The Scifres Family: Family vacation, fourth of July, and summer fun.....

We took our first family vacation (just the three of us) this past week. Steve had the week off from camp so we took full advantage. We wanted to head out to Arizona to see our good friends the McNamees and meet their adorable baby girl Hannah. We stopped in Palm Springs on our way to break up the drive. Since it is not the best time to be in Palm Springs (it was 106 degrees while we were there) you can find very nice hotels for a very good price. We didn't mind the heat too much and just stayed near the pool to stay cool. Our hotel had some wonderful kid pools and even included a water slide that Ava thoroughly enjoyed! After a few days in Palm Springs we made our way out to Scottsdale, Arizona where the weather was a lovely 111 degrees the day we arrived. However, the heat did not matter at all since we had an amazing time visiting with the McNamees!! Baby Hannah is the most smiley 5 month old I have ever met. Ava enjoyed playing with her and always seemed very worried when she cried (which was hardly ever). But she did not like when Steve or I held Hannah.

Last night they had a special fireworks show down by the beach, so we kept Ava up a little past her bedtime so she could see her first fireworks show. She was amazed by it and kept saying, "boom" and "wow."

Here are some pictures from our adventures this past week and a few random summer pics too.

My little shopper.

Asher and Ava had a blast at Lakeshore while Jenn and I picked up some toddler toys.

We got a magnetic board for Ava to entertain herself in the kitchen. She is usually getting into the garbage or Bruce's food, so thought this would distract her from that stuff. So far it has been a success!

One hour into the drive and she is out cold. Too bad this only lasted about 30 minutes.

I did not want her going down the water slide, but after the lifeguard assured us it was safe if Steve went with her they decided to go. I came around to take a picture and I think she thought I was going to stop them so she gave me a "Mom, leave me alone" look and kept on walking.

And she is on her way. Such a big girl!

She had so much fun....they must've gone down at least 10 times. As soon as they got out of the water she would say, "slide again" with extreme urgency.