Third & Final Stop - Scottsdale, Arizona

On our way to Scottsdale, AZ we ran into my Aunt Melinda, cousin Laurie and her daughter, Danielle at a rest stop...unfortunately we didn't take any pictures, I think most of us were happy not to after driving all day long anyway. ;)

The picture above was an emergency pit stop for Brent, in the middle of no where.

While waiting for Brent, Annie and I decided to take the opportunity to soak up some very welcomed sun, little did we know Brent was quick with his business and, making full use of his time, decided to surprise us.

WE MADE IT!! All unloaded and ready to settle in and get some dinner..some of us more than others, poor Ali was exhausted.

Brent, enjoying his chicken fingers. The waitress fell head over heels for him as he wanted to help her do everything; even stack, organize and carry the dishes to the back to be washed, he takes after his mother in that area, such a willing helper. The waitress later told us that she even called her boyfriend to tell him how cute and sweet Brent was being. Too cute.

Celebrating 28 years of life together, I am now half the age of my mother...kinda weird to think about. I LOVE YOU MOM!

*~*Pictures of the wedding to come*~*

Scottsdale, Arizona: The next day

A walk to Starbucks:

After 3 days in the car we weren't about to climb back in and drive a mile down the road to Starbucks. So, with the sun shinning on our backs some of us decided to saunter on over to the nearest Starbucks for a cool drink...it turned out to be a good 3/4 mile walk.

Pictures can be so deceiving. At first glance your reaction would more than likely be,

"Ah, they are so sweet."

However, if I remember correctly there was a lot of teasing and joking going on as I snapped this picture.

A view from Steven's shoulder. Arizona may not be pretty but we sure appreciated the sunshine

A quick break from walking and always a photo opportunity for Auntie. Really I wanted to get proof of Brent with his shirt unbuttoned: something he normally would not do however, once Miss Annie mentioned it would be cool, he was more than happy to oblige. Ha, he cracks me up!

An accidental artistic photograph

oh, and a little bit of joy inside knowing I have a great picture to show his future wife. :) Look at those knobby little knees and sheepish grin, you can't get much cuter.

Cute, even with a silly looking hat on.

Ali mimics EVERYTHING Brent does so, when she saw him lean in and touch the water she too wanted to try it out. Unfortunately for her, her little arms weren't quite long enough so, Brent and Auntie tried to assist
Almost there...

Got it!

Sweet moments with Miss Annie

Morris Family + Annie 2008

Morris Family Together Again

Back row: Daniel & Steven

Middle Row: Kevin, Mom, Brent, Cassie, Alice, Annie, Dad

Front Row: Lincoln, Jenn & Madeleine, Marybeth, Me & Aedan

Lincoln and me smiling

I have always dreamed of having a Great Dane, so I am thankful someone in my family got one. I think this situation works out better for me, I can enjoy him, minus all the clean up and expenses. ;)

Lincoln and me, silly face
This one is for you Kait! Notice I even taught Lincoln how to make the face! :)

The Kevin Morris Family

Our Growing Family!

Kiddos and Their Adoring Fans

Maddie sat in Miss Annie's lap for the longest time all nestled in and not feeling very well. It was the sweetest thing ever.

The famous Cheese face

Picture Taken By,

Maddie Morris

(with help from Auntie)

Everyone is getting in on the "Cheese Face," Unfortunately the Master Cheeser did not feel like performing this time but, instead, much rather preferred her loyal subject to make a fool of himself for her own pleasure, as she snickers beneath her breath.
Picture Taken By,
Kevin Morris (?)

Aunt Cassie with the lovely ladies

Picture Taken By,

Kevin Morris

Sweet Cousins Kissing

The Three Master Cheesers

...and the more sophisticated of the grandchildren or so they like to fool us.

Aunt Melinda, where she likes to be the most, surrounded by her sweet nieces and nephews (minus my little man, Brent)

Picture Taken By,

??

Being very cooperative
Picture Taken By,

Kevin Morris

The boys are bargaining to be done and the girls have found other means of entertainment

Picture Taken By,

Kevin Morris

Brent (4) Aedan (3) Alice (2) Madeleine (2) & Marybeth (8)

Picture taken by,

Kevin Morris

Picture taken by,

Randy Morris

Picture Taken By,

Randy Morris

Spinning

An attempt to capture the face of a child in the midst of the exhilarating experience of spinning, a favorite pass time of most all children.

My dad got the idea from a picture he saw on one of his photography websites so, Steven thought it would be fun to try it out. Our first attempt was with me spinning Alice with Steven standing directly behind me, doing his very best to try and keep up, but failing miserably. Seeing his brother fail, Daniel decides to step in and show Steven how it is done, unfortunately for him his pride was smashed and he did just as bad. Next up, ME, it can't be that hard (seriously, can it?) all you have to do is start a little before the actual spinner, it's all about being one step ahead. HA, or so I thought, after Annie was whacked in the head a few times with the camera we gave up that whole process and decided to re-hash our plans. We came up with a fool-proof plan...Hop on the back of the spinner and snap away...

The result: One worn-out and dizzy spinner, one hysterical and sore photographer, three laughing bystanders (caught on camera) and some amazing pictures to treasure for a lifetime!

Ali would do this all day long if given the option

Marybeth's face says it all!

Morris Family Reunion

Thanks to Cassie's great idea; the five of us took off for a quick run through at the Travis Air Force Base Museum, while we were visiting the Kevin Morris Family.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is here! So the saying goes once the snow starts to pour down upon us. With the roads too treacherous to drive on, church was canceled and we were 'forced' to have some family time here at the Morris home. ;) It turned out to be a lovely day (though we all missed going to church, knowing it will be 2 weeks before we are able to attend again) with the wake up call coming from my brother around 8:30 in the morning, who was looking hopeful that Trinity Bible Church would not cancel their service. As we all started our Sunday morning ritual's, just in case, Steven announced that our sister church also canceled their service. It turns out that some of our major freeways closed down because of ice. So, being wide awake, I sat in our crowded living room (the joys of remodel) wondering what I would do with my day, I sat staring at our fireplace, which happened to be blocked by our dinning room table, thinking how wonderful it would be to camp out all day in front of a nice cozy fire with a good book and some hot tea. This brings me to the featured pictures on my blog today. After re-arranging our living room, or rather in my case, pushing the table away from the fire place and up against our window (my mother took over the re-arranging, thanks mom) I set to work on building a roaring fire. With a little determination, some wet fire logs, a few prayers and a whole lot of recycled paper, I succeeded and after pushing our big plush chair as close as possible to the fire and coaxing Beau to join me ( he is terrified of fires) I grabbed my book and climbed in to enjoy 3+ hours of reading and tending to my masterpiece (okay, I am a little proud.) Now, here I sit in front of our bay window with Christmas all around me: snow falling outside; blanketing the ground in white, our cute little fiber-optic Christmas tree (thank you, Annie) blinking; yellows blues greens reds and purples to my left, watching cars and trucks try their best to make it up our small hill but failing miserably (doing my best not too laugh at their silliness for even attempting to drive in this weather) and yes, the fire is still crackling right behind me. My dad and I enjoyed taking turns hauling in the fire wood and watching it grow each time.

I pray you all were able to enjoy another Sunday afternoon taking in the gifts and blessings our Lord and Saviour provides for us. Merry Christmas!

Riding Star

Hanging out in the arena watching Hannah ride her horse, Star.
Getting ready to ride, cowgirl hat and all! ;)

Letting down the stirrups just a tad for a little more comfort

It has been way too long since I have had the opportunity to ride a horse and I loved every minute of it!

Hannah and her baby

Thank you, Hannah, for being so generous with your horse. I had a blast riding with you and Star.