North Rim

On our way home from the reunion, we decided to go through northern AZ instead of through Las Vegas.  We stopped at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for lunch and some sight-seeing.  The weather was cool and crisp and there were some sprinkles.  The clouds made for some very dramatic photos.  Almost all are Gil's.

Gil got Wesley some binoculars and he LOVES them.  He wears them all the time and was absolutely thrilled to use them at the Grand Canyon.

Wesley still wears his sunglasses upside-down.  Aunt Kara got him a recorder and we were serenaded most of the drive home.

So lucky to live in the Grand Canyon State and have beautiful places a days drive away to enjoy.

Allred Reunion 2022

We headed north to Utah for a family reunion.  This is Gil's mother's side, the Allreds, and we love them all!  We stopped for gas and Wesley helped Gil wipe down the windshield.

We broke up the drive and stayed a night with my brother at his house in St. George.  Lauren tried her cousin Kensley's swing.

Wesley loved Kensley's sand box and Kensley loved to be doing whatever Wesley was doing.  

Lauren was also a big fan of Kensley's bouncer.

The reunion was at a lodge in central Utah, in a little valley tucked away in the mountains.  It was a perfect place and fit all 130 of us nicely.  The wagons were a huge hit with all the kids and Wesley absolutely loved pulling people around.

His trains got really long and he was still strong enough to pull it!  So strong!

We got some rain while we were there and I realized it was the first time that Lauren had ever seen rain!  Happy first rain experience, Lauren!

Wesley loves his cousin Allison.  Each morning he would wake up and ask to go find her.  She's three and a half years older so she's pretty awesome.

It was wonderful getting caught up with the aunts, uncles, and cousins.  There was a talent show, kids activities, horseshoe tournament, family picture, temple trips, and tons of games.  I even talked one of the cousins into giving me a haircut.  I love the Allreds!

Three!

My little man turned three!  My goodness, he's growing so fast.

He was nicely spoiled for his birthday too.

He got some play food to use in his play kitchen

and a garbage truck.  What a happy boy!

The garbage truck has been a huge hit around this house.  He asked me to take this picture of him with his garbage truck.

At his check-up, he measured 37 1/2 inches.  I said, "Yes!  That means you can ride the kiddy roller coasters!"  He wouldn't stop talking about roller coasters the rest of the day.  There is a small little amusement park (more like sad old carnival ride park) and we decided to try a coaster.

It was an insanely hot day to be outside so we didn't stay that long.  We started with the train.

Lauren came too and slept the entire time.  Gil was home with the flu.

We worked our way up to the airplanes.

He took flying the helicopter very seriously.

We rode a tea-cup-esque ride; I love the face he's making

Then finally worked up the courage to ride the kiddy coaster.  I don't know if he liked it or not, but occasionally says he'd like to ride a roller coaster, but when he's bigger.

We ended our morning on the carousel.

We went to the children's museum again.  They had foam out in the courtyard to play in.  Wesley was rather unsure and probably would have been happier if he hadn't played in the foam.

Three years old and three months old!  I love these two little people!