Fun in Phoenix

The Famous Dave's birthday party for Sammie in Phoenix

Going Spelunking

The underwater pond. Yes, we had to take out a few pond monsters, but it was easy because they didn't have good eyes.


Crawling through the tight spot.

Fun after the sun goes down

Been does his signature dive: 'The danger zone'


Joe follows with his own diving creation.


A large water balloon fight erupted soon afterward.

Video: Ice-pop addiction

L.A. ---> Phoenix

(Just reminding readers of Pugsley's contributions with his trusty saber-Photo by Sammie)

Just sharing some thoughts for you all to patch together....

Los Angeles was an incredible stay...made that way only by those whom we met there. Thank you so much Bill and Barbara for your incredible hospitality and that bottle of bubbly...BRILLIANT!

The Parker's back porch was like a slice of paradise...I don't think I have ever spent that much time just relaxing and enjoying a nice cool breeze, the sounds of a typewriter, lemonade, a good book, Stephen practicing his judo-chops on the neighbors dog and an occasional cookie!

*I have to say undoubtedly, that cookie jars are amazing!*

We spent some time hanging with Stephen's cousin who is interning at a place called the Dream Center. Her company was great and we saw probably one of the best movies EVER! -
KUNG FU PANDA! HEEEE--YA!
It was amazing! Our fellowship and time spent together was a blast...and the shores of the L.A. coast were great. I even got to do a few runs on the surfboard...which was fantastic, despite the fact I don't think you could call what I was doing surfing...fun though.

Our time in L.A. felt like weeks but ended on my birthday. WOW! I received two cakes in celebration of my birthday...THANKS! We traveled to Phoenix, AZ on the 11th and arrived just in time to leave and go tubing down the Salt River...-we spent 4 hours floating down the river, sipping cherry coke, and tossing a sweet Star Wars beach ball...Also my cell phone got soaked in the river as well and is out of service right now...so sorry to all you who have tried to contact me in the last 3 days...might be a few more.

We are staying with Ben's family, who all are incredible, for our time here in AZ. Apart from making amazing birthday cakes with fewer than like an hour or so notice...they have allowed us to splash about in their pool, took us mountain biking, and have taught us how to really party...

Today we took a half a day trip to tha Grand Canyon.

Our very own picture...I am sure you havn't seen enough :)

BEauTifUl! Brilliant view of His handiwork. We sucked down icy pops, ate a few mushy bananas, and watched the sun set on a sweet plateau on the edge of the canyon... Wow!

The Grand Canyon

We all decided to get Ranger Certified so we would know how to handle the wildlife. Dominic, Sammie and I.


Time to get that Grand Canyon Party started!

Check that Sunset YO! Ben's cousin Dominic is the new guy.

Looking fresh. That's Ben's friend Sammie - certified Park Ranger!

TOASTIN' it Up...

So I guess those are just some things that have been happening...I suppose you could figure that out from all tha pictures but here's the helping hand...

*side note*

If there is one thing though I must say I have enjoyed more than anything on this trip has been the fellowship of my brothers Ben and Steve. These guys have showed me more about who Jesus is and what He looks like than many I know. I have learned so much being in their midst about how to love others, how to give, be wise, and rest!....I am thankful for a chance to "grow up" a little and do in the midst of two men whose pursuit to be like Jesus challenges me....thanks guys!

....

People of the West

A little chill time.


Canyons are always fun.

Arizona sunshine

Pool wars.


The wold famous In N Out burger.

Happy Birthday Joe!

Joe turns 21 today! Send us wine!

Orange County

Universal Citywalk


Our most favorite thing to do, nothing!


My cousin Jessica!


We're still looking for this sinister cookie thief.

Video: Writer's Inspiration

We reach the west coast!

Santa Ana Beach!


Yeah, the tide was coming in. Out creations didn't last long.


The sun is blinding sometimes.

Video: Parents Today

Some more "thoughts" about Ben.

So apart from his recent additions to the posts such as, "Dogs Rule and Cats Drool" - inspired by the movie Homward Bound, and recently Homward Bound II: Lost in San Fransico - Ben has been writing a novel. That is WRITE! He purchased a sweet type writer at the largest flea market in the world. This flea market is located deep in the heart of Amish country near Middlebury, Indiana; or Elkhart (Ben shouts out to his peeps from Elkhart in his novel).

See Ben has a real eye for the steals, or should I say deals. He fluently speaks Spanish, Espanol, and English (pretty incredible if you ask me). He has a knack for bartering...for instance, the typwriter was $15. He quickly offered the man $10 dollars and the seller said, "SOLD!"

So this story, and others, will also be in His novel; but, will most likely be in Spanish, so I am taking the liberty of translating it for you :) ...so about His novel. "Well is it really a novel?", Stephen asked as Ben as he was typing away furiously. All the sudden Ben stopped, turned his head, and ....

Well I guess you will have to read it and find out for yourself.

-Anonymous

"Thoughts" By Ben

So I've been thinking. We have stayed at a lot of people's homes in this trip and we are grateful for their hospitality, but we haven't given enough recognition to the canine companions along the way. I'd like to take this moment to acknowledge them and their contribution to our experience: Buddy in Newport News at Joe's pad, Jack at the Shishko's flat in NYC, Patty Flanagan at Kevin's digs in NYC, Snickers and Sydney at the Ledlies' casa in Detroit, Buddy at the Garty's place in Middlebury, that little annoying toy chihuahua at Gabe's house in Chicago, Cash, Cody, Jesse James, and the fourth one at Taryn's crib in Sacramento...and I guess that's it for now. We'll keep you posted on the whole HAIRY experience. Let me just PAWS right here and say that it's no BARK off my tree to hang with the dogs. Heh heh heh no but seriously, we are having a great time and I can't wait to see what other exciting things are in store.

Video: Morning on the mountain

Video: Climbing the Mountain

Yosemite Time

Our humble camp.


Our faithful guard, Bravehart


The Valley.


The tallest waterfall in the United States, Yosemite Falls. And we conquered it.

A bad omen?

Our friends in Sacramento

Taryn with Cash and Jesse James


Joe with Cody and that fourth dog. Yeah, there's four of em.
We had a great time and we ate In-N-Out burgers for the first time ever. MMMMMMM

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Halfway there

Well we are about at the halfway point on this trip. My cell phone hasn't had service while in Wyoming so those who are calling me just leave a message.

We arrived today in Sacrimento, California and are getting ready to visit Yosemite and Seqouia National parks in the next few days. Then it's on to Los Angeles.

Our time at the ranch in Wyoming was a great time of rest and relaxation. We were able to catch up on some much-needed sleep and had the opportunity to ride a horse as well.

Unfortunately, our access to the internet is still very limited so we will post when we can. Thanks for following our progress! feel free to leave suggestions and comments.

Chillin' at the stone

Yellowstone

Riding the horses