DeGooyer Day 2009

Each year we plan a day where the whole family spends the day together and we celebrate being a member of the DeGooyer family. It is called DeGooyer Day. This was our fifth annual DeGooyer Day. It is something the whole family enjoys and it is here to stay for many years to come. This year for DeGooyer Day we decided to explore Arizona a little more. We went and visited the Tonto National Monument, the Roosevelt Bridge and followed the Apache Trail back to town. In the Tonto National Monument we hiked up went into the cliff dwellings of the Salado Indians. The hike was good but had a lot of pesky gnats all the way up and back. The Roosevelt Bridge was cool and the dam next to it was equally cool. The drive along the Apache Trail was so gorgeous and unexpected. Most of it was a dirt road but was not too bad as far as that goes. There were a few lakes along the way that really made Scott homesick for the Flaming Gorge where he grew up. He really misses camping out on the boat and having fun in the lake. It was a great day for the whole family as usual. We can't wait for next year! This year DeGooyer Day was back on May 9th, however our camera had issues and we lost the pictures we took. So on the way up to the ward campout we decided to take the long way and retake a few of the pictures. We didn't get all of them, like the ones of the cliff dwellings but we got enough to remember most of the places we visited and saw.

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Copper Basin Ward Campout

This last weekend we were able to go up to Timber Camp, just outside of Globe, Arizona and camp overnight with some members in our ward. We took the girl's friend Payton with us since she had never been camping before. We all had a blast and can't wait to go again in the near future. The weather was perfect. It was overcast for most of the trip with occasional sprinkles of rain. The girls were able to gather firewood for a fire before it got too wet and then spent alot of time running around the campground with friends from the ward. They even caught a few lizzards. Scott learned how to play horseshoes, built a fire and relaxed. He also almost fell face first into the fire as he tripped on the firewood but managed to only burn his fingers. Sundy relaxed, read a book (of course), and visited with other ladies from the ward. We were able to roast hotdogs and make smores. Camping food is always good. Below in the Smilebox is a few of the great pictures we took.

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Missionaries for Dinner

We had the missionaries over for dinner last week and let them get to know our reptiles. They weren't too sure at first but once they got to hold them and get to know Korny and Kia, the missionaries had a good time. They are really awesome Elders and give great lessons. We will definitely have them over more often if possible. (They cover three wards and are really busy.)

Top 10 Things That Are Pink

This week's top ten is in honor of National Pink Day, which is TODAY! Besides being a lot of girl's favorite color it is also the color of many things that are great.

1. Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbons - Grandma Olive McCallister was a 40 year survivor of this terrible disease! We just need to make sure people get checked!
2. Nail Polish and Lip Gloss - All girls feel prettier with a bit of lip gloss and pink nails!
3. Girls Dresses - Walking by the baby section of any store, it’s the pink dresses that stick out (not the boy’s clothes....)
4. The Pink Panther - Scott loves these movies!
5. Pink Cadillacs - “We’re goin’ ridin’ on the freeway of love in my pink Cadillac” (from “Freeway of Love” by Aretha Franklin)
6. Shrimp - Yum! An adult’s favorite!
7. Cotton Candy - Sugar heaven! A kid’s favorite!
8. Pink Ladies from Grease – “Tell me about it, stud.” Olivia Newton John was the best.
9. Flowers – Roses, carnations, tulips, and so many more. They are all so beautiful!
10. Flamingos - They make us laugh! We don’t actually know anyone who owns one! Thank goodness!

Top 10 T.V. Fathers

This Sunday is Father's Day, so we decided to do T.V. fathers like we did with T.V. mothers for this week's top ten. Once again we wouldn't trade our fathers for anyone else in the world because we know our dads are the best. We admire and appreciate them so much for all they do and the example they set. Happy Father's Day!

1. Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable “The Cosby Show” - This show was a classic! And Cosby is the “perfect” dad with a bit of comedy and true love for his family!
2. Andy Taylor “The Andy Griffith Show” - Everyone wants to go fishing with this great father!
3. Howard Cunningham “Happy Days” - He looks the part of a great dad! :-)
4. Ben Cartwright “Bonanza” - Raising 3 sons by yourself would be hard. But not for this tough, kind, upright cowboy! He teaches his sons to be good men!
5. Martin Crane “Frasier” - Great dad; the only negatives are that he comes with his chair and Eddy, his dog.
6. Raymond Barone “Everybody Loves Raymond” - Raymond’s on the list because he made us laugh!
7. Det. Elliot Stabler “Law and Order SVU” - Cool job. And even though he is away from his family a lot, he stays faithful and cares about them when he talks about them!
8. Steve Douglas “My Three Sons” – He was always finding ways to teach his sons real life lessons.
9. Jim Anderson “Father Knows Best” – Fun-loving and with a title of a show like that how could we not include him.
10. Tony Micelli “Who’s the Boss” - Always made time for his daughter and his boss’ son.

A Fast and Fun Weekend

This last weekend we were able to go to Grand Junction and celebrate Dad DeGooyer's 65th birthday and see Sheila get baptized. We were able to surprise both Dad DeGooyer and Sheila as neither knew we were coming. It was great to see their expressions and feel of their love and appreciation. We had a wonderful time and wished that it didn't have to end. We were able to hang out and visit with both of our families and really enjoy the time we had together. Zane and Tara allowed us to stay with them and were wonderful hosts. We stayed up late every night just talking and having fun.
Scott was able to help Zane in the yard and with the bees. He learned a ton about bees and now would like to raise his own hive when we finally get settled. Sundy had fun with her mom and with Tara too. The girls really enjoyed staying up late with their cousins and catching all sorts of creatures with their uncles. We also caught a movie, celebrated birthdays, picnicked in the park, and swam in the hotel pool. Below is a Smilebox of some of the photos we took.

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Top 10 Disney Characters

Our top ten post this week is a day late because we were traveling all day yesterday. This week's list is Disney Characters because yesterday was Donald Duck Day. What is even more exciting is that it was Dad DeGooyer's birthday too, and Dad DeGooyer does a great impersonation of Donald Duck. It is only fitting that they share the same birthday. Happy Birthday Dad DeGooyer and Donald Duck. They both have the double D too.

1. Mickey Mouse - everyone’s favorite mouse and the one who started it all!
2. The Genie from Aladdin - Robin Williams rocks this role!
3. Ed from The Lion King - because he reminds us of Scott (in a weird and crazy way!)
4. Rafiki from The Lion King - who can resist a monkey?!
5. Belle from Beauty and the Beast - because she loves to read and sees beauty within!
6. Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast - Angela Lansbury is perfect!
7. Baloo from Jungle Book - Who can resist the Bare Necessities?!
8. King Louie from Jungle Book - “We wanna be like...”him him him!
9. Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio - we all need a conscience!
10. Sebastian from The Little Mermaid - sometimes we all need help in creating “de mood!”

Top 10 Things We Like About Scott!

Much to Scott's dismay, this week's top ten is in honor of him since his birthday is next Monday on June 8th! Here are a few things Sundy came up with. See if you agree or not. It was only fitting to include a picture of Scott and Dad since Dad's birthday is the 9th and he learned a thing or two from him. Thank you Dad DeGooyer!

1. His smile and, consequently, his sense of humor!
2. His work ethic!
3. His spirituality and knowledge of gospel principles!
4. He is a romantic, and attentive husband!
5. He is a fabulous, fun-loving, and present father!
6. He is creative! He loves creating logos, videos, and multiple other projects!
7. He is a loyal son and brother! He loves his family! And extended family!
8. He is a learner! He loves learning and continues to learn and grow all the time!
9. He loves service! He enjoys helping those around him!
10. He is a leader who leads by example! He is a leader who leads with love!

Katia's Early Birthday Bash

Every four years our kids get to have a bigger birthday party with friends and not just family. Usually it is for their 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th birthdays, however last year was crazy with moving that Katia had to postpone it until this year. The theme she chose was Christmas. We set up a few decorations including a Christmas tree. She also requested that Dad make a Christmas tree cake that stands up and he did. She had a great day. Some of the events included doing a Christmas craft, playing Christmas Carol Bingo, going caroling to the neighbors, and Santa stopping by to give out candy canes and take pictures. All the kids had a blast! Below is a Smilebox greeting that has all the pictures. Hope you enjoy it.

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