365.2: WEEK 42

10 more weeks left in the year. THE END IS IN SIGHT. I enjoy capturing so much of our lives, but it gets exhausting and difficult at times. Some days I just don't feel inspired. Or I flat out DON'T CARE. But in the end it is so worth it. Like every-other-year worth it... We'll see how I feel about 365 when 2017 starts. Moving on. This past week. Relatively good, minus early release every single day. But nice to get back into routine. Monday was a make-up day for preschool. Tuesday, our oldest was *officially* a cub scout. Wednesday was a perfect day for the splash pad at the water tower. Thursday was a mini play date with a friend. Friday was our field trip to the fire station. Saturday was our oldest's baptism. And Sunday was a "play with dad on the floor" kind of day.

October 17th - October 23rd

FLAG

Not only did we go on an epic camping adventure during October Break, but we also stayed with my parents (and my birthmother & her boyfriend) at a cabin up in Flagstaff. Early Friday morning, we loaded up and headed north. About 30 minutes outside of Flagstaff, I made the devastating realization that I had left my camera at home. My CAMERA. I was hysterical. And the thought of using my iPhone camera? Forget it. We reached the cabin shortly before lunch and unloaded everything. I then promptly hopped back into the car and made the 2.5 hour drive home (solo) to fetch my camera. It might seem ridiculous to some - if not ALL - of you. But you have to understand just how much of a connection that I have with photography; capturing my family is my life. Luckily, I didn't miss much while I was away. I returned to find my husband waiting for me in the driveway and our children playing together in the yard. Tears of happiness. That evening, the mr. and I took our four oldest to the Lowell Observatory to look at stars. On Saturday, we all made the short trip out to Bearizona. The best. To say that the littles loved seeing the wildlife right up close from the comfort of our car would be an understatement. Bison. Bears. Bighorn sheep. We picnicked at the walk-through area before doing a second loop in our car. That afternoon, the big four and I went on a walk with my dad through the neighborhood where we were staying. Deer everywhere up there. After packing up on Sunday morning, we went to the Grand Canyon Deer Farm for a visit. My parents even bought containers of feed for the littles to give to the deer. Such sweet creatures. My kids loved it (with the exception of one, who is visibly screaming in one of the images below - to my entertainment). It was such a wonderful vacation.
Yes. There was a camel at the deer farm. Also llamas, alpacas, elk, reindeer, goats, and various other animals.

365.2: WEEK 41

October Break. Greatest break from school to date. Usually a break from school produces ridiculous amounts of stress on my behalf, but this break was awesome. I surprised the kids with a camping trip with some of their favorite friends on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was a recovery day. Other friends came for a play date on Thursday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were spent at a cabin in Flagstaff with my parents, my birth mother, and her boyfriend. We went to the Lowell Observatory, Bearizona, and Grand Canyon Deer Farm. Seriously. Such a fun week with my crazy little fam.

October 10th - October 16th

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

Six months ago, my friend and I tried to take our 9 littles camping for a couple of days. And we failed miserably. Most people thought I'd throw in the towel at such an attempt (you know... without a man). Never. I am too stubborn and strong. So, without much planning or preparation, we did it. We headed out Monday morning of October Break with little more than a tent, some food, and our sleeping bags. We found a GORGEOUS location just north of Payson at Flowing Springs and hiked our gear in before making camp next to the East Verde River. The kids were in heaven. While we established our campsite, the kids were playing next to the river, catching crawdads. After lunch, we went on a little hike and happened upon a picturesque rope swing near the water. Further down the path, we found a rock fall and the littles proceeded to throw any and every rock they could get their hands on into the river. We returned to camp and the kids were able to roam and play near the river and the rope swing. Rocks. Sticks. Bugs. Just a perfect adventure. The only dent in the experience was when my baby screamed intermittently throughout the night. Other that that minor infraction, this was our greatest camping trip yet.