4 wheeling (as in truck)

The boys didn't have school the last two Mondays so all three got to go 4 wheeling with us and our Meridian friends (aka- adventurous babysitting).

Headed up the 4 Peaks road. Note the snow.



Crested or Palmetto saguaro cactus (very rare)

DVB eating his lunch like a good little boy.

LOB and DJB flirting with the snow melt. (No accidents).

A little closer to the AZ snow.

The fountain in Fountain Hills from 5700 feet. Can you see it?

On the way back home via the Apache Trail, we had an ice cream break at Tortilla Flats.

Last Monday we ventured to Bulldog Canyon, just a few short miles north of town. The drive is like going through a cactus forest, something most people do not get to experience. It so happened that it was also DJB's 6th birthday.

Before we headed out, 3 boys were lounging, watching SpongeBob and eating their favorite doughnut holes. DJB couldn't fathom that his "real" birthday wasn't Saturday, the party day.

He said to me," You mean, all those people came to my party on the wrong day?"

When it was time for lunch, the monster man was worn out... or maybe it was the Dramamine!

DJB let his SpongeBob balloon sail up into the atmosphere (phone number attached), hoping someone in outer space will call him.

So we made it through two days of adventure and fun with no mishaps. Lots of beautiful scenery in AZ. Toodles for now.

First CRASH on "BoBo's Banana"

Since the last blog, MY quad has become known as "BoBo's Banana".

This weekend we took our quad out in the desert to make its maiden voyage! We drove it on Saturday and got it broken in with no issues. "Sure was a good buy".

I'm getting my personal instructions.

I am wearing Timmy's helmet (Brent's friend).

Early Sunday morning LOB and DJB wanted to go for a run. My original intent was to pick up garbage along the trails. The three of us packed up, along with niece SB, brother-in-law CB and great nephews little JB and big JB. We meandered out into the desert, headed for a wash. When we got to the wash, CB expertly drove every one's quads to the other side. I chose to drive mine along a route that SB chose, even though CB asked me if I wanted him to drive mine across. SB instructed me to give it enough gas to get up the hill on the other side. OK, let's do it!

This is the trail. Note the drop off on the left and the bush in the middle.

Now note the tire tracks--one on the road and one halfway down the ditch! The bush is still is still there...to orient you.

It is a little difficult to visualize but this is taken from the opposite direction and is the location of the BIG CRASH. I came down the hill, concentrating on remembering to give it enough gas to get up the hill on the other side but I neglected to keep the quad on the road. Tiny detail!! I got too far to the left with the left wheels and the quad flipped over, pinning me underneath. CB and SB had enough adrenaline to lift the quad up off of me so I could use one leg to push out. I think big JB also helped. I was very happy to get free, as I had gasoline pouring on me from the gas tank. Big JB went back to camp to get more adults to help turn the quad right side up. In the meantime, I got myself upright. My hip really hurt but I could walk on it so I knew it was not broken. AND nothing else seemed to be broken. By the time JHB, GOB and nephew AB all got back to rescue me, I was sitting on my quad...ready to roll.

I landed on my left hip. A hole was torn in the front of my jeans. So I survived my first and hopefully..last crash!! I am extremely lucky that all I got was a huge bruise over my hip, a cut thumb and a few scratches on the helmet and quad. Thanks to my rescuers. And thanks to MJC, a friend of mine, who gave me her guardian angel pin when we got home.

DVB riding his trike around camp.


The brothers!

The entire quad crew.

From left- LOB and DVB on quad, AB, SB on quad, EB on quad, JHB, CBon quad, BMB, DJB on quad, GOB, little JB on quad and big JB on bike.

Let's hope this crash adventure is the last and the operator makes no more errors! Toodles.

Another first

Another first- OWNING a quad! Yes, and it is suppose to be for me. Ya, right! We'll see who will be riding it the most. Now we will have to find time to...make it street legal, license it, buy gear, decide on a name and ride it.

initials and quading

First of all, I have to do a little commentary about the people's initials that I will be using in my blog. I have been told that I should not use names, which will be a little difficult when I am rambling on. But here are the most common initials that you will see:

Jim- JB

Greg- GOB

Beth- BMB

Logan- LOB

Dillan- DJB

Devan- DVB

Brent- BWB

Jos- JKB

OK, now onto quading, or is it ATVing or 4 wheeling? Anyway, LOB and DJB got new quads last week. After the safety gear was purchased, they were very anxious to try out their go-mobiles. Yesterday was the day for their maiden rides. Out to the desert we went. LOB took off like he was a pro. (He did have a little previous practice on his cousins toys). But DJB really surprised us. He got all suited up (including a guardian angel pin, of which he was not too excited about). After a lesson from GOB, he rode and rode and rode... until his "hands hurt". You could see his confidence level building as time went on. It was fun to see.

Then it was time for the adults to try out these machines. Everyone was game but I was somewhat hesitant. I had ridden one--for the very first time--last summer but I certainly had never driven one and did not know the first thing about how to maneuver one. I guess if DJB could handle it, I should be able to. Such peer pressure! GOB gave me the instructions and off I went following LOB down the trail. All went well and we returned without incident. Another first for me...and it wasn't even on my bucket list!

GOB instructing me with LOB patiently waiting to take me "on a run".

JB on "pumpkin eater".

DVB pretending he is a big boy!

LOB and DJB