Have You Ever Seen Such A Thing?!

So, this afternoon Emily and I were minding our own business, playing Monoploy when all of a sudden she said "WHAT is That?" There was this nasty huge bug, so of course before killing it, I had to take a picture...well in the midst of trying to catch it and take a picture, another one flew in the door!! We don't know what these things are or if they are harmless or not but they are gross!! We spent a long time Googling it and came up with nothing! If you have any idea please let me know!! I almost don't want to open my back door again incase more show up!! We both definitely have the "hebbie jebbies" now ;)

Thank Goodness for the close up feature on my camera so we could catch these last 2 shots!

More Summer Activites!

After getting back home and getting all settled in, we decided that we still needed to have more fun to help this time pass by...1 1/2 months down. My niece came home with us to stay for a few weeks and Payson loves her! She has been such a huge help as well! So far these last 2 weeks we have:

Played at the park,

Gone to the Zoo, (elephant watching)

This squirrel stopped and posed so I could take his picture!

We got to pet a baby Wallabie!

Payson chasing a rooster!

Looking at the monkeys

We played in the sprinkler at the Gappmayers

And loved it!

Then we watered the grass.

We have been to the pool a couple times too!

Payson loves the water!

Then he decided he needed a "nack" break!

We still have lots of adventures planned for the next couple months and cannot wait to have more fun and take lots of pictures! We still get to hear from Shayne everyday and he is still very busy. They have seen alot of bad things already but he is doing good at keeping a positive attitude. Even though he is fighting in a war, he has still taken the time to share his testimony and be a good example to his men. I am so proud of him and so grateful for the sacrifices that he is making for our Family!

So Far, So Good!!

Well, we are finally home and I thought I would catch up on the last few weeks of our lives! after Shayne left, Jessie, Mark, Holly and the kids came for a visit then Jess drove down to AZ with me, Payson and Kuzko. We stayed there for almost 3 weeks and kept ourselves plenty busy to help this time go by fast. Here are pictures of a few of our activities..

Tabitha got her hands on an amazing game called Quelf! It is pretty much a madeup game of nonsense but it was a blast and we all got embarrassed at least once...but at least only tab had to speak like a pirate!! LOL!!

Jessie looks like she lost a bet but nope, that's just Quelf!! Oops! This is out of order but Emmy took this picture and I loved it!

Quelf!

I think he was preparing to give himelf a wedgie!!! I decided not to put the other one up!

Jessie was reading me a love sonnett..apparently I would taste good with "hot gravy" or at least that's what the biscuit farmer said!!

We also built a giant Slip N Slide (Thanks agin for the idea Sweetie!) I think us adults had more fun than the kids but that's ok! Payson loved it though!

So did I!

Oh ya, we also had a little mishap with some lipstick..leave a boy alone for 1 minute and they can't stay out of trouble!

Payson decided to play 3rd base at a T-Ball game!! Pappa would have been so proud!

We even went for a bike ride!

What is a summer without playing in the irrigation?!!

At Gramma Jen's house we got to go to the stable and watch Dixie go for a run!

This is Payson's new friend Squishy...too bad he lives at Aunt Tabby's house!

We even got to hear some beautiful music from Payson the Pianist!

We also got to take a trip to San Carlos lake! I thought this picture was adorable!

Payson got to take his first ride out on the lake and loved every minute of it!

Jessie and I about to take an amazing thrill ride! We had no idea what was in store for us!

Payson was fearless around the water. He just ran right in like he knew how to swim!

Getting kisses from Mommy!

As much fun as it is to visit Family, it was nice to come home and be back in our own beds! We get to hear from Shayne almost everyday, whether it be phone calls or emails. He is doing good. He said for the most part he works at a desk and sits thru meetings. I know they have had some "excitment" but I asked him to spare me the details until he comes home! He said to tell everyone thanks for taking care of Payson and I while he is gone.

Still Hangin in There...

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still in AZ. We will probably be here for another week or so. We have been having a great time and have taken some great pictures! As soon as we get home I will get back on the ball and get them uploaded!! Shayne is doing great and keeping himself very busy. We have been lucky to hear from him almost everyday! Love you all!!

More Pre-Deployment Activities Part II

This past weekend we decided to go to Heritage Square and take Payson on some of the rides!! It was a whole new experience for him and he loved every minute of it!!!

This is us on the Swan paddle boat! Funny story, as we were waiting for our boat, Payson started to walk towards the water, I really didn't think he was gonna go in but I had a feeling to take his hand. Right when I grabbed it, he stepped right off the edge!! Not even kidding! Luckily I caught him, but talk about giving your Mom a heart attack!!

Payson in his life jacket!

Just a silly Payson face, waiting for lunch

Payson and Mommy on his first roller coaster! And it was extreme for a little guy!!

Payson and Pappa in the hot air balloon

Way up in the air and all the way in the back seat!

Payson also had the opportunity to discover his first chair lift as well as his first full length alpine slide! He is such a little dare devil!

So Pappa thought it would be fun for the boys to get matching airbrush tatoos! Luckily they only lasted a day!

On Friday night Shayne and I went on a date to see Angels and Deamons. We thought it would be way fun to go to Village Inn, get a pie and sneak it into the movie!! As you can see, we succeeded! Mmm French Silk...Do NOT tell Grandma Heap!!

Dave and Kendra came for a visit and we decided to go to Mr Biggs....Long story short, they let us in free so Grant and Payson got to play in the little kid area for about an hour and a half!

Payson with Pappa on the tractor!

I actually took this picture for Smood because I thought this cow was adorable and I knew she would appreciate it!!

Grant and Payson playing in the giant sandbox!

And Shayne apparently did not like the smell of Kendra's foot!!

Come What May...

Well I just thought I would let everyone know that Shayne left this morning for Afghanistan. I can't tell you exactly where he will be, but I know he will be safe and well taken care of. He will be gone for a total of 12 months....or 52 weeks. We decided it didn't sound as long if you count it in weeks! I am not going to be putting much information on here about what he is doing and what not, just for safety reasons, but if you would like an address to send him letters please let me know. I know he would appreciate all the support he can get! We love you all and are so greatful for everything that everyone has done for us!