The Danae and Lamar Echols Family

Let's Play Hookie....

2009-08-30T21:29:00.010-07:00

We finally made it to the lake this summer! The kids have been asking repeatedly to go, but timing was never in our favor. First this, then that, and like a flash the summer was gone. So, Thursday we decided to pull Bryson out of school an hour early, and head to the lake for some fun. The kids had no idea, and it was a thrilling surprise!

We stayed until dark. We couldn't get the kids out of the water. That is, the two older kids. April doesn't like water. She was content throwing the football over the side to Lamar and Bryson, safely tucked on "solid" ground.

Washington Court...AKA Cul-de-Sac of Dreams

2009-08-23T15:24:00.023-07:00

It's no wonder we are so happily situated in our lives here in Gilbert. We live in a cul-de-sac full of caring, friendly, involved families who enjoy being part of a bigger family.

A neighborhood family.

I used to think that this is how everyone lived, but as each year passes, I realize that we truly have a slice of heaven that is rarely found anymore.

Oh sure, maybe on TV sitcoms in the 50's or 60's. Ordinary homes, neatly kept lawns, kids riding their bikes or playing soccer together without any exclusion. Parents gathered in small groups up and down the street visiting as their children play.

Sound too good to be true? Just come for a visit anytime between September and April and you will experience for yourself what I mean.

It's one thing to see it, and an entirely other thing to live it.

We are so blessed.

Back to School Block Party Bash Blowout!!!

Three of the wonderful families that live by us rented this water slide for our block party, and one of them BBQ'd Hot dogs for everyone. The rest of us brought side dishes and we were off to a great evening!

Here is B-Man going down the slide.

Elizabeth and I went down about a dozen times with every combination of friend you can think of. I think the most we had at once was 4.

Bryson calls this move "the superman"

Posing for the camera is a must amongst our kids.

Lizzie Lou and her best friend Miss Mia

April was scared of the slide, although she went 3 times! But the bubbles were a newly discovered facination thanks to the Diel family!

EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!!

inevitably, a water fight ensued.

Sarah, the woman in the "pool" poured water all over Lamar as he sat politely tending his youngest daughter in the shade. He chased after her, and she ran for the slide. Without warning, he tackled her into the water! They were laughing so hard, it took them a few minutes to be able to climb out of the kiddie pool.

Once he was wet, although dressed in regular clothes from work, Lamar decided that if he couldn't beat 'em, he'd just join 'em.

A section of the spectators pre-water war!!

I don't think there was a dry person left after the evening was wrapped up. It is so great to live by adults who still know how to have fun!

Making the battle gear:

Water bombs

That's Why,

We Couldn't Be Happier!!

Right, Dear?

Couldn't Be Happier!!

This and That from A to J

2009-08-23T09:37:00.035-07:00

So let's face it, we stink at updating our blog. We know, we try, we just don't get it done. So, here is an overview.......

April to July.

30's in full swing!

These are some of the people nearest and dearest to our hearts. Friendships like these have made our lives so enriched. Happy birthday Lamar!

Bowling Beauties!

We took the kids bowling for Lamar's B-day. Hilarious!!!

Fitness NUTS!

Two of my best friends, Alexis and Mary, decided that it would be FUN to do a mini-triathalon. They pushed for me to join, but alas swimming 1/2 mile (57 laps in the pool at our gym), and then riding a bike for 13 miles, followed by a 3 mile run was just not in the cards for me.

I think I could handle the biking and run, but drowning in Tempe Town Lake didn't sound like the way I wanted to depart from my loved ones.
(I'm not a great swimmer.)

So instead, I did some of the training with them, and our whole family went to the race to cheer them on and be supportive. It was a lot of fun!

Here are the heros Mary and Al!

MAY~

Miss Elizabeth had her first dance recital. The facility where it was being held was locked and there was a huge mixup, so we ended up driving back to our stake center and having it on the stage in the cultural hall. She didn't care, she had so much fun anyway.

Again, what amazing friends, sisters really, I have!
My B-day Breakfast at Joes Farmhouse. So good....Yum!

ROYALTY AND SUBJECTS...
So, on Mother's Day, Lamar makes me wear this crown. Some of you know of this infamous tradition. This year marked our 6th annual crowning.

(Luckily, I don't have to wear it to church!)

He strictly enforces the laws of the kingdom on this beloved day, and all the subjects, including the king himself, bow down to me several times during the day and tell me of their love and devotion to my honor and pleaure.

Again, HILARIOUS! It is all in good fun.

I SO love my sweetheart!!!!!

All you Thatcher viewers may recognize Bryson's Let's Play Music Teacher, Miss Crista. She is Amazing!

This is at Bryson's recital where he performed a song that he wrote himself,

entitled "My First Composition".

Graduation

Hail Thatcher High, We Sing Our Praise To Thee...

This is my AMAZING bro Clinton. I love that guy!

My Grandmother and Mom.

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, SWIM!!!

Bryson wanted to try swim team this summer. This is at his first race, hard to see, but he is on the block ready to dive in.

JUNE

Because we're,

goin' to the chapel and we're,

gonna get married!

Lamar's brother Shawn got married to Nicole in the SLT in June. It was beautiful! They are so perfect together!! Silly, Happy, Lovie, and best of all, BEST friends.

Ahhhh...
Just as it should be.

Lucheon at the in-laws. It was fabulous food, great friends and family.

Playing in Grandma and Grandpa Echols' pond/waterfall.

This is where the majority of their week long vacation was spent.

I was able to meet up with my sweet friend Cyndi from AZ,

who had moved to Utah the year before.

We took the kids to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. Our kids love it there.

My two girls, with Cyndi's daughter Hayden.

8 IS GREAT!

In June, we also attended the baptism of our niece Shayci.......

AND, a baby blessing for our new nephew Teancum.

The Echols' get a little rowdy sometimes.

If ever you wonder where Lamar gets it.....

SUPER FUN family!

And LASTLY for the month of June:

Our annimated, amazing, Awesome, APRIL turns 2!

FINALLY...JULY!!!

Much more low key,

(My favorite!)

The 24th of July Extraviganza!

The Long Awaited Disneyland Post

2009-03-13T23:18:00.015-07:00

We went with Shannon and Ryan to Disneyland in February. It was so much fun!! We decided to leave April with my Aunt Charlene because she was only a year and a half, and would not have been much fun. We missed her so much, but it was so great to have our little "foursome" again. We enjoyed having the one on one with each of the kids.

Elizabeth didn't enjoy Splash Mountain as much as we had hoped.

However, Buzz Lightyear was a Huge hit for the whole family.

Finding Nemo...Claustrophobia or fun?.....

Just after getting off of Finding Nemo, with the Matterhorn for a perfect back drop!

My daughter had one singular goal at Disneyland...ARIEL!!...everything else was just filler until we did. Luckily we saw Ariel on the first day, so the next two days were relaxed and carefree for our little mermaid stocker.

These were the Orange Stingers at California Adventure. Working right to left is: Bryson, Abby, me, Elizabeth, and Braden. This was definately a unanimous crowd pleaser among the cousins.

Two of the most obsessed Disneyland fans I have ever met. These are the brains, (and schemes) behind every Disneyland vacation we have ever had (which would be semi-annual if they had their wish, and financing to back it up).

I love this photo of Ryan and Abby. Notice Ryan's shirt that he was modeling ever so suavely for us. It is his "Trophy Husband" t-shirt that Shannon gave him. Absolutely befitting, I have no doubt.

Here is the gang in Flick's Land. Everything was a pose!

Bryson and Lizzie wanted Mickey Ears for their keep sakes. I love it!!! What Disney-loving child doesn't need these?

Silly side-theatre at dinner.

Listening to "rock" bands playing in the backgound can inspire strange poses for photos! This was Lamar and I's Corn Dog night. You can't go to Dineyland and not eat a corn dog from the Corn Dog Cart!!

Lamar HATES the Tea Cups! Anything that spins. Normally I am right there with him, but these don't spin very fast and besides, it is part of the Disneyland experience!

I love the Chinese Lanterns at night over the Tea Cups.

I got a little bored waiting in line for Peter Pan on the last day. I guess maybe I should re-think letting Lamar choose the pics to post.

Our 6 year old photographer is a rising young artist in his own right, I am sure. I am just glad that Lamar made it in the shot (barely!)

Watching Billy Hill and the Hillbillies is a tradition for us. They are so funny!

Our third and final night. We closed the park down at midnight. The kids are such troopers to be able to keep up with Lamar! We had to keep a plentiful supply of M & M's and granola bars in our backpack to keep our energy up, but what a blast it was!

Justin's 30th and Amazing Jake's

2009-02-08T21:24:00.009-07:00

The weekend of February 7th we celebrated Justin's 30th Birthday. Vince and Marsha were also here so we were able to spend some time with them as well. Overall, it was a really fun weekend.

Justin's Birthday Gift. A new 22 rifle.

Lamar and Cory riding the train with the kids.

Lamar on the rockwall. Everybody was chanting "fall".

Uncle Cory on the Frog Hopper with his kids and ours.

You gotta love the tea cups. April's grin says it all.

Bryson and Elizabeth also loved the tea cups. See the video below to see how fast they were going. Fortunately nobody threw up.

April was also a big fan of the carousel.

Elizabeth, Shayci, and Tylie

Elizabeth and Bryson on the Tea Cups. Just watching this makes me sick.

#1 Dad!!

2009-02-03T20:09:00.006-07:00

Lamar took Bryson and Elizabeth to the Suns game on Monday night. The first half they were a little quiet, taking it all in. But by half time they were a much more alert group, thanks to the popcorn and soda that Lamar gave them. I am so gald that Lamar does things like this with our kids. He is a great Dad!!!

Their "crazy" shot. No Echols event is complete without one.

(Bry is 7 and Lizzie is 4.) They were so thrilled to get their faces painted. Bryson went to a game last season with Lamar, but this was Elizabeth's first!

Lamar said that he doesn't think Elizabeth saw a single basket made. She had more fun dancing to the music, sitting with Daddy, and eating popcorn!

Lizzie took this photo. Nice job, right?!

What Dad doesn't dream of having moments like this with his little girl?

It was a blow out game for the Suns, so the seats were pretty empty toward the end of the game. The kids had fun exploring the rows and doing silly dances to the music.

Lizzie Lou is 4!!!

2009-02-01T20:48:00.006-07:00

Happy Birthday Elizabeth!! AKA: Lizzie Lou, Miss Eliza, and Lizzie Beth. Birthdays at Grandma Lynn's always include the Birthday Hat. We love this fun tradition.

Elizabeth, April, Abby, Bryson, Logan, and Braden.

David and Jillian

Clinton always lets us have his huge bedroom upstairs when we come and stay. You are the best Clinton!!

Shannon and I dishing cake and ice cream for the gang.

Abby, Braden and Logan got Elizabeth this dress up skirt and shoes. What more could my girly-girl want in life?

Abby's Grandma Rapier made this bridal gown for her for halloween a few years ago. Elizabeth came out of the bedroom to show us, and I couldn't help but be struck with the thought "all too soon that will be real!" Hang on, she is FOUR!!! Whoa! Glad of that! She does make a beautiful bride. (18 years from now!!)

Christmas with the Claridges

2009-02-01T20:43:00.005-07:00

Once again, we headed to Thatcher for the holidays. We stayed with my Mom, Grandma Lynn. This was Clinton's last Christmas home before his mission, and David's first one back after serving his mission. It was so fun to be with them! Grandmother Layton came over as well on Christmas morning to open gifts with us. It was a special Christmas to be able to be with her and my Mom. Too far and few are these moments. I love them so much!!!

For FHE we did what just about every other family I know around here does: enjoyed the Temple Lights. It's amazing to see displays like this through my children's eyes. They were giddy!! It was classic.
Bryson was given this "reverence bear" from his primary teacher. It, "teddy" has become part of the family on just about every occasion there is. I would have never guessed!!

Bryson, Teddy and Elizabeth

Every Christmas morning we wake up, hold hand and make a train, and run through the house singing jingle bells before we run into the room with the tree. It has been fun to have my mom, brothers, and Grandmother join us for two years now. Clinton woke up early this year and decided to go outside "unknowingly" during this part of the celebration.

Uncle Clinton got Elizabeth this princess jewelry. She was in heaven!!

I was totally being silly for dramatic effect here and Lamar thought it was post worthy apparently. I already knew what was in the box. (Clothes $$!)

We got Grandmother Layton to play Ticket to Ride with us. She and I teamed up so that I could help her learn the rules and understand how to play. We ended up beating everyone by a long shot!!!! I distinctly remember seeing a tear fall from the corner of Ryan's eye as he accepted defeat. Shannon and Mom didn't take it as well. Lamar had to go for a walk to get some air. Poor old chaps! Grandmother looks sweet, but she is a game shark!!

Uncle David, Grandma Lynn, and Grandmother Layton. I guess that Clinton must have put the cowboy hat on the stand in the background after coming home from a day of work. Evidence that although we can't see Dad with us, he is not very far away. He lives through us. It is typical of what I probably saw every single day of my life. It just fits. Life as ususal. I love it. I love going home.

Grandmother, Clinton, and Elizabeth.

Special times. These are the moments that make our memories sweet.

Turkey with the Echols

2009-02-01T20:37:00.007-07:00

Yes, we are FINALLY getting around to posting about the holidays. Heartfelt thanks to those who provided the oh-so-tender-loving push! Please keep in mind it is LAMAR who does our blog, I am merely the humble scribe. (Send the hostile threats to him next time please folks. J/K!) We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving at Cory and Dawn's house in Safford. All five siblings were able to come and it was so much fun. Cory and Dawn planned the whole weekend for us. We played some games at the Church, had a surprise joint B-Day party for Vince and Marsha, and ate a whole lot of great food.

ALL the Echols Clan

BFF!! Yes, that's right. I have methotically and continually placed the thought into my girls' minds that we are Best Friends, and will always be, Forever. Ahhh, a mother's love!

Justin racing to help his team try to win the dress-up relay race.

Cory and Danae helping Elizabeth cross the finish line.

Grandma Echols helping Bryson.

Should someone help Grandpa Echols dress himself? I love that they do silly stuff like this with their kids and grandkids!!

Surprise!!!! A dinner date for 2.....make it 22! Kelsey, Elizabeth, Tiley, Shayci, and Bryson couldn't wait for Grandma and Grandpa to walk in!!

Vince and Marsh. So cute! Still so in Love!

Ten Down, Happier Than Ever.

2008-11-16T21:10:00.018-07:00

Lamar and I decided to experince a New England Fall for our 10 Year Anniversary. Dreamy Right?.... It was, and then some.
We had 6 days...no kids...no schedules...could it be true? It was amazingly perfect in every way. We flew into Manchester, NH and drove 45 min to the most amazing B&B on Harris Island (basically York, ME) for three days. Then we drove from the coast of Maine back to New Hampshire and up the middle of the state through the mountains. There we spent 3 days at another B&B in the country. Seriously, it was like a town in the movies. Gorgeous!!!!! Colorful foliage EVERYWHERE! Pics can't ever begin to do it justice. So here is how our blog works: Lamar is the creater and driving force behind our blog. He'll decide he wants to do a post, picks what he wants, gets it all ready to publish, and then asks me to do the writing. For better or worse, this is our system.

Hiking the Flume in NH. It was heavenly.

This is the view from our porch in Maine. It was so dreamy.

At the water's edge of our B&B in Maine.

We went for a walk in York and found a Pub for dinner. This park was across the street. The ocean is just beyond the park. I felt like I was in a Jane Austin Movie!

We had a sliding door that opened onto our porch. This is our view looking out. (Maine)

The dock on the side of the B&B in Maine. I tried with all my might to convince Lamar to have our house sold and our kids sent out to us. I wanted one of the houses in the background more than I can describe.

Nubble Light House in York, Maine.

Awesome covered bridge; part of the hike at the Flume Gorge.

Hiking the Flume

Still hiking the Flume!

My sweetie is a fan of action shots. This is dedicated to him. It was my first ever "action shot" photo session.

Lamar's action shot. That's some pretty good air! We were on a drive through the mountains and decided to stop at a scenic pull-over. Next thing I knew we were laughing and having so much fun doing this photo shoot of "action shots". Lamar is so much fun to be with!

We woke up our first morning at the B&B in NH and went down to breakfast. This was what it looked like outside. In every direction, this was our view. So Awesome!

On our way back down the mountain and to the airport we stopped at this amazing little hiking trail tucked off the highway, that was only about 15 minutes long beside this stream that created a swirling basin at the bottom. Hence it was called "The Basin". So Fun!!!

Lamar and I agreed that second to experiencing Norway 5 years ago, this was by far our favorite getaway together. Enchanting, Treasured, Romantic, Relaxing, Breathtaking... Trip of a lifetime.

Lake Trips

2008-09-20T23:51:00.013-07:00

'08 Summer Fun in the Sun!

We love to go to the lake and have good old-fashioned family fun! No TV, no phones, no toys, no distractions. Just great times.

B-Man
April was AMAZING at the lake. Not once did she cry or complain. I mean come on!
How comfortable does that life jacket look?! She loved to be in the water.

Uncle David braving the tube with B-Man and Lizzie

April's first trip to the lake. I'm glad she loved it,

because there are many, many more trips to come!

End of summer stats:

1)Lamar had just about got his backflip landed perfect! Then he injured his ankle quite badly (curse early morning B-ball at the church!) and had to take 6 weeks off. He was pretty bummed. That wiped out the ski season for flips. 2)I learned to ski on one ski this summer and LOVED it. Who new?! 3)Bryson popped right up on his skiis the very first time he tried. He was a machine! That kid could ride forever! His first run, he went 45 minutes. I am not joking!!! We went from one end of the lake to the other without him wiping out. He was a natural. We had other boats slow down and ride along side of us so that they could cheer him on. He even received a standing ovation from a boat of 5 men in their early 20's who then flexed their arm muscles and pointed to Bryson. He was so excited and proud. 4)Elizabeth's first time in the tube with only her big brother, she flipped out of the tube and into the water. 15 miles an hour would probably be pushing our speed. Uncle David "saved her". (She treaded water with her life jacket on until we flipped around and David pulled her into the boat.) Scared the stars out of her! 5)April loved the lake and continues to live worthy of her repuation as the best baby EVER!

Camping at Big Lake

2008-08-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

Each year Lamar plans a camping/fishing trip to Big Lake for some one-on-one with the kids. He started taking Bryson when he was 2 1/2. This was their 4th year. Initially, we envisioned this becoming an awesome father/son experience as the years unfolded; a unique opportunity for them to be away alone together. Then we had two girls. Now what? Well.... why not? I guess they need time to bond with Daddy too! We had always thought I would have girl time with the girls and he would have boy time with the boys on this weekend each year...we'll see what the future holds. For now, Elizabeth was ecstatic to be included in the group for the first time! (Must be potty trained to go, and she missed it by a month last year!)

Horse shoes is a family fav. not just camping, but at occasional family gatherings, and trips to the mountains.

Their CRAZY pic~ Lamar always has to have one!

Bryson with some live action on his pole.

As soon as the fish comes out of the water Elizabeth darts!

Bryson's infamous quote "Echols' aren't quitters".

The First Day of School/Street Olympics

2008-08-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

First Grade Already?

I think I blinked, and Kindergarten was over. School started on Aug. 6th. Bryson's first day of first grade. Also his first time having all-day school. Afterward , the girls and I picked him up for an ice cream at Dairy Queen to celebrate.

April's first taste of ice cream. She wasted no time grabbing the spoon out of my hand and immediately digging in!

Bryson took this pic, and did an amazing job of capturing April's joy in her new found love.

In honor of the Olympics, our amazing and talented neighbors, Mark and Alexis Merrill, created the Washington Court Family Olympics for our cul-de-sac. It was a huge success. They came up with four events, and had candy bar medals for the winners of each event. Gold (Peanut M&Ms), silver (York Peppermint Patty), and Bronze (Reeses Peanut Butter Cup). Inspiringly, they did all team events, with only 3 teams per event. That way everyone medaled! Genious! Their girls, Ava and Mia, made all the invitations. But Bryson was invited to help make this one for our family.

Mark & Alexis

The Balloon toss

Lamar and Bryson's team took gold in the water sponge relay, and Elizabeth's team took Bronze.

Water cup relay. Someone fills your cup up by squeezing water from a sponge into it. Then you have to run to the end and dump it into the milk jug. First team to fill it to the line wins. The first round was kids only.

Then it got exciting and we added in the adults with the kids. Only this time, each team poured from cup to cup (on top of your head mind you) down the line to the milk jug. It was so fun!

Flattering look don't you think?Possibly a new trend in fashion

Seriously, this was so much fun. My team got Bronze (which was my fav of the 3 candy bars so I didn't mind one bit.) Lamar was the Michael Phelps of the W. Street Olympics and swept the podium with all Golds!

How better to end the night than with a patriotic popsicle?

The 24th of July

2008-07-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

Well we finally decided to start a blog. Since this is our first entry, we decided to list what we have done this year beginning with what was most recent on back through February.

This last weekend we were able to go back to Thatcher for the 24th of July Celebration and also take part in the blessing of Ryan and Shannon's new addition "Kate". Here's some photos from our fun filled rainy weekend.

Grandmas Birthday Party & Utah

2008-07-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

In June we were able to spend a week with Lamar's parents in Utah. Here are some photos where we went four wheeling.

Also in June we were able to attend Lamar's Grandma's surprise birthday party.

Marsha with her mom and Sisters

Grandma Yarbrough

Dave Comes Home!!

2008-07-25T06:47:00.001-07:00

Danae's brother came home from serving a mission in Nashville, Tennessee in June.

Elizabeth waiting anxiously for Dave to get off the plane. Gotta love those cookies.

Danae's Brothers - Cody, David, & Clinton

Danae & David

Danae and Clinton

Danae's 30th Birthday

2008-07-25T06:43:00.001-07:00

For Danae's 30th Birthday we went to the Ocean and Sea World. Here's some photos from our trip.

The Carribean

2008-07-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Shawn took Lamar on a cruise in February to the Carribean. His parents both earned trips with Aflac as well and took Justin and Cassie as their guests.

Puerto Rico just outside the fort.

Dad at the fort in Puerto Rico.

St Thomas just before our tour.

Downtown St. Thomas

Dad dancing in the streets of the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic with Shawn.

Being Crazy in the Dominican.

Labadee, Haiti

Our going away picture..... Trip of a lifetime!!!

Cancun & March Madness

2008-07-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

Every year Lamar has the whole family fill out brackets for March Madness. This year's winner was Elizabeth. You can watch as she makes her picks. We think it is funny!!

The pictures below are from our trip to Cancun in February. Thanks Mom and Dad for taking us!! Cory and Dawn were also able to go along. It was a lot of fun and a trip to remember.

2008-04-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

These are my best attempts at landing a backflip on the wakeboard. Hopefully I'll pull it off soon. We've had a busy summer so unfortunately we haven't been to the lake very much. We love to go every chance we get though.