A stop in Carlsbad, NM

We made a extend pit stop in Carlsbad, NM where Baron grew up to see some friends of his.   The kids had great fun meeting his friend John who is now a detective for the police dept. there.  He let them check out a police car and the public safety office gave them some toys and a coupon for a free meal.  They all loved it.  Baron took us on a short drive around town to show the boys his childhood home and some other local spots. We also stopped by a really neat local park though it was really hot out so we did not stay long.    We hit the pool at the hotel for a bit too.  Then we met up for dinner with Baron's friends  and there families.   It was great fun being able to visit all of them.

John, Landon, Marcus, and Baron

The men and most of their kids.  Marcus's kids were not here.

Tombstone, AZ and White Sands, NM

On our drive from Tucson, AZ to Carlsbad, NM we made a couple of stops for sight seeing.  We first stopped in Tombstone, AZ.  We stopped in at a couple of historic spots but it was early so some of the attractions were not open yet.  We saw the Boothill graveyard and Baron and Andrew and Noah toured the courthouse.   Our next stop was at White Sands in New Mexico.  This was neat to see all the beautiful white sand.  The kids loved sliding down the dunes.   We all had a laugh at the signs that said we could not collect the sand to take home but when we stopped for dinner later each kid had quite a bit of sand in their shoes!   Fun time seeing the sights

Vacation Bible School Fun

 The three older boys got to attend a Vacation Bible School this summer for one week.  Andrew went as a Jr. Helper and Joshua and Noah as students.  This VBS was large with over 500 kids attending.  The boys got to choose are group to be in also.  Joshua was in a soccer group and Noah was in Boys that build.  Andrew helped with the  baseball group.   The all had a fabulous time.  They all where excited to accept Jesus as their savior during the VBS also.  What a great week!

Andrew is the boys in purple

Noah built a shield

Joshua in his VBS shirt

Noah built a tool box

Andrew ready for his day as a Jr. Helper

All the boys on the last day of VBS

Swim Lessons

Joshua, Noah, and Seth took swim lessons right at the beginning of the summer.  Joshua was taking level 4/5.  Noah in Level 2.  Seth was in beginning toddler.  It had been a while since the boys had went swimming.  Noah was very nervous and thought he would not be able to swim without a life jacket.  Joshua had to do a lot of lap swimming in his class and was quite tired out at the end of each lesson.  Seth loved being in the water and playing the games that were actually teaching him a skill!  By the end of the two weeks Noah was swimming to the side without assistance.  We were so proud of all them!  On to the next level for all!

Joshua in the upper part of the photo

Go Joshua

Noah retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool

Noah getting some help on floating on his back

Noah swimming to the edge

Noah swimming out to his teacher

Noah

Noah

Noah

Noah jumping in

Here goes Joshua off the diving board

Joshua

Joshua

Noah jumping in

Go Noah

Jumping in again

Joshua diving in

Oooo a front flip

The last day of swim for Seth means he gets to play in the splash park

The end of swim certificates.  Everyone passed their class and can move up a level!