Foutz Family Reunion 2014


We had such a great time with Tom’s side of the family in Flagstaff and Tucson last week. We got to visit with Tom’s Grandmother and Aunts Bev, Sue, and Anne which was a real treat. Aunt Bev was the ultimate host, helping everyone feel welcome and cared for. I love Grandma Foutz, she has this gentle, peaceful but confident nature. Her sweet smile and meek manner, is quiet unusual in our day and age, and, as a result, quite striking. Apparently, someone got a four generation shot, but as of now I have this one. We’re always proud to add to the Foutz line, as they tend to be quite shy on boys. (Both Tom and his father are the only sons.) I’m quite proud of this shot of Anders- doesn’t he look so chubby- I’ve been working hard towards that!

Pam, Stan, Tom

Adi, Cassie

Pam and Stan rented a cabin at Fort Tuthill for us all to enjoy together. We enjoyed hikes with the kids, playing at the nearby playground, and biking. I tried mountain biking for the first time, which was unnerving at first. What?! I’m supposed to go down that steep hill with all those ROCKS in the trail! There were many times when I would see the tracks of previous bikers running along two sides of a rocky middle- only to go right through the middle myself. My body was so tight, that the only soreness I had the next day was not in my thighs as would be expected, but in my shoulders from tensing. Doug was kind enough to go slow, as I rode my brake down the declines. By the end, I was starting to loosen up, trust my bike, and actually enjoy the thrill of the ride. I was reminded of lessons I had learned previously while riding bikes. If you focus 20 feet in front of you, your ride will be smoother, and you will be more likely to avoid large rocks and pit holes. I was fascinated by how when I would focus farther afield, I would still go over plenty of rocks, but they wouldn’t feel as jolting as when I watched my wheel hit them. I was touched by the life lesson. When I focus on all the rough and hard parts of my life- they feel harder, less manageable. When I look to the future and enjoy the scenery surrounding the hardship, the bump feels less intense- less consuming. It’s why I try to make a policy of not complaining about the hardships of motherhood. When I start to focus on all the frustrations, suddenly, that’s all I can see, and I forget the beautiful trees and sky that stand alongside. Tom also got to go on a long ride. We both were glad that Doug was such a ringleader in getting us out to doing something so memorable.

Tom’s sisters: Cassandra and Adrienne. I’m pretty proud of this shot- it’s beautiful- mostly because of the subject matter, of course.

Us: Anders, Kjirsti, Scotland, Tom

I was terrible about manning the camera while we were in Flagstaff. Cassie took a bunch of pictures, but I haven’t gotten them yet. So unfortunately, I don’t have pictorial evidence of all the fun we had.

The above was one of my favorite memories, however. Fort Tuthill is a military campground with various housing options: Yurts, Cabins, tents, a lodge, etc. They have a variety of amenities to enjoy including Friday concerts at this amphitheater. We weren’t there for a concert, well not one that they hosted, however the grandkids put on a “concert” that was adorable. They sang, danced, and generally carried on. Archer was the primary singer featuring largely “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and Scotland was the lead dancer. As you can see he took his role quite seriously. Guest artists were Tom and myself.

Something about seeing these tiny bodies on this huge stage made it all so hilarious- and so special for the boys.

We had planned to go kayaking down the Verde river with a bunch of Tom’s extended family, but when Marsha fell ill and had to back out we had to come up with new plans- and so set out to visit Sedona and Montezuma’s castle. Sedona’s landscape was impressive, the gorgeous red rock formations contrasted with green trees was stunning. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture that comes close to capturing its beauty, so I’m going to forgo even trying. The town of Sedona itself wouldn’t have been all that interesting if I hadn’t got to see it through the eyes of a three year old. He spent a good while admiring/hugging/kissing the above bear, for example. I tried to look past its old, dirty exterior and see the sweet cuddly interior- the side Scotland saw. He was enthralled by the shops of cowboy gear, and especially the cowboy mannequin that spoke and waved as we walked by.

Pretty sure wearing the Ergo qualifies Adi as a “super-Aunt!”

I did a terrible job of taking pictures during the first part of our vacation. Carrying a beefy camera and carrying a baby at the same time is just too much for me right now. As a result I didn’t get as many pictures of Adi and the boys as I would have liked. (Cassie got some great ones, so I’ll get those eventually.) Adi was so loving to the two boys. She was always so willing/eager to hold Anders. She thrilled at his smiles and rejoiced at his rolling over as only an Aunt could. The way that she cuddles up with Scotland and talks with him always touches me. She’s such a dear Aunt.

After Sedona we visited Montezuma national park and saw these impressive ruins. I was really impressed by the creativity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness of the people who built and lived in these ruins.

I love that we were just like, “Hey, why don’t we stop by Montezuma’s Castle on the way to Phoenix.” Our country has so many impressive sites.

If he’s outdoors- he has a stick.

Anders definitely reveled in all the attention he got from everyone. He really “came alive” the week we were there. He had rolled over once before we left, but he started doing to easily while we were there, and with that engaging more in his surroundings. He had his first “real” meal at Grandma’s- Cassie’s Pasta Primavera. It was the perfect age to introduce him to everyone because he is so smiley, happy, and cute.

We ended our “reunion” at Grandma Foutz’s house with a bunch of extended family: Ann and Tim, Cousin Dave, Katie and her family, Nicolas, Bev,  and Grandma Foutz. We all had a blast swimming, eating delicious Mexican food, chatting, and carrying on- as only the Foutzes can.

While Adi, Doug and Tom headed home, Cass and I and our kiddos headed to Grandma and Poppa’s to spend a few more days of cousin bonding. It was SO much fun. Archer and Scotland were fast friends at the cabin, but it wasn’t until we were at Grandma’s that Amelia and Scotland also had some sweet moments together.

Like this adorable impromptu puppet show that Archer instigated.

And play-hut fun.

Anders got his share of fun as well. Yes, this is a full body slam.

Swimming was the main activity- and rightfully so. For one, boys love swimming. And for two, it turns out that swimming in 85 degree water on a 106 degree day is about as close to bliss as you can get. There’s none of the typical chill associated with swimming. And the fact that Pam and Stan’s pool is not chlorinated, but soft salt water adds to the “Am I at a resort?” feel. Both boys did “swim lessons” and really improved their swimming skills. Cassie was SO helpful in the pool. Since I was often caught feeding or putting Anders to bed during the swimming hours, she was so sweet to watch Scotland and incorporate him in their play.

We spent one morning at the Tucson children’s museum- which was super fun. The orchard/grocery store room was definitely the favorite. As you can see from the above picture the kids took it very seriously. Cassie and I couldn’t stop laughing at how adorable they looked intently stock piling groceries, and picking every vegetable from the garden. Every time we tried to put things back they would look at us with intense eyes and say “We need those!” The picture right above this captures a moment that was so hilarious. Scotland was clearly a bit nervous to purchase his first cart full of groceries, and given the no-nonsense look of the cashier it was justified. He was a little unsure of how to go about his transaction, but determined to figure it out.

Scotter got his first piñata experience in celebration of Archer’s birthday. These kiddos melt my heart. Seeing these cousins play so sweetly together- despite how infrequently they see each other was so comforting to me. I want so dearly for Scotland to be close with his cousins, be we could hardly live farther apart. We’re hoping to figure out a way for them to at least see each other twice a year.

It was such a treat to spend a week with Cassie. She is such an admirable mother, and her sweet children show it. Her ability to hold it together and stay calm is seriously impressive. She has coached her children with such skill that their conflict management is truly inspiring. I learned a lot from watching her, and came home determined to be more mindful in my discipline, to do more reading on teaching children, and to take the easier road from time to time to keep the peace. She was so supportive, willingly watching Scotland, or holding Anders when I needed. Anders slept horribly while we were there, and I felt like a walking zombie the last few days. Both Cassie and Pam were sensitive enough to recognize it and step in and help a ton. Thank you SO much. I wish I could have taken you both home with me!

Cass made a comment while we were there that has really stuck with me. She mentioned that in her family her mother always cleaned the kitchen 100%, while in her husband’s family the kitchen is typically left after it is 85% clean- some jars are left on the counter, a few dishes are left drying, etc. For some reason the 100% concept really resonated with me. I too often clean the kitchen 90% but it always really bothers me. I’ve been taking the extra five minutes to finish things off, since I got home, and I’ve been surprised at how thrilling it is to both leave and re-enter a truly clean kitchen.

I love visiting Pam because I always come home with tons of ideas for ways to be more systematic in my home and family organization. She refers to herself as a “domestic engineer” and its justified. Her ability to create and keep systems to keep her home running smoothly is impressive. We stayed up way too late one night so I could drain her of a bunch of ideas and methods. I’ve already implemented a few of them and loved the results. Tom and I had our first “monthly meeting” which was hugely successful. I’ve also taken to running the dishwasher and washing machine more often- and I may be converted! Pam’s systems are just a side effect of her excellence mentality. She’s the type of women who likes to master things. When she makes a recipe, she perfects it. (She makes our cookie recipe better than we do now!) The mentality shows itself in all that she does. I always end up asking her for parenting advice because she raised such mindful, kind, intelligent children. I feel so blessed to have such an exemplary, loving mother-in law.

I have to make a note of Stan’s bedtime stories. He took to telling all his grandkids bedtime stories to put them to sleep. It was the best! We would just get them ready and tuck them in their beds and that he would finish them off telling them story after story, and then falling asleep alongside them. One night he called his running buddy and left this message: “He Mike, I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to run tomorrow night, or any night this week. My grandchildren need my bedtime stories. They rely on me. So I’ll have to cancel.” He is such a sweet adoring grandfather. He makes a point of expressing his love for his “grandbabies” often, and goes above and beyond to assure their fun and comfort.

I love my in-laws. I really do. I feel so blessed to call them family.

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