Tucson with the Allens

We never got to have a reunion with all Matt's siblings this summer so we decided to all meet up in Tucson for Labor Day weekend. It was a very fast trip but so much fun. We stayed out in Oro Valley and packed our 48 hours together with tons of fun and quality time. Saturday afternoon was spent pool side.

 We have not gotten to see Matt's little sister Katherine and her family since Thanksgiving! So fun to see that cute little Clara, and Devin and Katherine of course.

 Crew loves cousin time.

 Matt with his mom and sisters Buffy (far left) and Jeni

We got up and went to church Sunday morning where I had the very exciting surprise to see my old roommate Sarah and her family. How random that we would pick her ward to go to! Here are the kids in their Sunday best.

  After church Dave and Becky had all 13 grand kids memorize an article of faith. Clara may not quite be one but you could tell she knew it :)

 Graham needed some help to but the rest of the kids were great!

 Then they gave a little devotional on putting on the armor of God. Crew loved being the assistant.

 Loving on Grandma

 Honestly, is this not hilarious!

 It was hot, humid and a lot of people but we are all in there!

 


 Monday morning the tough ones went out for a hike in the desert

 The mountains there are actually very pretty

 We got back from the hike and grabbed a quick breakfast before hitting the road back to California. It really was great to all be together. Thank you and we love you all Allen family!

Benihana's with Chef Richter

I have to back track slightly so the world can see one of America's finest emerging chefs. One of the most fun nights we had while in Mesa back in August occurred at Benihana's where my dad got to be our chef! It was very entertaining and delicious!

 We missed having Matt and Cam but it really was such a fun night

 Our quick attempt at a family photo while we had everyone there

Kindergarten and More

Look at this handsome boy. Watch out Kindergarten right? Honestly, Crew cracks me up because he has this amazing confidence when it comes to school. He loves it and even though he had no idea what to expect or know anyone in his class, he wasn't the slightest bit nervous.

Graham never likes being left out of camera time

Remember Graham's head injury? Well, we had to keep it protected but we still needed to swim. This kid was a major hit at the pool. It cracks me up because it doesn't even look like him.

A few weekends ago Matt's parents were in town for a wedding so we met them downtown for a short little visit. While we were there we did the Mormon Battalion. It was really fun!

And when you are with Grandpa Allen you always have time for ice cream

Finally, this was making a lot of noise outside our window a few weeks ago and it was so close I had to take a picture.

Soaking up Some Arizona Sun

I know. It sounds crazy. Why would anyone plan to go to Arizona in August? This has kind of become a tradition over the last couple years and it is always one of my most favorite trips! LOTS of swimming, fantastic summer monsoons, a day at Sunsplash, my dad being our chef at Benihanas, an overnighter at a local hotel, and lots of quality time with cousins, siblings and parents. What is not to love?

 

This year the boys and I hitched a ride back to Az with Dave and Becky and then we spent the first part of the weekend with them on the west side. We got a great monsoon, played at the splash pad by their house, had a trip to the library and kicked off the Olympics. It was great. Crew was a big fan of the splash pad.

 

Graham preferred hugging on Grandma and swinging.

 

Sunday we headed over to Mesa. No matter how hot it is, my boys can't resist jumping on the tramp.

That night we got another big storm so we made chocolate shakes and watched nature's show from the porch. Love it!

Monday afternoon Maren and her boys got in. That means the fun escalates and so do the decibels around the house!

Check out this cute boy

As if the pool wasn't fun enough, slip and slides are also a fun summer activity

We had an especially exciting event happen while we were in Az. Crew lost his first tooth!

And here is some evidence that the yellow suitcase made an appearance

Friday morning Matt drove over and that afternoon we all headed over to the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale. So much fun. We didn't see the older boys much thanks to these fun water slides.

Graham loved having dad around again and had some pretty awesome new swimming skills to show off.

The next day we stopped by Grandma and Grandpa Riggs home for a little visit.

Then it was back to my parents for one more afternoon of swimming. Crew is fearless!

One of the main reasons I wanted to go to Az was to teach Graham how to swim. I am happy to report that we succeeded and he has become quite the little swimmer. All it took was literally two days in Arizona!

Sunday morning we headed back to the west side and visited Nonny and Poppy after church

Then it was back to the Allens for dinner. Grandpa's shave ice was an extra special treat

These boys love their cousins

The next morning we got up early and headed home. Love those Arizona summers (at least just a week of it!)