Spring Break

Bearizona

Bearizona is a wildlife park located about an hour south of the Grand Canyon.  Its main attraction is a huge fenced off nature preserve where the people drive through, staying in their cars of course, while the animals roam free.  While Bearizona is best know for its large population of black bears, there are also bison, mountain goats, wolves, big horned sheep, several varieties of birds of prey and other mountain dwelling animals.

 This black bear is only a few years old.
This Bison was so close to our car we could almost touch it.
 
 An Alaskan White Wolf taking a mid-afternoon nap. 

 A. and P. pose in front of a Great Horned Owl and it's handler.

 The Pinks get to touch a very patient goat at the petting zoo.

A. manages to feel the tail feathers of a hen at the petting zoo.

 

Tucson

No Spring Break would be complete without a trip to Tucson to visit our friends, the Ross's.  Thanks so much J & C for hosting us.  We had a wonderful time.

Friends in the Faith

Our neighbor, G. Ruiz...

...recently decided that she wanted to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church.)  As many of you know, our family are also members of the LDS faith.  We were honored to be able to participate with G. in her preparation for baptism and to assist with the baptismal service.

We're thrilled for G. and what this important decision means in her life.  Congratulations!

Somebody's Two

Happy Birthday, Au!!

It was pouring rain the day Au. turned 2 so our family didn't get to hold the backyard birthday cookout like we had originally planned.  Still, we did manage to get a familiy bike ride in between thunderstorms and Au. appeared to be just as content with that.

A., P., and I baked, frosted, and decorated a 100%-from-scratch chocolate birthday cake for Au.  It was soooooooooo good.  And yet, when we put a slice in front of the birthday girl, the only thing she ate was the sprinkles.  Urgghhhhh!  World's Pickiest Eater!!  How on earth am I supposed to get her to eat vegetables when she won't even eat chocolate cake!?!

Enough ranting.  Now for a cute picture of Au. opening her cards and gifts.  Thanks so much to everyone for the plethora of presents and well wishes.

Au. takes a moment to try on the adorable skirt, jewelry, and purse that Grandma M. gave her.  Happy Birthday little one!  We still love you in spite of your disenchantment with all things edible. 

Happy Birthday

Little Miss P. is Finally 5!!

This year P. wanted a My Little Pony themed birthday cake.  Several of the presents she received were My Little Pony themed, too. 

For her birthday activity P. chose to take her sisters and a friend for an afternoon of fun at an indoor trampoline and bounce house facility called Jump Street.

Many thanks to everyone who sent P. cards, gifts, and well wishes on her special day.  We love you so much P. and are very grateful that you are a member of our family!

Family Visitors

My Aunt Gayle and her daughter, Mandy...

...recently came to Chandler to attend a gymnastics meet in which Mandy was competing and spent the weekend with us while they were in town.  The day before the competition we took Mandy to a local gymnasium where she could practice her routines.

  Mandy impressed us all with her floor routine.  This picture doesn't do the awesome twirly, loopy, flying-through-the-air moves she performs justice.

Mandy gives P. a push on the rings.

P. and Au. take a dip in the gymnasium's foam pit.

Me and my cousin after the meet.  I believe she won 7th on beam and 4th overall.  Way to go, Mandy!

Valentine's Day

The Pinks were definitely feeling "the love" on Valentine's Day.  Many thanks to all the sweethearts out there who sent cards and treats.

A. and P. put together the puzzles that Grandma M. sent them.

A. takes inventory of her Valentine's Day goodies.

P. likewise poses with her assortment of Valentine's Day treats.

P. had a Valentine's Day party at her school and I got to help out.  Yay!