Back in Kansas...

Everyone is SO excited to be in Kansas because we are only 1 state away on our way home.

Finished my book...

I finally finished the book Insignia. The book was a futuristic thriller that combined humanity with technology. I will start the 2nd book called Vortex soon and the 3rd book Catalyst comes out in October. I am now starting to read the book Sunrise. It's the 3rd book in the Ashfall series after Ashfall and Ashen Winter. The series is about a Yellowstone supervolcano erupting and destroying life as we know it in true post-apocalyptic fashion. 

When in Texas ... Buy a Hat

I borrowed my Dad's safari hat for the Grand Canyon raft trip. I loved it so much that I got myself one. This will be a nice hat to wear to Ruby's softball tournaments and Mac's soccer games. 

Buck and Doe...

On our way to Peach Springs for our Grand Canyon raft trip, we passed a road called Buck And Doe Road. This reminded us of before Mac and Ruby were born our Grampy Papa named Mac and Ruby "Buck and Doe."  That's what he called when he saw them. We will always remember you Grampy Papa. 

Time in Texas...

We finally made it to Amarillo Texas. The kids were going to swim but someone vomited in the pool and it closed the pool at least we got a reduced rate on our rooms. Breakfast was good and we are about to head back to Kearney  Had a great vacation. 

Bow and Arrow Woes...

Mac bought a bow and arrow at a gas station in Chandler, Arizona. He got very frustrated trying to figure out how to shoot it. He kept muttering "this is a rip off. I wasted 7 bucks."  Mom saved the day by figuring it out. Whew!!!

My New Poncho...

We stopped in Page, Arizona to gas up and I found a Mexican poncho in Kearney Bulldog colors. I'm still wearing it in the car since it's chilly from the air conditioning. 

Bye Bye Phoenix...

We spent 2 Days in Phoenix and are heading back to Kearney. We swam 4 times, visited the aquarium, went school clothes shopping, and I got to go on an early morning walk with Joanne. It was fun to see all the desert plants and adobe houses. Thanks to Grandma Joanne for letting us stay at her house. 

Kearney Courier...

We brought our local newspaper along to take a vacation photo but forgot to do it at the Grand Canyon. We took it to the aquarium and got a pretty good shot. I hope the kids get their picture in the paper. 

Wildlife World Aquarium...

After dinner at Dillon's, we took Grandma Joanne to the aquarium. There were 4 buildings of sea life. I got to touch Mantas, sea stars, crabs, and sea urchins.  It was exciting to go to through and view all the wonderful creatures. Here's a peek of what we saw.  My favorite was the blue stone fish that laid with the rocks to disguise himself and the tiny yellow fish that lived in a hole all his life. 

Green Tree Trunk...

Who knew that trees could have green trunks?  The Palo Verde is a desert tree that has yellow-green foliage and green limbs and trunks. It is very beautiful. They are every where down in Phoenix. 

Eating with the Sharks...

We ate at Dillon's Restaurant featuring Kansas City Style BBQ. Our table was next to a huge shark tank. 3 different types of sharks were swimming in a huge circle while we ate. The food was ok. Mac loved his beef short ribs. 

Remembering Grandpa Dunn...

The room Ruby is staying in is the library. On the top shelf were boxes in the shape of the number 70. Harry and I made those for Grandpa Dunn's 70th birthday. Although Grandpa Dunn is gone, his memory lives on in Phoenix. 

Remember the Nestea Plunge?

Remember all the Nestea Plunge commercials a long time ago?  Mac and Ruby decided to fall backward into the pool over and over. If their arms were out then they would be doing the Nestea Plunge. Take a look...

Phoenix has Risen...

The second we arrived at Grandma Joanne's house in Phoenix the kids headed straight for the pool. They were lathered in sunscreen and they splashed for hours. They even got a swim in the dark after dinner. 

Bye Bye Uncle Billy...

Today we are off to Phoenix and had to say good-bye to Uncle Billy and Barb. We stayed at his house in the mountains of Kingman, Arizona for 2 nights. They were the most gracious hosts ever. They said to come back anytime. We think we might.