Easter Pageant with Utahians'

Holler: 

We had some Utah visitors before Easter this year.   What a treat,  they survived the long drive down south.

We tried to cram in as much excitement as we could.   Uncle Tyler had some firefighter classes in Phoenix,  that would help him be qualified for some 'top dog ' jobs in his line of career.   So Aunt Julia decided to make a family trip out of it.  She is cool like that:)

This inspired Aunt Maria to ' ditch ' uncle Dirk for a couple days and make the long drive with the kiddies,  without him.   Booyah, what a treat, to see all the cousin's! :)

Grandpa Nelson started the party off right by cooking a BBC feast.   That guy knows how to run that grill (love ya dad).  Grandma is right behind making the side dishes.  Yummy! :)

We kept partying it up at they're community pool.  Val Vista has the best facilities and good thing that they know everyone there!  Seriously,  my people know how to network!  ;)

The kids all loved the beach pool and especially the hot tub, we enjoyed it multiple times.   It was awesome how we all worked together and cousin Mina helped out a lot!

We also had time to hang out at my place. Reed has done an awesome job finishing up the backyard,  the end is finally in sight!   It was great seeing all of those kiddos enjoy it,  what fun they seemed to have!  :)

We were trying to think of something spiritual to do while they were here.   We were debating between a Gilbert Temple session for us endowed members or the Pageant.  We decided to do  The Pageant because we didn't have 'enough white temple clothes to go around ' and it worked out perfect, that they were visiting during the main performance week.

I didn't realize how congested traffic was going to be with the whole construction of the lite-railway downtown.  After driving around for a while,  I found a driveway to park in right by the infamous Dairy Queen (money well spent;). Reed was right behind with Pizzas for everyone.

It was hard at first,  getting everyone together.  But we found a good viewing spot on the grass in the back, with all the other young families.   I don't think everyone realized what the Pageant consisted of.   There were actors dressed up in olden times, walking around.  The kids enjoyed seeing the gentleman in the soldier costume. 

The kids seemed to enjoy the food and drinks that gamma and gampa brought, while sitting on the blankets over the grass.   We had a good time chatting about funny times that had past, in our individual families.  

Before the play started we made sure (or the children made sure); that we visited the bathroom trailer 3 times,  climbed on the tree 4 times,  ran across the divider wall 5 times (behind us), ' flagged down uncle Isaac, Aunt Hannah and baby Jayden, almost buying custom balloons from a balloon maker,  etc.  Good times.

It was such a fabulous reminder of the Saviors love for us, to watch the hour play about his resurrection.   I always love the end where the Savior rises/levitates to the sky.

I am so thankful to watch the wonderful performance with good company, while they were visiting! Love you all!

Xoxox :)

Who wants a hair cut?

My poor little girls haven't gotten regular grooming, like the boys when it comes to hair.  Their daddy is very confident in his, unproven 'cheap\free lady trimming skills' and often tries to convince the girls to allow him 'to practise' on them.  ;)

However, we didn't hire daddy for this tricking one..... Kalaya has been begging to shorten her hair for a while, even reminding me often to set up an appointment with a ' professional'!

Side note: these little ladies have had 'scissor accidents' when they were younger, so since then we have talked often about the necessity of hairstylist's! :-)

So we did it, Jenna from our ward is know for her skills.  I often hang out with her, and the other cool cats in my area so I know her pretty well!

Luckily we got in on Tuesday, so right after school we promptly showed up at her home studio, and watched the magic happen! :-)

Kalaya's hair was almost long enough to donate to locks of love.  Woowzers, I didn't realize the length! 

Aurora was pretty unsure of the whole things and a little upset, but was quickly excited after the hair dresser 'bribed her'!  Jenna just did a lite trim on her, not as dramatic as Kalaya's.

Overall, they look fabulous!  Good job, you hard working ladies! Now we are ready for the summer! ;)

Xoxo

General Conference - April 2014

Growing up, I don't fondly remember General Conference time.  I usually remember it being a couple of really 'long days'.  

So instead, I really want it to be something that our family looks forward too! Because what a blessing it is to hear it from general authorities in the convience of our own homes!

I have been thinking for awhile what to do to encourage this attitude in our home.  I decided that money , food and candy, are the most motivating items for most kiddos (sad but true) !  ;)
So this is the route that I decided too take!

Saturday, is the day too earn money and Sunday is the day to earn food and treats. 
Most people know how difficult it is to sit through 2 , two hour sessions on each day as an adult; and even harder for a child.

However, I want the children to be excited and have the fondest memories, while listening to inspirational talks from our church leaders.

Reed was in and out the house, doing projects.   We also had dinner waffles, berries and whipped topping for fun.  Also, there are some poses with the television. When President Monson got up.

We had a good day, I am glad that conference seemed to be an exciting event for these kiddos.  And thanks again too Reed for supplying the coins (notice his jar that he has had for over 15 years; so I just assumed that we could partake;) 

All in all they did such a great job listening!

Xoxo

SKYLINE at the Zoo

So last Family Home Evening we decided that as a family we were going to try out the Skyline, at the Phoenix Zoo.  The kids worked so hard; getting ready early for school, getting homework done promptly, helping out around the home and being kind to one another. 

So last Saturday was the day we tested this 'skyline' out.  We have heard about this 'zip-line' from some of our church friends, they said that it was a must!  So this was our reward this week, something to look forward too.

So they did a great job meeting my requirements.  We were all looking for a time to spend together! :-)

On Friday Reed told me about how the neighbor asked him to move a large shipping container up to their second home, in Heber.  So Reed being the sweet man that he is said, "sure thing".  Since he knew that he was leaving on Sunday for Louisiana, Saturday was the only day that work permitted.

However, we all know that here in this Jarman home - fun will continue - with or without the 'Man of the House'!

We left around 9:30, with walking shoes, hats, snacks, drinks and a my once trusted stroller (damaged from American airlines, need to replace).

I have forgotten how often the restrooms are needed for ladies and more often for pregnant ladies.  So those areas might have been the most 'observed', because ladies restrooms never seem to be large enough for crowds.

It was a beautiful day,  the sun is starting to really come out in AZ, but it was mighty prefect that day.  The breeze was Light and cheery, which kept reminding me that the Lord loves my uphill endurance! ;)

Our first stop was, of course the tree house by the entrance, since we did go to play! The kids enjoyed playing in the little stream and I was really impressed no-one got too 'soaked'. Bayd loved running up and down the 'cat walk' to and from tree house.

We then journeyed to the main event.  Stopping to enjoy the animals on our way. Zebras, giraffes, flamingos, beavers, etc..

One we arrived at the Skyline, I could instantly see the nervousness overcome all the kids.  Add we walked in the white tent to pay and get suited up. Kalaya instantly told me that she had changed her mind.  So Aurora stepped up and told me that she wanted to go, but she is below allowable weight requirement.  We then purchased one ticket.  Levi was a little apprehensive, but excited.  After he climbed the tower, he got attached to the zipline. We stood back and watched.

We watched and captured a tiny figure slide down the cable.  We were anxiously awaiting how he felt about the crazy height and speed.  Next thing we saw was a young boy running down the rest of the hill, with his arms saying "that was awesome"!  After further convincing, Levi then got his mother to purchase him another $9 ticket, to do it 'just one more time'.  

The ladies then decided to go on the camel ride as their adventurous event.  They did great waiting on the line and riding on the gigantic camel.

What a wonderful day we had & are royally blessed to have a stronger zoo so close!

Xoxo