loving the lake

Living in Flagstaff, where the weather is beautiful in the summer, we weren't very motivated to head down to the heat and go to the lake. But now that we are back living in the heat, we have found ourselves escaping to the lake quite often. Our boys love more than I ever thought they would, they are pretty cautious about swimming. But I think a combination of swimming lessons and lake trips have loosened them up a bit. They have loosened up so much that they all want to wake board now. In fact, Colby has taught Reed how to get up on the board.

Now he just needs to work on STAYING up. Reed loves it and hasn't gotten discouraged. It is the coolest thing to watch Colby and Reed out there in the water together. The only downside to Colby being out in the water with Reed is that I have to drive the boat. Ya, this is not one of my strong points but Colby is very patient with me and I hope I am getting better. Oh ya, thanks to Chea(who is never without her camera) for documenting this monumental event for me!

This last time we went out, Blue and Beau both wanted to wake board. So Colby set them in between his legs on the board and had them hold onto the rope with him while he wakeboarded. The boys get the biggest grins when they do this. I just wish I would have brought my camera that time. You can be sure I will be bringing it next time.

A few weeks ago we did a weenie roast and FHE at the lake. The boys thought that was so cool to explore a place that we got to by boat. Beau was super intrigued by the fire, well, maybe a little frightened.


It is so funny how when one has to go, the others all of a sudden have to go too.

Happy Barrrrthday Beau!

Ever since I went to girls camp last summer, Beau has been obsessed with pirates. His third birthday was on June 21st so it seemed fitting to have a pirate birthday party. It was all he could and can talk about still. I can't believe my baby is three! It is amazing how different all three of my boys are. Beau is hilarious! He has a great sense of humor at such a young age. Colby and I are always cracking up with him. Beau does a good job of keeping up with Reed and Blue. He wants to play what they are playing and say what they are saying- which makes me sad because he is growing up too fast!

We had cake with just Reed and Blue on his actual birthday since the party was a couple of days later. He got the crazy teeth at Peter Piper the night before. Reed had a "great idea" of going to peter piper for Beau's birthday as a family. Reed is always wanting to go to peter piper, this time it happened to be for a legitimate reason.


A little spit to help blow out the candle.


What a bunch of scalliwags!

They dug for buried treasure and put it all in their little booty bags.

Josie wore the appropriate attire for the occasion. Too cute!

The cupcakes were scrumptious, and the frosting to die for. I will post the recipes later, if I remember:)

HMA Reunion

Over the Fourth of July, the Howard Marshall Arnett reunion was held in Orem, UT. Heidi and I had this great idea of caravaning up for this big event. Ya, not so great idea. At least 10 potty stops(could have been more, I just stopped counting) and 15 hours later, our group of 4 adults and 11 kids finally made it to Orem. While the drive was the pits, the reunion was great! The kids had a great time experiencing life in Blythe(where grandpa and grandma arnett lived for many years) and I am so sad I forgot my camera for this. But if you check Lindsay's blog you can see what amazing talent Aunt Candy has with cardboard(it is a talent and possibly a fettish). The So you think you can dance contest was a hit with everyone. Anytime you can watch break dancing, Thriller, syncronized swimming, a bit of the Lawrence Welk show, and modern/interpretive dancing with a man in a leotard you know you are in for a good time! And,finally, what could be more all american than a backyard bbq on the fourth of July? Warning: a lot of pictures ahead...

We stopped for lunch in kanab at a park, and of course, it started to rain once we all got settled on our blankets in the grass. We sought refuge under a ramada at the school.


H.B. has this amazing backyard that was perfect for all of us Arizonans to hang out at. Thanks for letting all of us crash at your place!

My boys took advantage of the sprinklers. Blue may look like he is wearing pants, but they are shorts and are about to fall off. And Beau may look like he isn't wearing any pants at all- well, he's not.



The HB Arnett family kicked off the dance contest with a little bit of break dancin'.

Avery wasn't shy about performing in the SYTYCD show. The only problem was that none of the music was up to her standards. She just kept shaking her head no when a song was turned on.


Thriller, what more can I say?!


Saturday Night Live style of the Lawrence Welk show.


Probably the best synchronized swimming ever, look for them to go on tour!


Reed and Trey found out that you get a prize if you participate, so they decided to sing a song for us.


A high caliber modern/interpretive dance by the Walker family.


Anytime there is a man in a leotard, expect it to be entertaining! Way to go Brig!


The real reason for our celebration this past weekend. Focus on the flag, not the sonic cup:)


Good food the entire weekend, as evident on Paige's face. Thank you Candy for all your planning and hard work that brought us all together this weekend!