Hunter Swim Team- Summer 2015

Hunter had the opportunity to participate in his first swim team this summer. Here are a few last pictures from the meets and his final swim party. He has become quite the swimmer and we hope he keeps it up, swim team that is.

Warming up for his first swim meet.

Getting instructions from his coach.

Him with one of his coaches.

Fourth place in backstroke.

His best stroke is the breaststroke. Third place is not bad for his first race.

We convinced him to try the butterfly stroke. They hadn't really worked with him yet on it, but it was all for experience.  He got 7th place, but the fact that he tried it was incredible.  

Just when the races where about to start Kinley said she wasn't feeling well.  I started walking her towards the bathroom when all of a sudden she threw up everywhere. I caught much of it in her clothes because of the way I was holding her, but we had no spare clothes. Hence, she ended up in my shirt. Luckily I had a somewhat thick enough white undershirt to still kind of be seen in public.  Once she got her tummy emptied out, she was playful as ever.

These pictures were from a different swim meet. 

Warming up.

He brings us so much joy. Is really is a great kid!

Hunter getting instructions from the best swimmer in our family, Steven.

Steven used to be a lifeguard which has been such a blessing for our family. He really works with the kids every chance  he gets.

We finally got him official swim team shorts. He had much more confidence feeling so official and all.

Waiting for his race. 

And he's off!

Happy Hunter!

He did end up getting first place in the breaststroke at his final meet. Each meet he got stronger and just the experience alone was awesome for him.

Getting ready for one last race.

Great job Hunter!

His team had an end of the season party. They did several silly races. This one, they had to swim in the duck inflatables. Notice Steven cheering him on in the background. I love it!

All of the kids (and adults) thought it was hilarious. 

Getting his end of the year awards.

He definitely improved from the start of season to the finish. That is what we were all hoping for!

So proud!

Steven's Birthday!!! 9/5/15

This year for Steven's Birthday we headed up to Flagstaff. We first went to Walnut Canyon National Monument. It was super cool to see the Indian pueblos in the side of the rocks.

This picture is funny because we had just gotten to the monument and it was about 70 degrees. My kids said they were freezing and all grabbed their jackets. We are definitely true Arizonans when 70 degrees calls for jackets to come out. Smiles.

Once they got more on the sun, they took their jacjets off and started trying to climb the trees. Life is so adventurous they the eyes of a kid. I love it!

Kailyn

Altee boy.

They had to explore every nook and cranny.

So fun!

It's pretty amazing how the Indians used their resources and made their homes.

That was one big rock.

They found the cool door that connected the two homes.

Kailyn and her friend, Mr. Elephant.

If you look closely you can see the cliff across the way filled pueblos. Just as we were rounding the final corner to head back to the visitor's center it started pouring down rain on us. Awesome!

After Walnut Canyon we headed over to Meteor Crater just east of the canyon. 

Pretty incredible that this giant hole was formed by a big rock.

It was so windy! Kinley got worried that she was going to fly away with the umbrella.

Happy girl!

Inside the visitor's center.  Kailyn did not want me to take her picture. If only I had some chocolate. That would have gotten her to smile!

For dinner we tried out a new BBQ place. It was ok. We ordered a yummy funnel cake desert for his cake, sang happy birthday and watched him blow out his candles. We love him so much!  

We finished off the night by taking the kids to an indoor swimming pool with water slides and a lazy river.  It was a pretty great way to finish out his big day.  For his birthday we got him tickets for him and his brother Alan to come out and try out the NASCAR Race experience.  He redeemed it about a month later and had a blast. Great memories!

The next morning we went to church then headed to a park for lunch and went for a short mountain drive. It was a nice relaxing Sunday.

I spy with my little eye, an upside down pink elephant.

And her buddy!

The next morning, I hiked to the peak of Mt. Humphreys with some girls from church. 

 It was great to be at the top again. 

While I was hiking, Steven took the kids to Bearizona.  They had a great time and had so much telling me all that they had done and seen when all met up again.  It was a fun weekend filled with family and adventure.

Steven's Sprint Triathalon -10/10/15

Steven got to run the Mesa Sprint Triathalon again this year. I opted out, but will be back in it next year. I gotta learn how to swim, hopefully, before I get back in that "wave" pool. Once it is filled with swimmers, getting a good breathe is rough. Plus, it doesn't help that as soon as I get in any pool, I just sink right to the bottom. Anyhow, he raced with his older brother, Alan, and his younger brother, Brian (Brian's wife, Danielle, did the run part with two of their little ones), and my brother-in-law, Brett. They all did super great and we had fun cheering them on.

Alan waving to the kids.

Steven pushing it to the swimming finish line.

Brett, on his final stretch of the swim.

Brett getting on his bike.

Alan, getting ready to jump on his bike. He sure doesn't look tired yet.

Go Steven!

Nice morning for a bike ride. I sure love this man!

Brett, at the beginning of the run.

Go Alan!

Steven, fixing to turn the corner for the finish line. You can see Danielle in the background with the light blue shirt on, pushing the stroller.

Hunter running along Steven to encourage him on!

Brett and Steven (and Alton) after the race. Awesome job!  Gotta love Alton's face.

Talking about the race.

The finishers!!!! They are so cool.