Makutu's Island

On Friday my dad took all the kids to Makutu's Island. It is an awesome indoor play place in Chandler. Justin, Ana Paula, and I went along to help (play). What made it even more fun is that adults can play on everything too, so we were able to have fun with the kids instead of just sit there and watch them. These pictures don't do justice to the size of this place and all of the cool slides and things to climb. My kids LOVED it and are anxious to go back the next time we're in Arizona. Thanks so much Grandpa!

The inside of the trees were a huge maze of things to climb up higher and slides.There was a real fish tank that Zach enjoyed...

This purple climbing net was about 6 or 7 sections long and hooked 2 of the trees together.

Uncle Justin followed the kids all around. When I got in there they kept saying "This is so cool that moms are allowed up here!"

This rope bridge was way up high (as high as the roof on a two-story house). Everything was completely safe and covered in strong netting.

Even Grandpa went down the slides a couple of times.

Grandpa started out helping to build a castle...

...but it ended up in a game of "pillow monster."

They had an attached arcade, but we were having too much fun to play any of the games. Connor kept going over and pretended to play games though.

Savannah had fun showing Joshua around the areas for the smaller kids.Joshua was too scared to climb up high until the last hour or so. Then I convinced him to go up with me and go down the big twisty slide. He LOVED it and said "Again!!!" So Justin and I took turns taking him up inside.

And this is what Grandma did while we were gone.

South Mountain

My parents moved to Phoenix this past summer and now live right at the base of South Mountain. We are excited to have hiking so close when we come to visit. On Thursday Dallin & my brother Justin took Jacob & Zach on a hike back up the Mormon Trail. They all seemed to have a great time. Dallin even went running on it by himself the next day.Fat Man's Pass

They looped around the Hidden Valley Trail and went through this natural tunnel.

While they were gone hiking the rest of us went on a picnic with Grandpa (Grandma stayed home with Landon). These pictures are blurry, but better than nothing. I was moving too much I guess.

Kicking a ball around...

Thursday Ana Paula & I also helped my mom set up for a nice Relief Society dinner. Then the three of us attended it together that evening. It was nice to spend time just us girls.

Hole in the Rock

Yesterday we went to Hole in the Rock. It is right next to my dad's office. We used to go there every year when I was a kid. The kids really enjoyed it, though Connor made us pretty nervous while we were inside. He liked to walk right along the edge.

Jacob & Grandpa

The view from the little hole where you climb in...

Connor, Savannah, Justin, Joshua, and Ana Paula

Jacob took this one. He is a pretty good photographer!

Temple Lights

On Tuesday night we went to see the Mesa temple lights with the LeSueuers. We hadn't been for 3 years, so it was very fun for the kids. This picture is really dark, but will be better after I photoshop it at home. Dallin and the kids are standing on the steps.

Connor, Jacob, Joshua, and Zach
Inside they had a room of nativities from all around the world.

An outdoor display of the nativity...

Connor's favorite was the "purple tree."

Last day with the Strongs

This is from last week, but my sister-in-law just emailed it to us. I still need to photoshop all of my pictures, but I thought this turned out pretty well for a timer picture with this many people.

On Tuesday we spent a few more hours at the Strong's. Two of Dallin's sisters came over and brought some of their kids who weren't at school.
Savannah made up some game with Monopoly pieces that the little girls played for days last week.

Jacob watching over one of his little cousins...

The Bananas

Zach saying good-bye to Laddie.

Jacob & Dallin playing Lord of the Rings Risk

Grandpa & Landon

LeSueur Thanksgiving

Playdough with the cousins...

We had our LeSueur Thanksgiving on Monday night. We're definitely getting fed well this vacation.

Coloring with Grandma...
Uncle Justin bought a remote control helicopter and all the boys (including Dallin) have been loving it. My parents have a large open space above their family room.

Connor & my brother Justin

This is how Savannah loves to spend some of her time...reading to Landon.

Friends

On Sunday evening my best friend Alisha came over for dinner and then we went back to her new house to chat. It's sad that I only get to see her once year, but it's always fun when I do!

I reconnected with an old friend, Christa, through our blogs a couple of years ago. I hadn't seen her since high school at least. Our family stopped by for an hour or so to visit with her. It was great to finally see her in person again!
Christa is a mom of 4 busy kids and is struggling with breast cancer right now. Keep her in your prayers! It was great to see you Christa.