Tucson Rodeo

Alright, alright. So I went to the Rodeo, completely ignored my children and took a gazillion photos. Luckily they didn't get lost or runaway and decide to become cowboys- thanks mostly to the friends I was with. I made it back to the car with two boys and lots of shots. All in all, a very good day. 

This little cowgirl definitely had style. I love the tiara over the cowboy hat and the Hannah Montana shirt. 

Booker was way more interested in these than he was in cowboys. He's had a bit of an obsession with construction equipment lately. 

He tipped his hat to me! 

This cowboy roped his calf and then pulled out his cellphone. Maybe he was calling his wife to tell her the results. I thought it was funny. 

The Zoo

Marie came to visit from Prescott and we had a fun day at the zoo and Reid Park. Head on over to the boys' blog to check it and to meet Marie's boyfriend. You're not officially a boyfriend until you've made the blog. So congratulations, Zeke. 

And you're not officially a part of the family until you've had your sister-in-law accidentally see you naked. So welcome to the family, Clark. 

Anyways, we had a great time at the zoo and Marie definitely saw her share of "sleeping rhinos" that day. 

As you can tell, I've figured out how to make my pictures HUGE and I think I solved my color problem. 

Wii Fitting

Marie and her boyfriend Zeke came to hang out this weekend. Here she is hula-hooping on the Wii Fit. Everything is goofier on the Wii Fit when Marie does it. 

Running a race with Zeke. 

She cheated and sat down after this shot but continued to shake her controller as if running. Lame. 

This Hurts

You go away for 5 days and he doesn't want to nurse anymore. He doesn't even need you to hold the stinkin' bottle. I'm just a little bit crushed. 

On the bright side, he slept for 11 hours straight last night. And so did I. Oh, how I love uninterrupted sleep. 

Salem, MA

It was much colder than it looks. And windy. But so beautiful and serene, especially considering the history. 

On an unrelated note, does anyone know why my photos look less vibrant when I upload them to blogger? Its hardly noticeable, but enough to bug me. What am I doing wrong?

The Deardens in Salem

The Deardens joined us for a trip to Salem where we saw the Peabody Museum, visited antique shops and strolled around the pier. We didn't, however, encounter any witches. 

Lucy, Betsy, Kirk, Sam and Eli

My cousin, Lucy at the water's edge

My cousin, Sam- perhaps the most delightful teenager I know. 

And since I didn't get any photos of the Pritchetts, I'll post one of their cute house. Thank you Diane, Lant and Isaac for letting us stay with you! 

Up next, more photos from our trip to Salem. 

The Matsons = Perfect Traveling Companions

I guess I should explain why we went to Boston in the first place. The annual J. Reuben Clark Law Society Conference was in Boston this year so naturally Clark and Rob (the other LDS associate at the firm) wanted to attend. Its Boston, who wouldn't want to attend? And naturally, Emily (Rob's wife) and I wanted to tag along. 

The Proffitts and the Matsons at Ned Divines. Yum. 

Attending a lecture at the Old South Meeting House. 

Catching up on some much needed sleep on the plane ride home. Touring, shopping and conference attending is exhausting. 

Rob and Clark waiting for our luggage. 

What? Don't be so annoyed. I had to take a picture- you were wearing matching shirts. 

So the conference is in Salt Lake City next year. Lets plan on a Proffitt/Matson ski vacation! 

Up next- pictures of our trip to Salem with my cousins, the Deardens. 

The Freedom Trail

While in Boston, we spent a balmy, 40 degree day walking the Freedom Trail. Its a red brick line (see below) that leads you through many of Boston's historical sites. 

The state house, located at Boston Common. 

Roasted nuts to sustain us as we walked. 

I like this juxtaposition. The old state house tucked away in the middle of everything, also the site of the Boston Massacre.

Lots of cobblestone roads. This particular one was outside of Paul Revere's house. I only tripped once the entire day.

A statue at Old North Church. 

The Bunker Hill bridge. 

Bay State. You can see the red "trail" we followed in the left hand corner. 

Aboard the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides. We caught the last tour before it closed.

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Bunker Hill Monument 

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."