Visit from Family

My brother Bryce, and his wife Cathi came to visit us before he heads off to med school at the University of Maryland. We took them to the slot canyon that is here in St. George. I didn't do it this time but everyone else did it and everyone fit! Though not without a few holes in both Chris' and Bryce's shirts. It was so tight that Bryce had to move his belt buckle or he couldn't get through.
Max spent the time in the Hotsling that my sister-in-law Erin recommended to me. I LOVE it because Max loves it! He always falls asleep in it. It's great because I can hold him hands-free!

Then we went to Zion really early Saturday morning and did as many hikes as we could before we were dying from the heat.

Max got to try out the latest Craigslist purchase that day. I also LOVE my new jogging stroller. Maybe now I'll start exercising...

I'm really glad they could come visit before they move. I'm going to miss having them in the same state.

Ew Ew Ew

One thing about the desert I have not gotten used to: our new friends that like to join us in the shower, and all the other wildlife.
This is the SECOND centipede I have found. The first one was in our shower early one morning; it was only about an inch long. This one was in the guest bathroom in the tub. Thank goodness it couldn't climb out. I ran a bunch a water and watched it slither back through the drain. It was so disgusting to watch. I guess this is what we get for living in 108 degree heat, in a 15 year old house with a septic tank, and in the middle of a bunch of horse pastures.

We also have cockroaches that we find dead in the middle of the floor randomly (I've only found about 5, but the last time I found cockroaches in my house was in Argentina). Then there are lizards, and, of course, the cottontails that drive the dogs mad as they run across the ground outside our house. I like the lizards and rabbits, it's the centipedes and cockroaches I could live without.

Here's another pictures of Max.

More Pictures of Max

I want to print out my blog. Has anyone done it and if so, would you recommend the place you used or not?

Hondas

Out of the six kids in my family, five of us have a 1996 or 1997 Honda Accord. I just made that four kids now. I loved my Honda but since we just bought a Honda Odyssey, it was time to part. I hate selling cars to a private party. When we can afford it, I'm just going to do trade-ins - so much less hassle and bargaining.

Max Pictures and Dog Sitting

These are for my Mom.

We were trying to get a good picture of his smile but he wasn't in a very smiley mood and the flash was making the pictures really washed out. We'll get a better picture soon.

We're pet-sitting for a friend that had to make an emergency trip. He has two border collies and a duck tolling retriever. Every time I look at them I just sing, "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong."

Murphy likes the 9 year old border collie.
The dogs have all picked their spots around the house and hang out there. By the way, the tunnel in the above picture, the bar stools below, and the carpet underneath the dog cage were all craigslist purchases. I went only for the tunnel but the rest of the stuff was a good deal. We have one of the carpets in the back of our new (used) minivan. Yes, we bought a minivan with just one child. We take the dogs too many places and it was too cramped in my sedan.

The first weekend in April we watched a friend's black lab. When I came in the room, I found all the dogs sleeping and Chris asleep on the couch. We were supposed to be watching General Conference...

Max's First Horseback Ride

Max went for his first horseback ride last weekend.

OK, so not really. He did get babysat for the first time though. Thanks Peyton!! She said Max did great so I hope it's true. :) Chris and I went for a ride with the dogs and then Max got his picture taken. He was six weeks old. He's going to love horses and dogs just like his parents. Otherwise he's going to get left home a lot.

Sitting behind a family in church last Sunday I saw a dad write some words on a piece of paper for his son to copy and practice writing. The words were Dog....Bike....Wii. I thought that was very funny.

First Flyball Tournament

Murphy competed in her first flyball tournament last weekend. She did great for her first time. This is her running up to the box.

This is her catching the ball off the box and turning to go back down the lane.
This is how Max spent his time at his first flyball tournament. He was very good but Chris took him home early because it got hotter later in the afternoon. The band-aids over his ears are holding in cotton balls to block out some of the insane barking that is constant at flyball tournaments.
Max sleeping blissfully at home with hands over his head like usual.
We've finally moved down to St. George. I'm so glad to have Chris closer again and to have cut my budget for gas more than in half. It's pretty hot down here but we're all adjusting and doing good.