Tonto Natural Bridge Hike

Tonto Natural Bridge Hike

Well we couln't get enough of the beautiful weather so we headed to Payson once more. This time went smoother though and it was so much fun. We got up there Friday and fished at the Woods Canyon Lake where we got rained on. It was so beautiful though and we just loved the rain and thunder. We headed to Heber to look around and got some delicious ice cream and looked around. We headed back down the hill when the rain subsided and stopped by Willow Springs Lake where Justice caught the first and only fish. This was a three inch Blue Gill, as small as it was we were glad to have caught something.

The next day we headed down to Tonto Natural Bridge that is only a mile hike, but it is climbing over 3/4 mile of rocks and boulders. It also included sliding down a 10 foot rock with a cliff down the other side into the water. The bridge is a natural bridge that is a huge cave with a river running through it. We were so excited to finally get to it and be showered on with ice cold drops from the ceiling. Then the rest of our hike was straight up the hill. We had another wildlife encounter...Justice leading the way again and got smacked in the face with a huge two inch frog. It was a bit funny after our last encounter but it was fun. Other than Jonathon getting a little motion sickness from being carried in the snuggly, we all made it without too many bruises. We were so proud of those boys being such great troopers on a "difficult" trail. Then we were off back to Phoenix where the temperature was well over 100...ugh. We had a great time though and enjoyed every minute of it. Love these weekend trips.
Ben enjoying the end of the hike

One Day Trip to Payson

Our one day trips seem too be just so much fun, our trip to Payson didn't seem like it was on the right path. Our tire was low, we had to get gas, food, ice...ugh we left about one and a half hours late. We were off though and we were excited!! We found the trail with no problem...and we were off...on the wrong trail. We didn't make it far until we realized this so after redirecting ourselves we were off again!! The weather was so beautiful, the trees were so beautiful, the kids were full of so much energy and we were enjoying everything about the hike. We thought the only nature we were going to see was a cow grazing all alone along the trail. Then we stumbled across a black rattlesnake. It was nice enough to warn us that he was there and to watch out. I was a little dissapointed that the creek and falls were completely dry but the hike and time with the family was great. The snake was a good lesson to teach the kids and neat to see nature.

We were then off to Woods Canyon for some fishing. Matthew didn't realize that the water was there and jumped in to begin with. We even saw a bald eagle, that was so awesome. No fish but the eagle made it all worth it. We were all completely worn out and ready for the ride home.

Two Months Old Already!!

Who can believe Jonathon is already two months old? He is doing great and getting so big!! This is the outfit that he wore when he was born, he almost fits into it...maybe at his 3 month old photo shoot.

What Handsome Boys I Have

First of all, it is hot!! Maybe not so much hot, but very humid these last couple of weeks. We are doing good though and just wanted to share this beautiful picture with you all. I have to say that Bill and I are the luckiest parents in the whole world, we have some of the most handsome boys ever. They are all enjoying the swim weather.

Justice is done with summer school and is excited to start high school. Not only is he going to high school now, but he has also grown almost as tall as Bill over the summer as well.

Benjamin has mastered swimming under water without the floaties and asks probably a million questions a day. Today he was looking at a book and commented on how cute the girl was...he said "look at this beautiful girl mom, I will whistle at her...woohoo." I could go on with the funny things that come out of his mouth but I have to move on to the next one.

Matthew is a couple of inches shy of his brother and is growing up so fast. I believe he is trying to catch up with Benjamin. He just had his third birthday party and got some really fun things to do.

Jonathon is almost 10 pounds and is growing like crazy too. His colick seems to be getting a little better and he gives me at least one good smile every day. Bill is keeping busy at work with the horses and soon to be with the dogs and cats. I am keeping busy with the kids and I am not looking forward to starting work next week and school next month.

Jonathon William Sibole

Jonathon William Sibole

Well he has arrived, early but healthy and beautiful. Wednesday morning I woke up about 230am with some "different" contractions. After lying in bed for about 3 hours we decided they were different enough to visit the hospital. Grandma Jacque met us at the hospital to take over the other two little boys while we got checked in. I was only at 3cm but with nice contractions going on they admitted us at about 8am. The doctor broke my water at 930am with me at 5cm and one hour later I was at 7cm. The first epidural didn't go through so I had to sit still for yet another one in the middle of contractions. UGH. Anyways, by 1145 we were phoning Dr. Howard to get over quick.

The greatest part about this delivery was that the doctor allowed Bill to deliver the baby under his directions. It put the delivery on a whole new level for me and for everyone else. Jonathon cooperated very well and was delivered at 1154am on May 18, 2011. Aunt Trisha was happy to cut the cord while daddy held him up and he was welcomed with loving arms by mommy.

Jonathon weighed 7lbs11oz and was 19" long. He has quite a bit of reddish hair...he is just simply gorgeous! Benjamin wouldn't stop saying how "adorable" he was and Matthew wasn't sure if he wanted us to take him home.

Daddy was off to his next adventure...Justice's 8th grade graduation at 4pm. It was a busy and exciting day for the whole family by far. Wouldn't trade it for the world though. Justice has graduated all 8 grades with straight A's and was awarded the Science Award, we are so proud of him.

Well, we are all home and getting ready for my mom, sister Sam, Chelsy, Shannon and Austin to fly in Friday the 20th. The baby and I are doing great and so is the rest of the family. He is latching on great and making sure to give me time to get things done and to take a little nap when needed. He is very quite and different from the other two in so many ways already it is so adventurous to learn each one's personality. We appreciated all the support and comments, we love you all and hope you enjoy this little guy.

Visit to Flagstaff

Bill had a great idea to go see the fresh snow a week ago in Flagstaff. It isn't a long ride but for Ben it was way too long. He was the typical "are we there yet?" kiddo. When we first saw a little snow out the window Ben and Matthew was ready to stop and play in the dusting of snow. Our first stop for lunch was beautiful at Strombolis. The trees were filled with snow still and there were icicles everywhere. This wasn't anything new to me but Bill and the boys were just excited to see how big they were and how many there were.

We then headed to beautiful Lake Mary and first showed the kiddos once again how to sled down the hill. After one trip down the hill, Matthew was all about it. Everytime he got to the bottom he would trek back up the hill as fast as he could to go again. We also built the cutest snowman ever, which was Bill's and the boy's first one ever!! This was just so foreign to me but I guess when you have no snow for miles, it is normal for these desert boys. After some snowball fights, we were headed home finally. Thank you daddy for the great idea, we had so much fun.

Happy New Year

Here is Anna, Justice, Matt and Ben on Christmas Eve

Well I am really ashamed to see the last time that I posted...sorry. We are off to a new start this year and I am ready to type. Last year was a great year for us, I find every year a blessing that I get to spend with my family. The boys are getting so big!! Well starting with the big guy who became a teenager this year, he is sprouting like a weed boy!! He thinks he is taller than me but I will make him think otherwise for as long as I can. School is going good so far, learning the struggles of growing up and having more responsibility though. Benjamin is also starting to absorb every bit of information out there. He is also starting to become a story teller, something I have no idea where he gets it? He still loves school and is always getting compliments from the teachers. Matthew really wants to go to school but is still a little too young. He is starting to use big words and trying to catch up with Benjamin on his height.

Christmas was nice, we had a lot of family over and enjoyed watching the kiddos enjoy their new toys. Both little ones got a new bike, Ben has been a pro but now Matthew has caught on quick. We are excited about the New Year bringing us a healthy beautiful and loved little boy. We are just so blessed to have such a wonderful family full of wonderful boys. We will be expecting the new addition in May...we are just hoping to agree on a name by then. So any ideas would be helpful.

Bill and I are both doing pretty good. Bill has really enjoyed his new position at work working with the animals, the horses have had two foals so far and they are just adorable. Me, I am so excited to be starting Photography classes actually tomorrow. I will be starting at Phoenix College, kind of scared to be starting a different school but thrilled to be going to a class this time. I have taken online courses for three years now, so change is needed. Work is work, just glad that Christmas is over in retail.

We sure do miss the family and friends out there that we don't get to see everyday, just know that we love and miss you all. Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year and enjoy all those little and big moments we are so blessed to receive. Try and take those hard times as learning experiences. We are only here on Earth for so long so treasure every moment and enjoy each other as long as we can. Here are a few pictures from Christmas.

Ben and Matthew

I think Justice is getting too big for Santa's lap.

School Starts!!

Benjamin started school again yesterday and was very excited! We went to the school with him on Monday to introduce him to his new classmates and see his teacher from last year. Thankfully he has the same teacher because he didn't know anyone else there. Benjamin kept asking "where are all my friends?" It was kind of sad, all of his friends, except a few moved up to kindergarten. He will be just fine though. He is still only 3 (almost 4 next month) but he is so much taller than all the rest of the kids. Matthew is almost as tall as the kids in his class, it is so funny. I didn't realize how tall the two were until I see them next to kids their own age.

Anyways, first day went just fine, just like he's been doing it all his life. Me on the other hand, I think I tear up almost everytime I drop him off. I just can't believe how fast he is growing up. He is catching on to everything so quick and learning so much even on his own. I am now starting to spell everything out that he can't hear...because he understands everything!! I even catch myself spelling things to Bill when the kids aren't around. His teacher is Ms. Gail and she is just so wonderful. She really does do a lot for the kids and she enjoys them. She has 8 kids of her own, which just amazes me. Anyways, Ben adores her so I am so thankful to be so lucky to have her with us.

Now onto the other kid. I don't know if anyone can believe this but Justice is in 8th grade this year. Yes I said 8th grade, that is one year away from being in high school. The other day I was trying to explain to him how fast time flies. I told him that in 10 years you may be married or graduated from college already or have a kid!! Oh dear, I think I was almost crying by the end of that conversation too. He is growing into a great kid who is a major help around the house...well as long as I don't call it chores, it gets done. He is hoping to run for President in his school this year and is doing great at his Cowboy Fast Draw. World championship is coming up at the end of September, which he will be participating in with his Dad and Papa. I am so excited for him because I know he can win it for the youth division. He is an A plus student so I am not worried about him at all. So lucky to have great kids!! Don't have any pics of his first day but I have other ones so enjoy!!

BOWLING!!

We all were home last Friday and we wanted to take advantage of it. So we let the kids decide where they wanted to go and they chose the bowling alley. Okay, so Justice decided he was really to go bowling again and the other two agree to anything big brother wants to do. We had such a blast though, they have a ramp that you set up with the ball on top and it goes down the ramp and hits the pins. It was great!! The boys adored it!! Benjamin would even start all the way back by the entrance and run all the way and push the ball at the end. He thought it helped him out anyways, which I think it did. I just look at the new bumpers they have that just pop up whenever it is the boys turn and dissapear when it was Bill and I's turn. Okay, I am not very old but I can remember when they had to put the blow up bumpers in the gutters and everyone had to use them if they were used. It was great though and it was Matthew's first time. I think he liked picking out what ball he wanted to use the most though. It was cute on one bowl because he went to chase after the ball and slipped right on his booty!! Well I got some pics so here they are, hope you enjoy. If you really have to know...Bill won all three games...what a show off huh?

Camping Trip to Greer, AZ 2010

We packed the van beyond its capacity and we set out North to Greer, Arizona. If you don't believe me, ask Justice. He was crammed in the back seat with a bunch of pillows and sleeping bags. Anyways, the trip up went okay, any ride that takes 4 1/2 hours is too long for kids. They all survived with the anticipation of seeing the wilderness and animals they have only seen on the television. We were about 10 minutes out and they were squilling with excitement, it was just too cute! We stayed at Bennie Creek Campground, which we visited once before. We loved it there, it is nestled off in the woods with very little people there.

Matthew enjoying his boonie hat or what he called "boobie hat."
We had a good time setting up the new tent for the first time while it was threatening to rain on us. Soon we had the van unloaded and we went into Greer to see the town. Greer is a very little tourist town that is full of cabins and a couple of restaurants. We said hello to Bill's parents and walked around the Greer Lodge Resort with them. We had dinner at the Neon Moon Restaurant, which was okay I suppose. We sat on the back porch and enjoyed the rain while we ate. We got back to camp and enjoyed a great campfire and marshmallows.

Little Anna reading to the boys at the Lodge

The next day we went to Big Lake and rented a fishing boat for the boys. The boys all got a turn driving the boat and fishing in the lake. Bill caught two Rainbow Trouts and Justice cleaned his first fish. He was even able to tear the worms apart by himself, so proud of the kiddo. When we got back to camp, we hiked to Bunch Reservoir and down into Bennie Creek. The boys were so excited when we started catching crawdads in the creek, well Ben and Matt kept calling them lobsters. The fish made for a great dinner that night while enjoying another great campfire.

These two pics are at the Lee Valley Reservoir, Ben was laughing at me while a bee was attacking me.

These are some happy boys on the boat in Big Lake.

Happy mom with Matthew on the boat

Matthew afraid to touch Daddy's first catch of the day
Matthew and Ben showing off our catch

Okay so one unhappy boy but the rest were happy fishing and looking for beavers in Bennie Creek by the campsite.

That campfire fun soon ended...the next couple of days we were rained out. On Tuesday we drove up to the Big Lake Look Out. It was supposed to be a nice hike but the driving directions put us right at the foot of the tower. This turned out to be good because while in the look out, it started to rain. The view was just phenominal, you will have to go see it yourself though because I was so overwhelmed by the height and view that I didn't take one picture. It is a must see though if you are ever in that area. After lunch at Crescent Lake we spent the rest of the evening in the tent goofing off while the rain continued.

At the bottom of the look out tower

The boys at the look out tower

On our last full day of camping we headed out to Big Lake for another boat ride. The rain held out a little while for us at least. We got to fish though and Matthew threw in and lost his fishing pole while trying to cast. Matthew also got his first fish and reeled it in. Benjamin learned how to cast himself, he knows how to even hold onto the pole. He does really good though and can get the line pretty far out. Justice got a lot of bites and is still learning how to keep his excitement under control. Soon we were dawning on the overpriced but wonderful ponchos and getting poured on. We made a mad dash to the van and headed back in the pouring rain. The rain continued through the night, so once again we were confined to the tent.


Ben showing off his catch of the day

Overall the trip was great and we headed back home to the blazing heat. It is not easy going from almost 70 degree cloudy weather to 115 degree heat!! We are thankful for the wonderful family time spent and for having a safe trip. To sum it up we saw elk in the distance, a deer up close, squirrels played in our campsite, chipmunks, ospreys, lots of cows, fish and a cat! The place was beautiful and we had a blast.