Spring break, bonfires, and birthdays

The girls had their spring break last week. It of course coincided with a horrendous week for me at work, so we were never able to go out and do all of the stuff we had hoped to. But the girls did have a “late night” with their friends, we went up to the White Tanks for some hot dogs and smores, and got to go swimming yet again. Mixed in there somewhere we were able to celebrate Gwenyth’s 2nd birthday a few times.

Last Friday night, we piled in the trusty van and headed out to the White Tank mountains. I spent the better part of that afternoon in the hunting and gathering mode. I hunted and gathered firewood from over in Marley Park. They had just planted a bunch of fairly big trees, so there were broken tree boxes all over the place. Those, along with some pallet-looking things that I pulled out of the dumpsters, served us well for firewood. I thought we had enough to burn for 3 outings, but we ended up burning it all in the one trip. Of course I am a pyro. Not sure if that had anything to do with it. I heard the next day that some folks swore that they saw another version of the “Phoenix Lights” that night. I don’t have the heart to tell them that it was just my bonfire at the White Tanks. Enjoy the picture of Lucy posing on her 3rd trip to the toilet (nice facilities, by the way! All of you Maricopa county residents can rest assured that your tax dollars have been well spent!).

All the kiddos

Gwen & mom

bonfire

I have no words

Saturday was actually Gwenyth’s birthday. We chose to let our friends throw a party for their little guy, Jackson. We haven’t said this out loud to each other, but I get the feeling that it’s because we knew that they would throw a better party than we would, and we didn’t want to miss out. They started heating their pool on Wednesday or so, to ensure that the temperature would be tolerable by noon on Saturday. Indeed it was great. I’m afraid that their gas bill may put a damper in their vacation plans this summer. Regardless, the girls were able to swim without fear of pneumonia. At least not until they got out of the water. It was a bit cool and windy on Saturday.

Jackson's birthday same day as Gwen

all the kids

Gwen in tube

got to keep the sunglasses

Tonight we officially celebrated Gwen’s 2nd birthday. We invited Grandma and Grandpa Elcock and great-Grandma Eslin out for a low-key evening. We went to Outback where Gwenyth got (what else?) “chicken noggats.” We came back home and opened up the loot and had a good time. She finally got her own little big wheel. I cannot believe that little Gwenny is 2!

Oh boy!

Here we go

More presents

Cake time

We love you big 2

Finally, Julie couldn’t believe the similarities in these 2 photos. See if you can guess who is who.

Julie Age 2

Gwen age 2

http://www.flickr.com/photos/midder/

5 thoughts on “Spring break, bonfires, and birthdays”

  1. Wow Gwenny does look so much like Julie! I love the pic of the Who as well. You guys are so creative with your fun activities! Can we be invited sometime:) I am in fact family!

  2. white tanks catherine? We need to do more smores…I guess that’s probably not the best hangout for little peanut, Ava… but it is warming up a bit… we do need to get together so izzy and Gwen can play more.

  3. Wow! I can’t believe the similarities between Julie and Gwen. I saw her birthday on my calendar, and couldn’t believe it had been another year. She is darling and growing so fast. I saw your picture of the cactus and got lonesome for the desert. Sounds like loads of fun as usual, it was so good to catch up on you all. Brian, be careful of those home decorating shows they can give you nightmares.

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