Celebrating 80

We had the great opportunity to jump in the car and drive to Phoenix this weekend to celebrate Susie's brother, Bob's (so Danny's uncle), 80th birthday.  We weren't about to miss such a momentous, not to mention fun occasion, for any reason!  

Danny and I haven't taken the kids on too many road trips.  Actually, as I am typing this right now, I feel lame for even calling the car ride from the Valley to Phoenix a "road trip."  We realized through this little bit of  traveling, that we have been totally lame about what our kids are capable of putting up with in the car.  We've stuck to close destinations, San Diego and Julian are our favorites.  But we haven't managed to venture out into other areas, which you have to do living where we live, since we are several hundred miles from a lot of really awesome places!  We've always worried that the car ride will be too long, or boring, or they'll get sick...whatever.  Simply put, we've been in "baby" mode too long.  And we don't have babies anymore!  And yes, I can just see the people who have babies and continue to travel rolling their eyes right now.  I know, I know.  But did you have four kids under 3 years old?  You did?  Ok, I'll be quiet now.  ;)

I'll just get to the good part...the pictures!  

We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and went to a historical park which had some great picture-taking backgrounds.  More importantly for the kids, the place was full of peacocks!

These types of cool old vehicles were everywhere, and the kids felt right at home!  It reminded us of the Pioneer Museum in Imperial.

See the huge peacock on the far left?  I had told the kids to act like a peacock.  And this was their impression.  Gigi's peacock must be tired of showing off.  

Cubby in a tree.  We have a shot like this from everywhere we go.  

Love this one of our big eight year old and her dad.  She's getting to be such a tall young girl.  Time is flying!

The peacocks were incredibly patient with our very curious children.  The best part was when they started making that loud mewing peacock sound.  The girls practiced and were able to mimic them.

Then we drove over to downtown Glendale.  The shops were just ok, but the antique car show was pretty cool!  I just love how well the twins coordinated with this amazing car. 

This is a shout out to Grandpa David. This has Bad To the Bone written all over it, right Dad?  Looks awfully familiar to your SS!

Next we toured the Cabela's store.  And when I say toured, I am not exaggerating, that store is gigantic!  I couldn't stop thinking about what my brother-in-law, John would do in Cabela's!  I also kept a keen eye out for any Duck Dynasty stars.  

The shooting gallery may have been designed for kids, but Danny and I both enjoyed shooting a few rounds.

We saw wildlife everywhere!

This African exhibit took the kids by surprise.  They couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that, yes, those animals had been alive, but they'd been stuffed.  Emma was finally able to explain it to them by saying, "Do you see that stuffed lion?  Ok. Imagine it walking around.  Got it?  Ok, it actually did that."  

Now on to Bob's wonderful birthday party celebration.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner of delicious mexican food, which included Imperial Valley's finest carne asada, thanks to Susie!! 

James made quick friends with little Wyatt...his second cousin?  Not sure....

And here's Susie with her brother, Bob.  Those sure are quite a pair!  It was fun listening to them reminisce about the good old days. 

Chris was put in charge of the carne.  Well done bro-in-law, it was delicious!  

Nothing like snuggle time with Grandma!

My big girls are looking forward to brunch at Michelle and Weston's house.  The family seriously rolled out the red carpet for us!  We felt so welcomed and honored!! 

My girls couldn't get enough of baby Riley!

What a fabulous family, and what a fun weekend! Thank you to all who contributed to such a memorable weekend.  The meals were incredible!!  And special thanks to Bob for turning 80 so that we could hop in the car and drive over to celebrate with you!  

Emma's National Anthem

About a month ago, Emma was asked to sing The National Anthem at the National Day of Prayer service.  She was familiar with the song, since she learned it last fall for the Cattle Call Mini Rodeo.  

So she practiced a little bit everyday, and by yesterday evening, all of my kids could sing the entire song.  What a wonderful choral sound that made!  I truly love that I can usually hear singing in my household at just about any given time.  

Last night, we took the whole family over to the service.  After an awesome praise and worship time, the Naval Color Guard presented the flag, and then out came Emma.  She stood on that stage in front of at least 500 people and sang her little heart out.  We were incredibly proud to say the least!  Proud of our daughter, proud of our country, and proud and in awe of our God!  

Check out the video of our eight year old Emma, singing the National Anthem (without a microphone, might I add)!

The Walkers at Father Daughter Camp

Last weekend, my two big girls and Danny loaded up the car and drove up to the mountains for a Father/Daughter Christian camp.  We'd had it on the calendar for weeks, and the excitement was pretty over the top.  I can't say who was more thrilled about getting out of town, either Danny or the girls, for some much needed rest, enjoyment of nature, and communing with God. 

They arrived just in time for dinner, enjoyed a welcome session, then made their way to their cabin for bed.  That's when Danny's stomach started trembling.  Poor guy.  By the next morning, when he called me, he'd been up all night. He stayed in bed that entire day, finally calling the nurse for some electrolyte pills when his legs started cramping painfully from dehydration.  

What were the girls doing all day Saturday while Danny was cooped up in the cabin?  Well, here is just another example of how the Lord provides.  It just so happens that some fellow Brawley-ites had also made their way up to this particular father/daughter camp.  One of them is a pastor/friend of ours who graciously invited our girls to tag along with he and his daughter, and the rest of their church group.  So even  though Danny suffered through a rough day, our daughters had a wonderful experience with friends.  Sure, it would have been better for Danny and the girls to be together, but God had a different plan.  Fortunately, His plan is perfect.  Plus, as the girls were quick to point out upon arriving home,  we always have next year!  

The remainder of my blog is going to be a little different and very special.  Emma and Clara are going to provide the commentary on the pictures that THEY took while at camp.  So here is their experience, in their own words.  Take it away Emma (age 8) and Clara (age 7)!  

"That was our view from the front door of our cabin. It was great." ~ Emma

"Clara was glad to be there!" ~ Emma

"While Daddy was sick in bed Emma took pictures with me." ~ Clara

"One of our friends and Clara were trying to hold up the mountain." ~ Emma

"Emma is glad to be here.  Emma is happy.  Emma is in front of the mountains." ~ Clara

"I am wearing a coat for the first time in a long time." ~ Clara

"That is Trout Pond and we saw ducklings swimming very fast with their mother.  It seemed like they had a motor." ~ Emma

"This is a dead tree that looks like a monster." ~ Clara

"We were waiting at the ropes course forever." ~ Emma

"We were waiting for the rock wall and smiling while taking pictures." ~ Clara

"We were so excited, it was almost our turn!" ~ Emma

"Isn't this rock wall so tall?" ~ Clara

"We are getting ready for the party.  It's almost time to go!" ~ Emma

"Before the dance,  I fell asleep." ~ Clara

"That creek was amazing! It had so many twists and turns, and it seemed like you were going to fall down the river!" ~ Emma

"The water felt so cold that I just got out so I could warm my feet up." ~ Clara

"Clara punched me in the stomach with the bars!" ~ Emma

"On accident!" ~ Clara

"No it wasn't." ~ Emma

"It was so exciting to be in my class.  We were playing a copying game." ~ Emma

"The class was playing 'Telephone' and it was my turn." ~ Emma

"I was on the rope course and a girl took a picture of me."  ~ Clara

"We had a picnic with our friends and we ate some sandwiches and chips." ~ Clara

"It was a great dinner. I loved it.  We were at the dining hall.  It was great that Daddy was well."  ~ Emma

"We had a fun trip." ~ Clara

"I'm glad to be home." ~ Emma