Spring in the Desert

The contrasts and contradictions that are the desert are plainly evident when the desert has a rainy wet Spring like we had in 2010. We got 5.25 inches at "The Shack" and the flowers are just beginning.

Ranch Hands

 

 

(Not so) High on a Mountain Top

The Boys (Payson and Toby) and I have taken a few adventures this Spring. We hiked to the top of a hill west of the Shack and got a great view of the Tucson valley. Unfortunately, I only had my phone camera. We jumped some Javelina on the way up and Toby took off after them. On the top, there were rock structures built by former inhabitants however many centuries ago.

I also moved the chicks outside and this guy came to visit...

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

Jill and I have felt so very blessed and cared--for since our children have left the nest. She and the girls are sharing daily recognized "Tender Mercies" from Heavenly Father. This video explains about "Tender Mercies."

Picasa Web Albums - timthetoothman - 2009.2011 For Seth

Picasa Web Albums - timthetoothman - 2009.2011 For Seth

Lincoln Log and Rubber Band Wars

This is a short entry to illustrate the massive (Okay not really so massive) Lincoln Log, army men, and rubber band war held as a first annual event in this generation December 25th, 2009.   Jeffrey Kartchner had returned from his mission in Maceo Brazil several days before and he was teamed up with my son--in--law, Dustin Hancock, the proud new owner of the  Lincoln Log set and a masters candidate in landscape architecture at the UA. On the other team were Jeffery's 13 yo brother, Josh, and Jills' brother, Zane- the father of Jeff and Josh. (AKA "The Stake Pres.")

 

Dustin and Jeff got a head start;  building their fort while Josh and Zane went back home for the army men and rubber bands.

Chicks dig real men.

Catapults and Potato Guns were the armamentarium of choice for the East Squad.

The West Team opted for precision air strikes from elastic projectiles.  (They didn't have any catapults or potato guns.)

The battle raged for seconds and then minutes....

In the end, Toby did the most damage when the combatants were focused on each other in the heat of the engagement.

Mikayla Mae Hancock

Dustin and Meagan's little baby girl made her appearance Sunday Jan 24, 2010.  It took Jill and me back to the day.....when we experienced a similar event when Meagan was born.  Lots have said Mikayla looks like Meagan.  I think she is just beautiful.  We told Seth that she had his ears.  He said, "They're elf ears, but the chicks dig 'em."  Mikayla was welcomed by Dustin's entire family, Jill and me.  Maren is at BYU and Seth is in Sabana Yegua,  Dominican Republic.  She's a keeper!