New Territory

This can now be found on Camden's bedroom door:

El Tour de Tucson

Doug and my brother, Jason participated in the El Tour de Tucson bicycle race this past weekend. Jason did the full 109 mile race and Doug did the 67 miler. Doug was a little sad to not have attempted the full 109 miler. But after having the time to do a total of four training rides prior to the race he wisely chose to do the shorter one. Don't be sad, Dougie! We're sure proud of you! If you want we know you could do the full one next year!

It was a great time having family in town and supporting them in the race.

Here are the stud puppies:

Camden & his Daddy

Jason, Terry, Malory & Casey

Here are their loyal fans:

Sister-In-law, Terry and nieces, Casey & Malory

TerryCamden

Our buddies, The Kehl's also participated in the race. They are so cool!

AYSO Soccer

This year we switched soccer leagues and I am telling you...there is no going back! We had such a great experience with AYSO. They were so organized. We received our uniform and complete schedule on the first day of practice. And the best part? I hate to say it but...short season! Only two months long! Perfect! Camden had a great time playing and even managed to score a few goals. He says if the NBA doesn't work out soccer is his backup! :)

My boys...

Aren't they handsome? They were headed to an Opera for a class field trip.

The Big 40!

Doug turned the big 4-0 today! Much to his chagrin we celebrated by having a surprise party for him on Friday night. 50 friends and family joined us in surprising him and boy was it a surprise! In fact I think he was almost mad that he had no idea about the party. We had proof to that fact as he was 25 minutes late (even though I told me we had friends coming over for dinner at a particular time) and hadn't shaved. Too funny! Well, I think everyone had a good time and I think Doug felt loved which was certainly my goal. We sure appreciated every one's effort to make it to the party, especially those who came from Phoenix just for the evening.

The birthday boy!

Some of the friends & family that joined us:

We had a Mexican buffet along with a pinata which Doug was really excited about. Not! The kids enjoyed it though!

Us

My brother, Jeff & family stayed over that night and we spent the next day at the Desert Museum. We had a great time!

The kids the day after.

Niece, Melanie & Camden on a dig.

Sister-In-Law, Melissa having fun with a grasshopper.

Brother, Jeff & son, Conner

Red & Blue Scrimmage

The Red & Blue basketball scrimmage is a long running tradition for our family. Doug and I have gone every year since we returned to Tucson which amazingly is now at 10 years. Where has all the time gone? It's been fun to share the tradition with Camden the last several years as well. Here's Camden with one of his favorite parts of UofA basketball...Wilbur!

Arrrr!

Camden decided he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween this year. I was thrilled when he chose something we already had in our dress up bin (last year's after Halloween sale thank you very much). Although he was a bit sad when he saw another little boy dressed up as something from the Clone Wars. Don't ask me what...I couldn't tell you! Next year I don't think I am going to get off so easily.

Camden did have fun wearing his costume just about all day. They were able to wear them part of the day at school for their party and then we headed to a friends party and trick or treating that evening. Overall it was a nice day. But I do have to say that it all still makes me a little sad. Halloween is such a big deal at school. But we can't even call the party at Christmas a Christmas party. They can sing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and songs about Santa Claus. But nothing resembling Away in the Manger. Our school is one of the best ones around and I don't think we could ask for a better first grade teacher for Camden. But it still saddens to see the state of our public school in many different respects.

Our Pirate

Mrs. Wolf and Ms. Perea having some Halloween fun.

Camden and his pumpkin face after playing "Pin the Face on the Pumpkin"

Camden's class.