Natalee's Baptism

The happy family! Alek (10), Brandon, Natalee (8!), Liz, Brady (2)

Savannah, Natalee and Heather were all baptised the same day.

January, 24th 2009 Natalee was baptized!
January 7th, 2009- Natalee turned eight years old!
January 5th, 2009- Brady turned two years old!
December 21st, 2008- Alek turned 10 years old!

The Hieroglyphics Trail

In January, 2009 Liz took the kids for a hike on the Hieroglyphics Trail in the Superstition Mountains. Alek complained most of the way up the trail, "I'm not going to make it, I'm so hungry," "I'm going to pass out," "Please, can't we go back, I can't do this". Then of course he saw the end in sight (and heard there was water there) and he ran up ahead. He made it to the end of the trail at least 20 minutes before his mom, sister and brother did. Once we were there, we didn't stay long, the rocks were so slippery that, even while sitting down, Brady would start to slip toward the water. On the way back, Brady had to be carried the entire way! Go super Liz! (Yep, I carried him all by myself.) And Alek even said he was glad we went...oh the drama!

Halloween 2008

Alek, the storm trooper!













Brady the turtle! He was especially happy when the costume came off! I think I managed to keep him in it for about 10 minutes.




Natalee as Tinkerbell, wearing the costume her mom made for her. Her mom even did a semi-bang up job giving Natalee a tinkerbell style hair do.

The kids had a great time!

The Peralta Trail

In October of 2008, the Peak family went for a hike on the Peralta Trail, in the Superstition Mountains. We had a great time - once we arrived at the saddle and we could easily see Weaver's Needle. The kids found a great place to play and Liz found some shade! The trip down was rough! Liz's knee wasn't fully recovered from the Humphrey's Hike - so the pain was re-lived on this hike. Brady was too tired to walk at all on the way back, and due to Liz's knee pain - she couldn't carry him for long, so....Mighty Brandon came to the rescue and carried Brady most of the way back along the 3 mile trail. (Actually, I'm not sure how long the trail is - it's still a topic of debate! - It felt like 20 miles, up hill both ways, in the SUN!) Believe it or not - we had a great time, just being together as a family!

My niece, Kaiya Paige Hodges

On October 29th, 2008, my awesome sister, Angela, had a darling baby girl. She named this little angel Kaiya Paige. Kaiya was born with an underdeveloped left ventricle. She was as cute as she was brave. Then on November 12th, 2008, Kaiya was called to her heavenly home. She touched many people in her short time and we all miss her. (For more info, see Angie's blog www.angelahodges.blogspot.com).

Brandon and Liz Climb Mt. Humphrey's

In October of 2008, Brandon had this great idea, "let's climb to the highest peak in Arizona." Liz agreed. Brandon and Liz both learned that they used to be in good shape. It was COLD! Both had a hard time with the altitude - breathing was difficult near the top. Liz jacked up her knee on the back down. But when all was said and done - they had a great time. Do you want to know why? Because the kiddos didn't come along. They stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Reynolds! It was a much needed break from the stress of parenthood!

Broken Arms

Brady can't believe he can feel his arm again!

On July 31st, 2008 - Alek fell from the monkey bars at school and broke his left arm (distal humerous).
On August 5th 2008- Braden slipped from the second rung of the ladder to Natalee's bunk bed and broke his left arm (distal humerous).
Finally, in September, the casts came off both of the boys!

I can't believe it's been six months since my first and last post!

I am going to attempt to be a better blogger! And therefore attempt to update my blog! Wish me luck!