Miller's in Pinetop (5) - Zander turns 2!

Topping off Day 5 was a birthday party for Zander - who was turning 2. Grandma decided it would be a "clown" theme and encouraged us to dress up. Some of us dressed up more than others! Merl wouldn't let me post the goofy picture of him, but said I could post them of everyone else! There was face painting, games, balloons, ice cream and cake! Not sure what Zander thought of us all but he enjoyed himself I think!

The "one-toothed" clown....

A softer look.....

Mackenzie blows her ball toward the finish line!

Hop, hop, hop.....

Balancing a penny on his forehead....

Watching the competition.....

Face painting.....

And more face painting......

Even the aunts and uncles clowned around.....

Daddy and Zander during the Happy Birthday song....

Miller's in Pinetop (5) - bowling!

In the afternoon after a picnic lunch it was time to head to the air conditioned bowling alley. Most of us had not been bowling in eons. We probably all could have used the bumpers the little kids had on their lane! I had forgotten how much I love bowling - and winning.....I am always trying to beat uncle Bryan....but he prevailed at this game! It was a nice break from the heat and again good natured family time. Thanks, Bryan and Karen!

Bryan giving his "mama" a high five of encouragement

Ryan takes a roll at it....

We met up with our friends and Ryan enjoyed the rest of the afternoon after bowling with his old buddy, Jordan.

Tara celebrating, braids and all....

Love this stance....

Always a winning smile!

Not sure if Sydney was happy with this throw!

Madison always rolls with the punches!

Grandpa goes for it....

Bryan the encourager.....

At least we can laugh at ourselves!

Miller's in Pinetop (5) - the long hike "just around the lake"

Day 5's activities were planned by Merl's brother Bryan's family. We were to begin with a nice walk around the lake.....ha! It was funny because the lake looked much smaller than it was! Plus not even halfway through we decided we were going to take a family picture on a cool tree that had fallen to the ground.....we needed a tripod but that was no problem since uncle Rusty can make anything out of whatever! He fashioned a beauty of a tripod and we took a family picture and some of the grand kids. After that we wandered on - only to realize it was a looooong and rocky way around the lake and took a little longer than we anticipated. Everyone survived though with even a little energy for the afternoon.

The start of our nice jaunt....

Ryan showing off the snake he caught....

Brother and sisterly love!

The assembly of the tripod....

Mastermind/photographer, Rusty!

One dozen grandchildren from oldest to youngest!

Critter prints...

Sisterly assistance.....

For some reason this picture makes me think of how hot and barren it seemed at the end!

Miller's in Pinetop (4) - "free day"

Day 4 in Pinetop was a "free day" meaning there was no planned activity. Our family really wanted to explore tall mountains but the forest was closed so we needed to stick around town. We chose to poke around "Fools Hollow Lake". Really any body of water is sufficient for city kids.....they are excited by most anything!

Studying the ducks....

After watching the ducks for awhile - the kids realized they were eating crawdads! Here is one gulping one down. After this the kids were on their own mission to hunt them down.

They relied on the experience and wisdom of older cousin, Kevin!

I am surprised no one went in the water by accident!

Little explorers

Father and son time....

It was a nice spot....hot though....so we didn't stay long and headed back for some swimming in the pool!

Miller's in Pinetop (3) - the Recreation center

Each evening after a nice dinner (we took turns cooking for one another and hosting another family in our "home"), most of us would head to the recreation center for movement many of us don't usually engage in regulary. Unfortunately there was no air hockey table so I couldn't defend my title this year but we found plenty of other riveting things to do!

Jonathan discovered the great game of pool and decided he liked it!

He will have to practice if he will beat he Grandpa Spence on the other side of the family!

He was a lone pool shark this game....

Luckily there is almost always a ping pong table which is Grandpa Miller's favorite.

Loren and Sharon were a good team!

Many of the other aunts and uncles and cousins played "Wallyball." I only played 2 nights - primarily because after playing the first night my entire body was bruised and I was unbelievably sore. Yes - out of shape! There was some fierce competition serving and at the net!

Ryan and cousin Kevin

Madison, Katie, and uncle Bryan serving.....

Almost everyday the kids swam. Madison and Allison and 3 of their other girl cousins worked all week on a "swim routine" that they performed for the family at the end of the week. Sweet.

Miller's in Pinetop (3) - Washer tossing tournament

On Day 3 the family was thoroughly entertained by a double elimination washer tossing tournament! Valeta's family made each of our families a washer set with the game board and we set them all up together for the tournament. Basically 2 people play against one another and each gets 3 washers. You toss them at the board and try to get them in the holes for points. The first one to 21 wins - you can't go over and your opponent can cancel your points out sometimes! Some were more competitive than others but everyone was a good sport. Brace yourself - I know you can only take so many pictures of tossing washers but I love how everyone played and enjoyed the several hours of play.......

Allie taking a toss....

Zander and Jonathan were hilarious....

Jonathan took things seriously!

And he was shocked and excited when he got one in the "5" hole!

Madison and cousin Tara

Brothers Nick and Zack

Ryan took one of his competitive momma....

Grandma got in the mix....

Brother and sister competition!

Father and son dual....

The thrill of victory....

and the agony of defeat~

Ryan won second place - and a prized rabbit skin....

Uncle Loren was the Miller family washer tossing champion of 2011.....here he is giving his acceptance speech...

Great fun was had by all.....I placed fairly decently but was not as good at washer tossing as I am at air hockey! Watch out Millers if there is an air hockey table at our next destination.... and I will defend my crown then!