Last Weekend

Last weekend was my birthday weekend...Saturday we spent downtown walking in shops, eating pizza and frozen yogurt then Sunday we went on a hike/walk and out to buffet lunch with my birthday coupon. It was a lovely family weekend spent together. That's all I wanted for my birthday was just to spend some time out with my kiddos and husband and they made it wonderful for me. So blessed.

 These two...not much on smiling for the camera!

Today is thanksgiving and we are looking forward to again just spending time together - - good company, good food and relaxing. Missing other family members that can't join us on this holiday. Also looking forward to kicking off Christmas this weekend...cutting our own tree, attending the light parade in town then decorating for Christmas as well. 

Happy Holidays!

Nature Walk & Happenings

Yesterday even though its been a long week already...because its been a long week already we ventured for a nature walk. It was chilly but gorgeous. Surrounding ourselves in the trees near one of our favorite lake spots we only walked the paved path. We stopped to view sights, listen to the trees and snap photos. Our son has been taking his camera everywhere we go lately practicing and practicing his nature photography. He is so patient sitting still positioning himself to get a good shot. He also loves taking photos of his sister and I love watching these two together. So it was a slow paced peaceful walk in nature all together for just a short time as it was pretty cold and breezy out then back into the car for some heat and home we went. Just enough of a great break with two of my favorite people in the world to spend time with.

An early birthday present I received from my sweet kiddos....yes I LOVE pigs!

 Kids raved over home made garlic knots - SO much better than store bought to go with Pasta/Lasagna night:

Recipe: https://www.ruchiskitchen.com/recipe/easy-one-hour-pull-apart-garlic-rolls/

With one missing before I could even take a picture of course...cause kids had to taste test!

 My sweet sweet old girl Sadie. One of my favorite photos of her because it brings back such wonderful memories. Our first real big Idaho snow when we lived there. She couldn't get enough of it. She ate it, bounced in it, played it in, galloped around - it was like she was a puppy again with an enormous amount of energy. 

She still has a bit of her brown on her face and legs in this photo...now she is all white.

We had a rough week this week taking her to the vet as she's been slowly going downhill- she's 12 years old.

We got some meds to hopefully extend our time with her and make her more comfortable but only time will tell.

This girl has our hearts. Shes a big love bug with the best personality. She loves car rides, adventure and the snow. She can fit 3 tennis balls in her mouth if we let her. She loved to be on the couch or in the bed as close as she could get to us - she hasn't been on either for the last year and I miss that- so does she. She has the neatest bark that we love to hear! And she just LOVES to be loved on.

When it is time to say good bye it will be nothing less than devastating. Each animal holds a special place in our hearts. So hoping for a bit longer to love on her.....

Finding peace in nature and peace with things to come.

Wild Wednesday

Wednesday's are nature days, outdoor days, exploring days, getting out of the house days. Last year we hiked nearly every Wednesday from end of September until beginning of May. This year we are still heading out every Wednesday but due to my back we aren't doing as strenuous of hikes. We're taking it easy, slow and doing nature walks vs climbing. This week it was just our son and I. We did a fall walk so he could take photographs. We walked slowly, listened. Watched the breeze make the leaves rain. We sat and were still and quiet. Magical and peaceful and just what my momma heart needed. Time to connect with him and connect in nature and be thankful. You can't help but feel blessed when you are with those you love and surrounded by such beauty. Happy thankful month!

Our daughter and I spent some time together too this week and took pup out for an afternoon walk. We strolled and talked.

 Deer right behind our taco shop where we had dinner one eve last week. Love that nature is all around wherever you go here.

Thankful.

Late Posting....Pumpkin Patch

We ventured to the pumpkin patch a few weeks back with our group of homeschool friends. I didn't take too many pics but a couple and none of our son who was running around having way too much fun with friends for a photo of course! The kids played on the play equipment - a zip line, bouncer, slides and other fun rides then we all went on the hay ride and learned about the farm, picked pumpkins and grabbed a homemade pie from the farm stand on the way out. A great day with wonderful friends.

Farm/Pumpkin Patch - http://www.mortimerfarmsaz.com/

 Blessed.

Outing Wednesday

Wednesday outing day we ventured downtown to the kids favorite pizza place. We all got a slice to go and went and sat in downtown square on a bench in the sun while eating. We people watched and chatting to dog walkers. Being Halloween we even saw some pups in costumes! After lunch we ventured to a new spot to check out an old bridge and nature area. We walked and enjoyed the fall leaves, creek and sights and sounds around us. Fun day all together and a nice mid day break.

Bridge Info: https://bridgehunter.com/az/yavapai/bh52821/

Our son the photographer.
Our son loves the fact that we've lived here for over 2 years now and we are always finding new places to explore...we LOVE where we live. The town, the community, the people and the nature. We are blessed.

 A fenced in community garden below:

 Our gorgeous girl.

And had to throw in a photo of my first round of french bread. The middle loaves melded together but they tasted amazing...there were 4 loaves total, notice one is already missing.

Wild Wednesday, outdoors and adventuring together.