spring break in arizona

Even though we were in California the first week, with more than two weeks off school, we still had over a week of spring break here in Arizona. 

Grandma drove back with us, and she and Vikki and I planned a day at an arboretum we've never been to east of Phoenix.  I'm not much of a nature person, and it always surprises me how much beauty is here in the desert.

Can you tell which kids like to have their pictures taken, and which barely tolerate it?

This tree was named Mr. Big (can you see Kelly and Brandon?)

Mostly the kids just loved to climb on everything they could.

Eleven year old boys want to do everything first and fast, and they do they not like to stop to have their picture taken, so this is pretty much what we saw of them when they weren't climbing on rocks.  At least they have each other!

I doubt we'll ever go back, but it was a nice day exploring together outdoors.

The rest of our week was filled with non-pictured events such as piano lessons, deep room cleaning, play dates with neighbors and other cousins, doctor appointments, a trip to the pool, and working on scout stuff.

We did go visit Kevin at his new job.  The kids loved that his entire office wall was a giant white board! I enjoyed meeting a few of his co-workers. I wasn't sure if I should take pictures inside the manufacturing facility so I didn't, but it was really cool to tour.  Thankfully they weren't working in there that day, so we could get up close.

And technically it was a few days after spring break, but we went to the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant for the first time in three years. 

spring break in california

We were only in California four days this time.  The first day was Tyler's birthday and it was cold and rainy so we went to see the movie Zootopia.

The second day we went on a tour of John Wayne (Orange County) airport.

 
It has been on my list to do for awhile, but they only offer a few tours a week and they have to be scheduled in advance.  But I knew Kevin and my dad would especially enjoy it.  Most of the general airport information we already knew because we have flown a lot, but we learned a few things and we even got a special presentation by several TSA inspectors.  Our tour guide was a cute older man who made it fun for the kids.

We spent that afternoon visiting with Kevin's aunt Rebecca and seeing her new condo.

The third day we went to Knott's (see previous blog post).

The fourth day we went to the Discovery Cube Science Center.  We have been there a few other times but we have a science center membership that is about to expire so we went for free one last time. We had to do the museum in a crazy order, but we managed to avoid the field trip groups and found areas that weren't completely overrun with kids.  

That afternoon we spent with visiting with my friend Julie and her kids (oops, no pictures). Even though our kids only see each other a few times a year, they get along great.

Because of our short trip and California schools still in session, we didn't manage to see my friend Bekki.  But overall it was a good trip and always nice to get away for a bit.

knott's berry farm

We went to California for spring break.  We were supposed to go to Knott's Berry Farm on Tyler's birthday, but the weather was cold and rainy so we decided not to.  Thankfully we had planned on surprising the kids, so we hadn't told them yet, so at least they weren't disappointed.  But the weather was better later in the week so we went (and even managed to surprise the kids at breakfast)! We had a great day with perfect weather and decent crowds. The only sad part was that Kevin had already flown back to Arizona for work so he missed out! 

 Natalie was the only one willing to take a picture with the characters.

Thankfully Grandma is a good sport and willing to join us on our outings!

We did every ride in the park (some multiple times). No one would ride the biggest roller coasters with me, but Brandon managed to get a picture of me riding Xcelerator (second row from back, single rider, orange shirt, hands up).

Tyler even rode his first upside ride (Montezuma's Revenge)!  After a full morning of exciting rides, we spent the afternoon doing some of the rides we don't normally do, like the train ride. 

And after 40 years of going to Knott's Berry Farm, I think this was the first time I've ever ridden the stagecoach! It was also our longest wait of the day (20 minutes). Natalie was in heaven watching the horses. And we even got to sit up top!

It was a great day!

happy 11th birthday tyler!

We can't believe Tyler turned 11!  We love this kid. He is so sweet and cute and naturally funny.  He is always so obedient.  He worries about what is happening far into the future, and he drives us nuts sometimes with his incessant questions, but his desire to learn and know is amazing. He cannot sit still to save his life and he remembers EVERYTHING.  He will do literally anything for more video game time and the only time he really gets sad or upset is if he loses video game time. He enjoys playing the piano for fun and figuring out new songs, and he loves jumping on the trampoline.

Happy Birthday Tyler! 

Here's his birthday quiz! 

Favorite Color: neon

Favorite Number:52

Favorite Drink: cherry diet coke
 
Favorite Food: pizza

Favorite Game: any video game

Favorite Animal: cat

Favorite TV Show: Studio C

I feel sad when: lose video game time

I feel mad when: lose video game time

I like it when my friends: give me candy

I like it when my teacher: gives me candy

I wish I could: play video games whenever I want

Who is your best friend? Micah

Why? gives me a free chocolate milk everyday

What makes you laugh? jokes

What is your favorite movie? Indiana Jones 

What are you afraid of? getting grounded
 
What is your favorite song? anything Piano Guys

What is your favorite thing to do? video games

If you were parent for a day, which rule would you get rid of? limited video game time

What do you want to be when you grow up? a scientist

Do you think it would be hard to be a mom or a dad? sometimes

Why? because you have to pay taxes

If you could have a magical power, what would you choose? flying

What three things are you are good at? eating, video games, piano

What is the best thing about turning 11? boy scouts

I am special because: I'm smart 

tyler's 11th birthday party

My kids have the choice for the birthday parties to either have them at home and be able to invite a bunch of friends or have them someone that costs money and invite just a couple of friends.  Tyler decided this year he wanted to go to a trampoline place so he was allowed to invite 4 people (2 cousins + 2 school friends). These boys have a LOT of energy! 

L to R (back:  Brandon, Tyler, Micah...front:  JJ, Sean, Michael)

I have learned if you want a decent picture with boys, promise them you'll do a silly one after you get a good one! 

It was tough to get good pictures with indoors and them bouncing and moving constantly, but they all enjoyed trampoline dodgeball and these climbing posts.

A few of them even braved the mechanical bull!

We came home and Tyler wanted cheesecake cookie bar for dessert so that's what we had (with ice cream of course)!

It was an easy party that I think everyone enjoyed so I consider it a WIN!