Allergic Reaction?

Well, it appears that I may have had an allergic reaction to something. Whether it was the bug

bites or not, I'll probably never know. But my eyes, nose, and cheeks swelled up really big. This pictures was taken after taking 2 benedryl and a pepcid (it's an antihistimine too), so it looks a little better. I tried to smile but my cheeks felt really big. I went to the Dr. yesterday and she gave me a steroid to take for the next 5 days, so if you don't hear from me for a while that is why. Go ahead, have your laugh! I know I think it's funny. But it is already getting better, I just have to make it through the side effects of the steriod and I'll be fine. Talk to ya later.

Fossil Springs

We got back from our backpacking trip last night. Boy was it an experience to remember. Fossil Springs is a beautiful spot up in Strawberry, AZ. There is a trail that takes you down to it, where you find fresh water bubbling up out of the ground into Fossil Creek. The creek meanders down over rocks, through lush trees and bushes. Then the waters spills out through the access hole in the dam over trees and moss covered rocks. It is an awe inspiring site. So be sure to look at the link on the side here, that takes you to snapfish to view our pictures from Fossil Springs.

We left early Sat. morning to hike into the springs. We started hiking down the trail about 9 am. The way in is mostly downhill and we all did pretty good going in, except for the biting gnats. Our group consisted of Mike & I, our 4 kids, Spike (our dog), Mike's brother, Scott and his wife Tausha, their 3 boys, Devon, Nathan, and Jared, My brother Jason, and his friend Cliff. The biting gnats followed us down the trail and into our campsite. They were quite bothersome, they ate poor little Jared, age1 1/2 all over his face. They drove us to leave our camping trip a day early.

We left Sunday afternoon, after doing some swimming in the swimming hole. Here's what Mike says is proof that he walks on water, just in case anyone ever doubted his claims. We had alot of fun playing in the water, and swinging from the rope hanging from a tree and dropping into the water. My favorite part was sitting in the small waterfalls while the water massaged my back. The kids really enjoyed the water as did Spike who especially loved the plants that floated on the water.

The hike out was a harrowing experience. 4 miles uphill with heavy packs is a very trying thing for everyone. Even Kassi who didn't have a pack on, and Spike who was so eaten up by bugs on his underside, that we couldn't put his pack on him either. We hiked out in the hottest part of the day, and guess what, the bugs decided to hike out with us too. They had to be the most unpleasant part of the whole trip. But we all made it out ok. Jason, and his friend Cliff helped went to the cars then came back down to help us with the little kids. We were quite thankful. Over all it was a great trial experience as we get ready to do a longer backpacking trip in CO this summer. Be sure to check out all our great pictures on Snapfish!!

More Activities

Last night the kids had a music concert at school. They played songs on their recorders and sang songs. Each grade sang one at a time. Jessi was the most excited about this concert. She had been practicing hard all year on her recorder. They all looked really cute up there and had lots of fun.

I am the Activity Day leader for the 8-11 year old girls at church. I came up with a mother-daughter activity for the girls to do at home with their moms. I taught them to do professional pedicures. I made sure to teach them about when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. I couldn't find a poem online for the girls to read to their moms, so I wrote one. I'm sharing it with you all in case you ever need a poem for this type of occasion or lesson:

The Washing

Jesus came with towel in hand
And knelt down with a plan.
He filled a basin with water, clean,
His disciples saw His eyes gleam.

Then He knelt before each one,
And washed their feet forgetting none.
With the towel He did dry
Knowing that soon He’d die.

After performing this menial task
He answered the question, no one asked.
“Know ye what I have done to you?”
Then He taught them what to do.

“Ye also ought to wash one another’s feet”
He explained this example as He took His seat.
I remember this example He taught,
It was for me to remember to do what I ought.

It is with love for you and Christ the same,
That I wash your feet in His name.
For you have taught me to follow Him,
That I may live free from sin.

So thank you for all you do,
And thank you for letting me serve you.

Poem by Nikki Wilson

CA Trip

We went to CA this weekend. We went to my mom's house and hung out on Fri. then on Sat., the kids stayed with my mom, while Mike and I went to the San Diego Temple. We were able to see Mike's sister Pam, get sealed to her husband, Bill, and their children. It was an awesome experience. We loved taking lots of pictures of the beautiful temple while we were there.

We went back to LA, because for some reason we felt the need to actually pick up our kids and take them back to AZ with us. (Don't ask me why, I'm still questioning my reasoning on that one. j/k) My mom and I got to scrapbook on this short visit, and the kids got to go to the beach twice and see the new Spiderman-3 movie. It was a quick, but enjoyable trip. We have lots more traveling coming up this summer, so I will try to post after every trip. Next weekend we are going backpacking into fossils springs with the kids. I can't wait to post pictures of this beautiful place!!

Dogs and Ancient Egypt

They go together right? Ok, maybe not. But apparantly I had a few more pics that I didn't download earlier. Noah was so excited about his puppy's new trick, he made sure I took a picture. So for everyone's entertainment, here is Noah dancing with his dog Spike. Don't they make a cute couple!!

Today, Jessi's class took the school back to ancient Egypt as they were wrapped like mummies, and were "buried" with their death masks. The kids had to lay very still while the whole school took turns walking through the 1st grade classrooms. Jessi laid so quiet and still the whole time. I kept checking to see if she fell asleep, but she didn't, she was just really into her part. It was really cute. Of course I'm a little biased, but I think her mask was the best one in her class. She was very creative, and so excited, that she quizzed the whole family on Ancient Egypt facts all morning.

Alot happeing here!!

Hi all!! It's been awhile since I've updated, or at least it feels like it, with everything that's been going on. April was a busy month. The kids had their Testing one week at school, and then they had a field day to celebrate the end of testing. I got to go watch them as they hopped, ran, and generally got tired!

Also in April, Jessi's class made models of dinosaurs. Jessi made hers out of Floam, but the only colors that would work real well was the pink and purple. (By the way don't tell her it looks like Barney, apparantly that is a very bad thing and brings her to tears.)

Then the 3rd graders had their Roman Chariot Races. Noah was the lead soldier for his class and got to carry their banner as they marched onto the field. They had a great time as they took turns pulling each other in a wagon to see which class could finish first. The whole school came to the park to cheer them on. It was noisey to say the least.

Also in April, my sister-in-law Lorie, gave birth to healthy twins. My new niece is named Alizabeth(Ali for short) weighed 5lbs, and my new nephew, Spencer, weighed 5lbs 13 ounces. They are all doing well and Lorie looks great and is actually graduating from College May 11th.

We celebrated Noah and Kassi's birthdays in April. (Yes, Noah's birthday is actually in March, but it's just easier to only have the family come together once) Noah turned 9 this year and Kassi, (my baby!) turned 4 years old. She loves to dress up so we got her a Tinker Bell dress. She loved it of course and couldn't wait to model it. Noah's gift this year was his puppy, and he is really loving him. Spike is getting very big even though he still thinks he should be able to fit in our laps.

Well that's it for now, but we have alot going on the next couple of months. So I will try to update more often.