The Real Independance Day

My favorite holiday is Independence Day! Between the hot dogs, swimming and beer drinking that happens on this holiday I believe many people forget why we celebrate this holiday. Along with the consumption of hot dogs, a full day of swimming and beer drinking, the Gammill’s celebrate and remember why we have this holiday. Every year I have explained to my daughters why we celebrate in hopes that they will understand why our country is so great and how God has blessed our land. One of the most patriotic families in American history has made a huge impression as to how and why we should celebrate Americas triumph. The Adams family surrounded themselves with a magnitude of Independence Day events from 1776-1892. In fact, John Adams was instrumental in the favor of Independence at the Continental Congress. In a letter to his wife Abigail, John stated his thoughts on how to celebrate this monumental occasion. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to GOD ALMIGHTY. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more” (John Adams, 1776). While many have forgotten Gods hand in the birth of our country, it will forever be in my heart!

May God Bless America!

What a fun summer!

In Florence, AZ, summer is quickly coming to a halt. Mommy has to go back to school next week and all of the Gammill birthdays are over, as well as the vacations. :( We had a great summer break and although Mommy almost lost her mind a few times with her challenging 2 year old daughter Emma....she has survived and is ready for Susie to come back. :) The summer started off with the school trip to DC, which was a blast. One week later the whole family rented a mini van and went out to Carlsbad, CA to stay in a condo on the beach. What a great time we had. We visited Legoland, Disneyland and of course the beach. It was so relaxing and needed. Upon our return we quickly had to get ready for the celebration of the girls birthday parties. As most of you know, Olivia and Emma are born a few weeks apart...so we did a combined party for both of them at the Anthem Water Park. It was a blast and well needed because of the high temperatures outside. As always we end the summer with Independance Day. Mommy's favorite holiday. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer but for Mommy the summer is over and now, it is back to work!

A view from the FDR Monument

Lego Land...what a great place for little ones. :)

We also visited the largest mission in California...I love this picture of Olivia trying to hold Jesus and Mary's hand. Priceless.

Emma making sandcastles and eating the sand as well. :(

Olivia got to dance in the parade at Disneyland!

Our view from the patio of our beach condo...perfect!

The birthday party!
Waterpark fun!
Freedom!

Touring our Nations Capital

Well for the first time ever, I was able to go to the one place I always wanted to see and that is Washington D.C. And to top it off I was able to take 8 of the best kids at Florence K-8 School with me! They are the honors kids and we had a blast! We saw everthing! And I mean everything! We ran down the National Mall in the pouring rain, viewed the whole city from the top of Washington Monument, saw the changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and we even got to see George Washingtons House at Mount Vernon. Being able to see all of that history up close really brought tears to my eyes. If you truly know me you know that I am a huge American History fan so this trip was an amazing experience for me and the kids! Enjoy!

Me an my kids getting ready to leave at the airport!

The Declaration of Independance....it is almost faded away. You can barely see the signatures anymore. I am glad I got to see it before it is gone. :(

Right after this picture was taken...it started pouring down rain and me and the kids were running down the National Mall it was a moment I will never forget!

A somber moment that made the hair on my arm stand straight up! Amazing!

Fords Theater where Lincoln was shot. An amazing place to visit.

Arguing with Obama at Union Square. My kids put me up to it! He never even listened to me! Typical Left Winger I guess!

Me in front of the U.S Capital! Inside of the capital was amazing too!

My favorite President.....Thomas Jefferson!

Ahhh the White House picture spot!

Check out the sniper on the roof!

We also saw all of the war memorials...this one was my favorite because it was the war my Dad fought in. I should be a photographer!

Mount Vernon was the most beautiful place I have ever seen. George and Martha were burried there inside this tomb. Once again...a very beautiful place!

George Washington's back porch over looking The Potomac River....I can see why he always wanted to be here!

I cannot wait for next years trip!

An Interview

Mommy: “Olivia, you have had a lot going on in your life lately. Do you agree with that?”
Olivia: “No.”
Mommy: “You don’t.”
Olivia: “No, I mean. Yah I did I did.”
Mommy: “So what has Olivia been up to lately? Have you been a busy girl?”
Olivia: “Umm Yes.”
Mommy: “What do you want be when you grow up?”
Olivia: “I want to be a police officer like Daddy, I want to be an officer when I grow up.”
Mommy: “How come?”
Olivia: “Because I love my daddy, because he is the best daddy in the world.”
Mommy: “What about mommy?”
Olivia: “Ummmm yes you too mommy.”
Mommy: “Do you love your dog?”
Olivia: “Yes you are correct.”
Mommy: “Why?”
Olivia: “Because he loves his stick and he always wants to play with me.”
Mommy: “What picture is this?”
Olivia: “This a picture of me at school.”
Mommy: “Do you know the name of your school?”
Olivia: “No, oh yah, Umm …preschool.”

Mommy: "Here is a picture of you at school painting. What are you painting?

Olivia: “Ummm everything.”

Mommy: “What is your favorite part of the day at school?”
Olivia: “Go outside and play and you get to swing.”
Mommy: “Who is your teacher?”
Olivia: “Um Miss Tanya.”
Momy: “Why do you like Miss Tanya?”
Olivia: “Because she has pretty hair and a pretty face.”

Mommy: “Do you like playing kickball?”
Olivia: “YESSSS.”
Mommy: “What is your favorite part of kickball?”
Olivia: “Ummm kicking the ball.”
Mommy: “Why is that?”
Olivia: “Because…you get to run really fast. Fast fast fast!”
Mommy: “Do you know the name of your kickball team?”
Olivia: “I don’t know.”
Mommy: “Do you want me to give you a hint?”
Olivia: “Yes…oh wait…My name is “little dogs.”
Mommy: “What are you doing in this picture?”
Olivia: “Playing kickball. I am kicking the ball."
Mommy: “And then what do you do?”
Olivia: “I run to the white things really fast.”

Mommy: “What does this picture show?”
Olivia: “Me and Emma running to the white thing.”

Mommy: “Where did Mommy just take you?”
Olivia: “To Seaworld with Nobella and Grandma.”
Mommy: “What else did you do there?”
Olivia: “I went on a scary ride.”
Mommy: “What about that ride scared you the most?”
Olivia: “Umm going down.”
Mommy: “What else did you do on our trip?”
Olivia: “Um you got me toys at the gift shop.”
Mommy: “Olivia do you remember the beach?”
Olivia: “Um no!”
Mommy: “You don’t remember playing in the waves?”
Olivia: “Oh yeah I am just kidding.”
Mommy: “Did you like playing in the waves?”
Olivia: “Umm yes.”
Mommy: “Why?”
Olivia: “Because it was fun.”
Mommy: “Why was it fun?”
Olivia: “Because I get to run to the waves and then run away.”

Mommy: “Did you go on a boat?”
Olivia: “U hum.”
Mommy: “Did you see anything interesting on the boat?”
Olivia: "No."
Mommy: “Nothing?”
Olivia: “Yes crabs, starfish, fish, and the crabs and they were ugly not pretty.”

Mommy: “What do you like about Shamu?”
Olivia: “He got everyone wet.”
Mommy: “Is there anything else you want to say Olivia?”
Olivia: “No I just want to pick my ear.”
Mommy: “Olivia, I just have one more question for you. Would you consider yourself a conservative or a liberal?”
Olivia: “Conservative”
Mommy: “Good Girl!”
Olivia: “Why mommy? Why do I have to be that.”
Mommy: “Because it is important to keep your values that are taught to you and that are passed down form your ancestors. They are the people who we learn from.
Olivia: “Ummm I will Mommy.”
Mommy: “Ok good. I love you!”
Olivia: “I love you too.”
Mommy: “Do you have any questions?”
Olivia: “No I just want to pick my ear.”

Hiking to the Butte!

Olivia is beginning to show signs of boredom. The tedious day to day activities have taken a toll on our precious child. Lately, Olivia has been a bit defiant with everyone around her. She has not been the best role model for her sister. Pete and I thought about what could be causing these outbursts and came to the conclusion that she is bored. She is so ready for school and thrives when she is in the learning environment. So next week Olivia will be starting pre-school. Today, however, I decided I would take Olivia out for a hike. It was a beautiful day in the southwest, a mere 60 degrees as the high temperature. I thought what great way for Olivia to enjoy the nature God created and to have some fantastic mommy and daughter time! We decided to hike at a butte near our home called Poston Butte. We drive by it everyday and Olivia always asks, “Mommy what is that "triangle" at the top of that mountain?” I did not know the answer to her question so I never knew how to respond to her. So today we decided to find out. The butte is named after Charles Poston who was considered, “The Father of Arizona.” He was a politician and he lobbied for the creation of the Arizona territory. He was also the first Arizona delegate for The U.S House of Representatives. We found out that the triangle at the top of the mountain was actually the final resting place for Mr. Poston! The “triangle” is actually a project that Mr. Poston started many years ago called, “Temple of the Sun.” He is buried right beneath the temple. Olivia had a great time hiking up the butte and never complained once. I was so proud of her!

Olivia at the base of Poston Butte. The "F" of course stands for FLORENCE!

Olivia's "triangle" and the burial place of Charles Poston

Posing at the "triangle" with Buhner

A view from the top

Holiday Bones By Buhner Gammill

Ruff Ruff! Hello friends and family! For those of you who do not know me I am Buhner and I have been living with mom and dad Gammill for almost six long years! Mom has been very busy with the girls over the Christmas break and asked me to do the Holiday blog. I hope I will make her proud. We started the Chrismtas season off with Olivia's Christmas Pageant at church. I could not attend because I am dog and dogs are really not supposed go to church I guess, but oh well I have learned to live with that. So anyway...Olivia was an angel and she also played a city car. She ran all over the auditorium as a car! She was great! I have added a photo, mom couldnt get a good picture of her as a car because she was driving way to fast! I think I could take her though...but that is another blog!

Next, we have a wedding in Vegas! I have always wanted to go to Vegas! But again....dogs are not allowed! My uncle Brett got married to a really nice woman named Janice! Janice is a great gal and whenever she comes to the house she always pets my head and says hello! I love that. Anyway, they got married at the Wynn in Vegas and mom was able to make it while Dad stayed home with the girls! He couldnt get out of work. I am glad though because I dont like staying home alone! Here are some pictures from the City of Lights among other things. :)



My parents and the girls also went to numerous Christmas parties without me. It is okay though like I said...I am used to it. We had a great Chrismas eve because mom cooked a killer prime rib, homemade apple pie and lots of cheezy potatoes. It was yummy. I got in trouble from Dad though for begging and then my tummy started hurting from all those table scraps!

Dad giving me the begging lecture. That was rough!

Not feeling well at all....but it was so worth it!

Christmas morning was wonderful. Of course the girls got to open all the presents first and then finally I got to have my "Christmas Bones!" They always know just what to get me every year! The girls got these baby dolls that I am not allowed to chew on and then they chase me around the backyard with the strollers. It is fun! I wish I could chew on them, but I would not like to get another one of dad's lectures.

To wrap up the holiday season my family once again left me to go up to Flagstaff and ring in the New Year! That is ok though because I got to go to Papa's house and eat some more "Christmas Bones" and have some cuddle time! They got to go sledding in the snow and they also got dressed up like people from the 80's. I am not sure what that is about but they had a fabulous time.

Mom and my Aunt Beth dressed up as people from the 80's!

Our family had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! I am grateful to my family and my new "Christmas Bones!" Until next year...Ruff Ruff!

Lots of Licks

Love, Buhner

Turkey Day!

Well Thanksgiving was great! Emma was the last person to leave the dinner table and she ate a whole plate full of food! :) She loves her food. We spent the day with my parents and we had the whole family there celebrating and being thankful to God, our country and our family. We were however, missing a few family members at the party. Pete had to work. :( Janice....which is Brett's love..was in Canada and could not make it to dinner. We really missed both of them. Other than that we had a nice relaxing day with lots of food! Enjoy the pictures!




Olivia helping mommy in the kitchen!

Emma do you have enough food in your mouth?

Grandma and Papa we need more heat!

Ending the night with a dance with Uncle Dave.