Yes, it is Possible to Have a Pleasant Experience at DMV aka MVD

They say all things are bigger in Texas. I think we need to add "All people are nice in Arizona." We have been to the Motor Vehicle Department three times and each time encountered some of the most pleasant, helpful, and service minded people. Lukas obtained his permit and was granted a waiver from the Arizona requirements for holding the permits. He does not need to hold his permit in Arizona for six months, nor is he required to attend the Arizona driver's ed class.

He took the written test for his license and passed. The only snarky comment we got was that the Michigan permit looked rather suspicious, not official since it was just a piece of paper. He is now waiting for his official looking permit to arrive in the mail, meanwhile, he is happy to chauffeur me around town.

Robot Goes to School

One of Lukas' robots went to school with Bob on Monday!

Tree Coming Down

We received our approval to remove the White Poplar in our backyard. Noah and Lukas spent some time outside today chopping it down. Now, the hard work begins, cutting it into pieces so that it can be put out with the trash next week.

I am excited about the enhanced view from the kitchen window.

Book Break

The boys spent some time outside today pulling out the smaller poplar trees that are taking over the backyard. We are still awaiting approval to remove the large one. Bob is looking forward to working with the boys on chopping down the source of all the little trees.

White poplar is not native to Flagstaff and spreads quickly and can cause damage to foundations so it is not staying!

School in Session

The boys are settling into their new learning environment - they better like it, they designed it.

Flying, Searching, and Hurting

On Sunday afternoon, we explored one of the local parks. Lukas has calculated that it was just outside of the 'no fly zone' for the airport so it would be the perfect spot for flying.  He brought his newly constructed airplane with him and used Noah as a spotter.

The airplane soared for a few seconds - Noah says he has 15 seconds of video - and then the propeller fell off. Noah and Lukas walked the scrubby fields in search of the small propeller and its nut. Unfortunately, the search was unsuccessful.  Noah brushed up against a small cactus plant, keeping his eyes on the ground for metal, not for needles. The prickly cactus pear managed to prick him in at least fifteen locations. Fortunately, these young men are Boys Scouts and therefore carry appropriate tools in their pockets.

Lessons learned,
1. Make sure the nut is tight
2. Wear long pants when going 'off path'

Since our trip was cut short, we will return to this park for a bit longer exploration another weekend.

the white dot is the plane

A Lazy Fan-ny?

Noah has found an alternative use for his fan. It is too close to his bed to run at night so why not use it for something else? A book holder :-)

Noah Having Fun

Noah's room is finished. He is ready to use it!

Solar Eclipse

We were not in the zone for totality and were not up to getting in the car, yet again, to drive far, so we were contented to watch the eclipse from our drive way. The boys used both the glasses received from NASA and homemade pinhole boxes; we have a plethora of cardboard after all. 

The partially cloudy skies blocked some of the effects of the eclipse, and we did not experience the darkness that some others did, however, it was still awe-inspiring and interesting. Wonder where we will be when the next one occurs? 

Back To School

After years of preparation and lots of prayer, Bob is ready to embark on a new career - university lecturer. Friday happened to be Bob's first day at work as well as our first day of Classical Conversation. This meant we were all heading back to school on Friday.

packing back packs

packing lunches

IKEA

With every move comes opportunities to change the furniture - in most cases it is a necessity as the layouts and sizes of each home varies significantly.  Bob and I have made three trips to IKEA by now, one together, Bob by himself, and Lukas and I one more time. I think we have managed to pick up all that we need to at least make the house workable. Now for putting it all together. I am glad that all of us have had plenty of practice.

Lula's Chocolate

Noah was gifted a large box of Lula's chocolates earlier this summer. He carefully portioned out the tasty pieces one at a time so that by the time we were ready to move, there were plenty of pieces left. He carefully wrapped the box in paper, bubble wrap, and taped it shut. It could now safely travel in the cooler, and nobody could tamper with it without his knowledge.

It was a joyful unraveling here in Flagstaff and Noah is still portioning out the pieces one by the way. I think this box will last until Christmas at this rate.

Really? This small, yet Caused Such Big Trouble?

This is the pebble that made our half day excursion to Grand Canyon become a full day adventure. Size really does not matter.

Need a Break

Noah was gifted a large box of Lula's chocolates earlier this summer. He carefully portioned out the tasty pieces one at a time so that by the time we were ready to move, there were plenty of pieces left. He carefully wrapped the box in paper, bubble wrap, and taped it shut. It could now safely travel in the cooler, and nobody could tamper with it without his knowledge.

It was a joyful unraveling here in Flagstaff and Noah is still portioning out the pieces one by the way. I think this box will last until Christmas at this rate.

This is the pebble that made our half day excursion to Grand Canyon become a full day adventure.

After several days of unpacking, sorting, organizing, and building furniture, Bob declared a half day holiday. We woke up early and headed for the Grand Canyon. We entered the park a little after 8 am and enjoyed a leisurely walk in the cooler morning around the south rim.

We marveled at God's creation, oh and ah over the colors, and almost got dizzy looking over the fence into the depth of the canyon. It was a delightful morning, and as the temperature approached triple digits, we cooled off with an ice cream and then headed back to the car.

A noise as we backed out made Bob stop the car and do a walk around - nothing unusual, so we continued. The line to get into the park was approaching a mile; it was going to be a busy day in Grand Canyon. Once outside the park, the brakes acted up. We pulled into the nearest - one of the only - gas stations in town and began our quest for a mechanic. None in this little village, the closest one could be found in Williams - about 65 miles away. It did not seem prudent to take a chance, so we called for a tow.

Fortunately, we are USAA members so arranging the tow was easy. However, the tow truck could not accommodate four people. Noah and I set off for the little airport since it said on Google that it would be the place to rent a car. Alas, no car rental. Their suggestions: a taxi. Further investigation identified a shuttle service that would leave in the late afternoon and take us to Flagstaff airport. Bob and Lukas would travel with the tow truck and Noah and I would take the shuttle.

We settled in at Wendy's waiting for the tow truck and enjoying lunch. After lunch, still waiting for the tow, we explored every tourist store in town.  Still waiting for the tow….As we lingered around the gas station, we befriended the manager who told us all about the ins and outs of Arizona, Grand Canyon, and his life and lessons learned. He certainly made the time pass by quickly, which was good as the tow took much longer than promised. By the time the tow truck loaded the car, it was almost time for Noah and I to board the shuttle.

By the time Noah and I arrived at the Flagstaff airport, Bob and Lukas were there to meet us. The car had been dropped at a mechanic who in less than a minute solved the problem - a rock, or rather a pebble lodged between the rotor and the brake pad.

It certainly was a memorable first time in Grand Canyon for the boys.