Miller's in Pinetop (1)

It was time again this summer for the Miller clan to gather together as we do every 2 or 3 years. Destination this time: Pinetop, AZ which had just narrowly escaped the Wallow Fire burning just to the east. Unfortunately as a result of the fire danger the entire forest around us was closed - but we managed - and still had lots of fun!

It is well worth repeating what a blessing this family is - and the relationships we all share. No matter how great the family --- it is work to spend time with one another - and the more people there are - the more work and interpersonal dynamics going on. This family is not exempt to issues, but overall we seem to be able to have good times!

My hat is off to Merl's mom who tirelessly plans for these vacations - organizing schedules, meals, and arrangements so that the week runs smooth. After 20 years and 8 vacations we are getting this down!

This year each family was responsible to plan an activity for that day. The first day we were there it was a trip to Woodland Lake Park in Pinetop for a picnic lunch and a stroll around the lake.

Allison could not believe the size of these dandelions!

Jonathan didn't even get a chance to investigate before the wind blew his away.

Allison and Mackenzie discussing their dandelion.....

Madison and her cousin Tara hangin' in a tree!

Allie and her oldest cousin, Katie - such a gem she is!

Jonathan attempting to lick the chocolate right off Mackenzie's fingers!

Such cousin love!

school's out.....summer is racing by!

Summer is in full swing.....

It is hard to believe that we finished school in May -

Stacked everything up......

and packed it in a box......

And now June is already gone, vacation already done! One more month and school will start again for us.......but until then I am sure July will race by. Meanwhile Allie will start ballet, she and Jonathan will start swim lessons, and Madison and Ryan will continue with swim team. Here is a sneak peak at their first meet that was today.....

Both of them enjoy breaststroke and freestyle the most.....

take us out to the ball game!

Almost every year we have been fortunate enough to get to a Diamondbacks baseball game. Some years it has been free through the library reading program....others employee appreciation at the hospital....and many times we've gone for "homeschool night" with tons of other friends. Merl and various combinations of the kids have been blessed to be able to go through his current employer at least once each year over the last 3 years.....

A few weeks ago Merl's boss was kind enough to give our whole family tickets, plus 2 to spare for amazing seats!!!!! Since grandma and grandpa happened to be booked that night, we invited one of Ryan's friends and his dad. So fun! I've never sat in seats like this - except in the old days in Florida as the "trainer's wife" for the small college team Merl worked with.

A special time was had by all......

Sisters enjoying one another.....

Um yes.....we were this close!

Good thing we packed plenty of food.....this kid ATE the whole time!

Ryan and his friend Isaiah

under construction...

For a long time I have felt that Ryan needed a big project to focus his mind on....one that took planning and execution. The time finally came and he and my dad (grandpa) decided they were going to build a treehouse in the backyard. Not just any treehouse - but an AMAZING treehouse!

First let me just say that we are so blessed to have my parents here - but not only that - they are purposeful to make an effort to spend one on one time with our kids - developing a relationship with them and encouraging their strengths. Merl's parents also work at this from a distance. Not all grandparents are this way! And I am saying - if you don't have grandparents in town that do this - ADOPT some! There are many ready and willing. Even though we have great grandparents we've still adopted more!!!! OK - so off the soapbox and on to the story.......

Dad had an old book that he'd saved which he used when he built our treehouse 30 years ago! He and Ryan spent a day drawing out the plans, investigating the tree, etc. Another day was spent at Home Depot buying the supplies. Then the building began. Overall I would say it took at least 5-7 different days put together to finish the project. I was impressed with grandpa's patience and Ryan's perseverance.

The ficus was "frozen" at the time but is greening up now!

The first day anyone could get "up" into the house, Jonathan did!

At various points, the kids would pose for "progress shots"....

The other siblings and grandma helped at various times.....

The girls have had a "spa day" - crashed by Jonathan...

The finished project after "phase 1".....

Daddy helped with "phase 2"......and now the bottom of the house is made into a special "kitchen area".

Spectacular accomplishment!

rewind - New Mexico in April.....

I said I would be backtracking so here we go.....all the way back to April when we went to New Mexico. For the last 3 years we have been traveling to Albuquerque so I could work the New Mexico Homeschool Convention with a friend who represents Excellence in Writing. I have a blast doing it and it pays for the curriculum we use from the company (most of the time if I don't freak out and buy everything!). We love the opportunity to visit with all our family there anyway! Often Merl splits the time between NM and Arizona to work so we get to stay a long time and still pay the bills! The kids cherish the time with their cousins, grandma and grandpa, and New Mexico terrain! Here are some fun photos from the 10 days we were there:

Really they are on top of a tall rock!

Hiking/running at the foot of the Sandias......

Feeding the horse behind Grandma and Grandpa's house....

So much to look at, dig in, and touch in the garden......

Chasing "evil white butterflies" that eat the garden plants!

Making "pie" with cousin, Archer.....

Oh my what are these boys up to?

Here is where I spent 3 fun days yacking up a storm at the booth! Helping families find what they need to educate their kids!