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.