Spicing Up Our Cabin Trip

The kids enjoying their electronics for the ride.

We left early Saturday morning and headed straight up to our destination for the day, Blue Ridge reservior just a few miles north our cabin in Strawberry. Dean graciously towed all 6 canoes so we could enjoy a day of paddling, picknicking and cool refreshing water.

We arrived around noon and really you couldn't have asked for nicer weather. It was sunny, warm, with a few fluffy white clouds. Until.....we all got situated. We began to canoe and I felt large drops upon my head. No big deal right? Wrong. Those innocent droplets of water soon became what I would like to call a monsoon storm. It POURED. Literally.

With a total of 19 family members, there were 3-4 of us in each of the canoes. Unfortunately, Glenn's canoe capsized along with Jared and Aubrey inside. It was a little tricky trying to flip it back over, but once we were able to get his crew back in the boat we headed for any type of shelter. Freezing and hungry we decided to park and hoped the rain would pass.

Makayla and Haleigh

It did pass for a bit....but that didn't help us warm up any. We made the executive decision to head back to the car and up to the cabin. We may have not of fully enjoyed the canoe outing, but can chalk it up to a funny, family experience. Luckily, we all paddled safely back to the dock because it began to lightning.... Not very safe, especially on a lake AND in an aluminum canoe.

I have to say I was extremely happy when I got to the car and was able to get some dry warm clothes on. I was much happier taking the rain photos from inside rather than out. Ha.

Sunday wouldn't be a Sunday without attending good old 9am Pine ward. I had intentions on skipping out, however ah em my husband decided to use love and logic with me. Did it work? Yes, I felt extremely guilty and went to church in my SHORTS mind you (since I wasn't prepared). Jen had a great idea that we should go on a family outing, not only to prevent obsessive eating at the cabin (which happens each time), but to explore the surrounding areas. We decided Tonto Natural Bridge was a place we could check out. The best part, it was only 15 minutes away.

It was about a 1/4 mile hike down into the big opening. All the kids did really well considering

how steep it was. Also, it was surprisingly crowded, who knew the natural bridge would be such

a popular location.

The view from the inside. Pretty amazing.

Doug and I at the bottom

This was the lovely water we were misted by underneath. By the time we hiked back to the top it was time to head back and eat dinner.

Jen, Kathy, and Jenny

Dinner required walking off ALL of the delicious food that we inhaled.

The bonus, watching the sunset.

......followed by a night sitting and chatting around the camp fire.

and smores of course!

Doug and Grandpa Dale deep in conversation.

Last, but not least cute Jordan and Taylor seemed to keep themselves entertained and amused with my camera and took a ton of photos that included this video, which I found funny.

Snow, Snow, Snow!

Doug took all the young men up to his parents cabin to play in the snow. Little did he know that he would be shoveling snow for nearly 3 hours just to get up to the house and prepare it for them to come. We had prior obligations that morning, (he came up Friday night) I decided to head up after all the youth were gone. (I know smart on my part eh?) We arrived around 5pm Saturday afternoon which gave the kids about an hour or so to enjoy the snow. The views were breathtaking. They played to their hearts content.

Taylor and Luke ready to head down the hill!

Jared wanted to bring his buddy Landon along as well....I think they both ended up flying into some trees. All they could talk about was whose bruise was bigger (aka tougher) than the other one. Silly boys!

Weston insisted on going down the hill with dad first. And there they..........

......Go! Literally ALL the way to the bottom. No, I didn't follow.

It was a quick trip. Two hours from the cabin door step to ours. The kids had a blast. We only got stuck in the mud once (I guess we need a tougher car than a mini van--ha!) But, most importantly no broken bones. Notice this adventure didn't seem to stop Weston. And in case any one is wondering, the cast will remain on for another 3 weeks. I don't know about him, but I want that smelly thing off!!

Cabin Fever

Doug's parents built their cabin in Strawberry when Doug was about 5 years old. We have been lucky enough to use it whenever we want. It's a place to escape from the heat, relax, watch the tube and eat until your hearts content (and pay for it later).

My boys especially love to come to Grandpa and Grandma's cabin because it's a place they can explore, dig and just be boys.

My niece Jordan came up with a brilliant idea of putting a wooden swing up in the trees above the cabin. It was an instant hit.

This view gives you more of an appreciation just how high it is off the ground.

Doug and I took Jared and our nephew Aaron on a hike to the top of the mountain. The boys were putting on their tough faces.

Doug decided it would be fun to play around with the camera as well. Nice honey! (I see you too)

It took only about a half hour to climb to the top, but I'll have to admit even I was panting not to mention a little hot. Here is proof of our victory.

And then a little view as well........

Strawberry, Arizona. Isn't it pretty?

Because we consumed so much food, grandpa had to dump the trash MUCH more than he would of liked. His famous words, "Good Knight!" I just dumped the trash and it's full again??" We love you Grandpa Dale!

Taylor, friend Amanda, and cousin Jordan

Since I had never been down to the arts and crafts festival, I took all three girls down to browse.

Their wasn't many treasures to my liking, but they did have some bright things to look at.

I thought this old house was cool.

Last, but not least I had to capture Taylor in her element. She has been WAY into making videos and taking photos. And I am pretty sure she isn't very camera shy. Here she is making her famous "Fabio" face, or at least that's what she now calls herself. It was a great weekend to getaway, relax and forget about the everyday tasks that we do. Unfortunately now it's back to the grind!

Just Drive

The 5 year mark of owning our car in is slowly approaching us in just a few short months. I will have to say other than the carpet stains, and a massive car wreck (last February), it has gotten us to where we want to go. I really do like my car, despite my itch for a new one. (who doesn't get that anyhow?) I feel like we have almost become as one and honestly spent more time in the car than doing else these days. I couldn't believe as I looked down the other day when it read 80,000. Not to mention it had shown I went 80 miles as well...cool huh? My car has also created many fun memories for my family and friends.

Running Gang
Tiffany, Amber, Tishia, and Jenny

The past two Monday's we have taken field trips out to the hills to run. Last Monday we ran 5.5 and this week we made it up to 8. (which nearly killed me).

A few of us (what looks like almost our entire ward--ha!) celebrated Denise's birthday at Cheesecake Factory. It was a surprise for her 30th birthday. Happy Birthday Denise! The Luau salad was to die for. Oh, and the sinful caramel de leche slice of cheesecake.......... so yummy!

Krista and Jenny

One of my oldest high school friends was in town last week and I couldn't pass up a lunch at Costa Vida. It's always fun to catch up and pick up where you left off (I hadn't seen her since last summer). Another perk for living in Arizona.

Doug and Eric

For conference weekend we drove up north to enjoy the cool pines with a few other families. The weather was a tad chilly the first day with some serious wind, but by Sunday we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Doug couldn't resist loading up the bikes so him and Eric could take full advantage of the mountains.

Zoie, Taylor, Hayden, Brooklyn, and Hoku

The girls built a really cool fort, well most of the work was by Zoie. It was so nice to see the kids entertain themselves without television, electronics, or internet. Definitely, what childhood should really be like.

The boys of course were engrossed in building the fire, roasting marshmallows, shooting guns with their dads, hiking, and playing dodge ball most of the time.

Besides all of the eating we did (just look at the junk on the table) we managed to squeeze in some conference--this is proof we did (I promise the t.v. is really on).

Conference Weekend
Strawberry, AZ

We had 5 families come up and between all of us their were 17 kids. Despite being slightly outnumbered we still had a great time! Thanks for coming Schwenke's, Hunter's, Varvel's and Gustafson's we will have to do it again!

New Discoveries

Beeline Hwy

I'll be the first to admit, Doug's excitement about going up to the cabin outweighed mine by a landslide, hence him going up a day prior to me. I did manage to swallow my pride and left the next day smiles and all. Doug rode up with his brother Dean and all the boys Friday afternoon and I picked up Kathy and the girls Saturday morning.

Kathy, Haleigh, Taylor, Jordan and Makayla

We were on the road by 11:30am, shortly after a must needed stop at none other than Sonic. (remember my 3am bedtime that morning?) I was surprised that we didn't hit much traffic on the way up. Before I knew it we were up in cooler weather, higher altitude and tall pine trees in a matter of 90 minutes. Again, the beauty of living in Arizona.

It's been nearly 6 years since I have been to the family cabin and some things just never change. The beauty of this cabin is it's fully equipped with a kitchen, washer/dryer, over 15 beds and of course cable.

Dean and Doug were completely worn out by the time we arrived. They had woke up early for a mountain bike adventure and immediately were put to work chopping wood (so they say) Apparently, watching Grandpa Dale work, put them on a guilt trip. Ha.

Taylor and Jordan

Earlier on in the month there were strict fire restrictions due to the dry weather. But, due to several amount of rainfall in the past few weeks the fire ban was lifted. I think this was one of the biggest highlights of the trip. Building a fire in August is not even an option in the valley. It was not only cool enough for it, but I found myself bundling up in a jacket to keep warm.

No, we didn't sing around the campfire and no one broke out a guitar (sadly no one has any musical talent in our group) but we did break out the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers to enjoy some smores.

Weston proud of his work

Another discovery was learning that my children are infatuated with fire. There were several times I thought for sure we would be escorting Weston to the emergency room due to burns. Luckily this wasn't the case. His favorite part was to catch the marshmallow on fire, really not the point, but he had fun anyhow.

I have no idea who that man is holding Weston

I had absolutely no intentions on going to church. But, it seems our family (ah em--Doug) was feeling extremely guilty so we ended up at the Pine ward sacrament. (yes, without church attire) I can't even believe we showed up looking like we did. We were a sight to see for sure. I was in shorts, my kids in basketball attire and well, my husband was wearing his dad's clothes (high water pants, slicked hair and tennis shoes..nice) and even had a comb over! Let's just say we slipped in and out without hopefully being seen or heard.

Luke and Magnus

On our way back our friends the Gustafson's were also up at their cabin so we stopped by to let the kids play. Play they did. Their cabin backs up to a creek and the kids had a blast. Normally, the creek beds around are completely dry. As you can see that wasn't the case and it even poured as they were playing in the mirky water. It's funny how things of that nature never bother you as a kid. I can count endless times I would play in irrigation water and sit in it for hours. You couldn't pay me now.

Taylor, Zoie, and Hayden

After a second set of clothing due to the rain and swimming. They moved on to more adventures. Erik ended up finding a snake. The older kids weren't very impressed, but Luke and Magnus thought it was pretty cool. Well, as long as Erik was holding the snake.

Doug had bought a cheap bebe gun from Wal-mart and kids absolutely loved it. (how I wish I had it in my old yard with all the cats) I think they spent a good hour aiming at soda cans just to hear the "ding" noise. A perfect cabin toy indeed.

Jared making the aim

Of course my 3 year old MUST follow his brothers and had to take a turn as well. I couldn't resist how cute this photo was. He was so serious and proud of himself.

Weston taking lessons from Daddy

As the boys were outside shooting and exploring the girls ventured inside to watch Gilligan's Island. Taylor watched it at Zoie's slumber party the night before and had never watched it. I was cracking up when she came home to ask me if I had heard of that show. I think she is officially hooked as a castaway fan!

Julie's parents who own the cabin have an amazing garden just behind the house. I have never seen a garden so lush with veggies, fruit and even pumpkins. They were on very strict orders not to pick anything unless it was ripe. They discovered a few things ready to pick, a red onion, and a few tomatoes. Perfect for salsa!

Erik and Julie Gustafson

I got the giggles taking this photo because really all they need is a pitch fork and they could be this couple. After a few hours with friends it was time to head back up to the family and help make the yummy steak dinner.

Taylor, Jordan, Makayla, and Haleigh

Before dinner the girls had been wanting to check out where they saw some rather large vultures flying over head. I volunteered to be the escort, yeah for Aunt Jenny! We strolled on down the hill only to discover the tail of a skunk. Gross I know. You can imagine the smell that went along with the dead carcass. We couldn't leave the seen without proof.

It wasn't long before Monday came and it was time to head back home. We all had a really great time. I think the best part was not only the great weather, but a few naps, lounging around, and reading was another added bonus. Even Bones had a blast and managed to scare away a Javelina Monday morning.

Before heading out Doug and Dean took one last bike ride (with Jared's helmet) he packed by accident. I decided to run the mountain (which I am paying for today) It was great to run in crisp weather and even better it wasn't 6am, but close to 9am before I left.

Weston and Bones

We pulled out around noon yesterday with oddly, little traffic. Weston (aka our animal lover) was amusing us on the way home by talking to the dog. I have no idea what he was saying, but it was pretty funny to watch. It wasn't long before we left the high altitude and was welcomed back to the desert.

The last hill before coming into the valley

It was probably one of the best Labor Day's we have spent as a family. The best part is, we are only 100 miles away from awesome mountain air!