mag loved the friends and making a basket in the big gym. Zach loved helping in the little gym and hobbling on his foot the last week. And, the last day was redemption for Sam, making a free throw to win 3 on 3, securing a soda for his team. So, a fond farewell to the lions court. You will be missed.

Happy Father's Day 2009

Libby, thanks for the great idea!

I have to admit

I have to admit that when the move to Missouri had just been decided, I had to look at a map to see exactly where I was moving to. So, for others who are not so geographically minded, Missouri is the state in red.