Vacation and FSY

Monday morning Ron and his nice teens left.  Then I drove Nick and Maddie (and Kadence) to NAU for FSY.  They were all so excited for this new adenture.

We sure were going to miss them.

My friend was in the hospital up there, so I stopped in for a little visit.  She seemed like she was in a lot of pain, and she chose to not have any books or tv.  I am not looking forward to a new hip one day.

Tuesday I drove Ed, Ry and Mo to St. George to spend the week with my five youngest siblings.  Our drive was uneventful and quiet.  Road trippin' with a little family of three children seemed quite manageable.

We spent the next three days and nights basking in all the fun of cousins and family.  My soul was filled watching my sisters mother their children so carefully.  I sure hope I mothered my new babies and toddlers the ways they do.  I miss that life now that I'm in retirement.  The easiest thing was kissing and loving their children, and it made me excited to be "Grandma Honey."  They confirmed my new title.

I sueggested a bit of "beached whale" action, or rather in-action, and we were in heaven.

These cute cousins really did play all day and all night.  Not one negative episode ensued. 

We worked out a couple days together.  That was fun.

Olivia bought fries for the group and generously shared.  What fun.

Thursday Austin and Maisie drove up after work.  Friday Austin and I drove to Payson for Aunt Linda's funeral.  Her daughters and husband shared lovely tributes of her life of discipleship.  Dana said, "She brought peace with her."  I thought that was a beautiful life goal.  Austin's parents, siblings, cousins and extended family members attended in full force.  I stayed right by Bruce, and he and I navigated the in-law situation.

We were lucky enough that Whitni's family was in St. George.  Friday night we rubbed shoulders (They're pretty tall so shoulders were not exactly rubbed.  It was more like my head and their chests) with her sweet boys.

Saturday we were up early to get on the road.  Once home and unpacking, I noticed a horrific reality.  Look at my over night bathroom bag compared to Austin's.  I use a laundry basket, and he uses that tiny Italian bag.  Ugh.  If only I could be as beautiful as him with only face lotion to make me presentable.  Another life goal.

Nice Meg kept me awake on my drive home; she listened to me for an entire hour.  She spent her week chasing cows and growing babies.  I love to hear her grin over the phone, and she's the best listener.

I didn't get a chance to talk to Andy.  I missed his weekly call, but the report was that he was busy and tired.  His companions go home next transfier, so he'll soon be training the new AP.  I love hearing my children pray that he'll "teach and testify of Jesus Christ."  

Two Hikes

In preparation to hike Machu Picchu, I hiked Mt. Humphries whilst Austin was at work.  80 m/h greeting my arrival at the summit, and I had to crawl on my hands and knees to get there. 

AND!  I watched a 5 minute hack reel and found something useful.  Several of my children have questioned the pool noodles in my boot shafts, but I think it's genius.

My bread oven does not heat up, so I watched a few tutorials, ordered a part and fixed it.  Nope.  It didn't work.  I guess I still have to wait for the repair man in THREE weeks.  BOOOOOOO!

The clearance racks have now become my friends, since Molly and I have to shop for two babies.

Ron and his four teenagers came to visit for a long weekend.  I sure lovehim and his children so much.

Instead of a weekend of screens, we spent our time together playing board games,

trying new partner yoga, 

reading for hours, 

going on a date,

and preparing for our backpacking trip to Indian Maiden Falls.

We started a 7am and hiked deep down into a canyon, 

scaled rockes and swam through a frigid stream.

Then we arrived and warmed on the rocks, 

only to jump off the cliffs again and again.

It's always amazing to me that this watering hole is in the middle of Arizona.

There is nothing like a nap in the shade after a long day of hiking and swimming.

After four hours swimming in the falls, we clambored back to camp for a delicious dinner prepared by Austin.

Ron then prepared cheese pancakes with the left over pepper jack.  Everything was so yum.

We slept in hammocks, some two to a bed.

And when the early morning chill came, we we up and hiked out.  It only took us 87 minutes to climb out of the canyon, even Molly kept up.

Once home we cleaned up and feasted, only to spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing.

A quiet and restful Sabbath is always a lovely respit.  These three gave their parts in primary.

Home again to more food and games. 

Miss Molly's ladybug got lost.  We were very sad for a very long time.

First cousin, Todd Walker, and his family came for the afternoon.  All the cousins got along so nicely as did the adults.  We chatted about all things family and faith.

Maddie's #14

 Bisty little baby girl Maddie turned 14 today!  We are so glad she belongs to us.

Her morning started early with Nick and the swim team from 6-8am.  They came home quickly for breakfast.

Then off we went to HIGH fitness.  We invited her friends for a morning party of exercise and swimming.

I had planned a few games for these cute girls, but they didn't need any help filling the two hour swim.  

The last few minutes I pulled them out for a bit of brunch, presents and a birthday song.

                                                                        Maddie's Song

(I acutally quite love that Eddie, Ryan and Molly were her so excited be apart of her guests.)

Hardly anything more grand than a perfect party and pool day.

All seven girls on one tube.

Finally Nick came home from work so she could open her presents.

The Converse she ordered were too big, but they fit Maisie.  She did love her Madewell rings and watercolor paper.  Grandma Kim bought her a book, and I noticed that as soon as the present opening died down, she was quietly reading her new book.

More swimmig with the sibbies all afternoon.

After dinner Maddie didn't want a cake, but she did want a popcorn charcuterie and a movie night.

Maddie's #14 Birthday Song

All her guests were quite tickled with her preferences.  Grandma and Grandpa B. came to celebrate.  We sure love them.

We spent the rest of evening watching "Ever After" and eating way too much candy.

We ended her day gathereing for CFM and family prayer.  We did go around the room and to tell why we love Maddie.

Austin: "When Maddie puts her mind to something, she works until she gets it done."

Nicole: "Maddie is capable.  She can make dinner, learn French, loom hats, swim fast, play piano classics, and create imagination games."

Maisie: "I love Maddie because she comes to my room every night and she doesn't say anything when we listen to sad girl autumn Taylor Swift.  She just vibes with me.  I think she's the toughest Babcock."

Nick: "Maddie is a great swimming and car buddy.  She packs our swim bag every night and helps me make my lunch for work."

Eddie: "She makes delicious quesadillas."

Ryan: "She play games with me."

Molly: "She is the best big sister a little sister could ever have."

 

Maddie never fusses, and solves her own problems, and is so disciplined.  But, she doesn't live in her own world, and that's the truly amazing part.  Even though she accomplishes so much on her own everyday, she doesn't live in her own world.  She NICELY contributes like a champ and is a kind and smart teen.  We love this little girl that makes us so happy because her growth of character and generous heart are her best constants.