Willie had this Thursday off and REALLY wanted to go archery deer hunting.... And since he didn't have any buddies that could go with him mid-week he invited Vance and I to come along. Wise husband indeed; after a few conversations about how bored we have been stuck in the house with the hot weather and being sick and tired of our regular routine he got the hint! 

Im so glad he did. We got up early this morning ( 3a.m.) and headed north towards the rim to an area called Valentine Canyon/Ridge. I've never seen a more beautiful sunrise, more beautiful wildflowers or a more beautiful little green valley... well at least not all in one day! I really do love the rim! When I see these amazing parts of our state I remember AZ is spectacular! The weather was amazing and vance loved sitting up front on the dirt roads with his head out the window. We saw tons of elk, A dear & some coyotes. No deer killing this time. (thank goodness) it may have ruined my peaceful day! Thanks Willie for letting me indulge in the great outdoors and for taking your little fam along with you!

WOW! What a reunion! We have always been a tight group. Growing up our "cuz's" were our best friends. As we have all started our own families it has become harder and harder to get together. It was time for a camp out and this was nothing shy of an amazing 3 days! Sooooo much hard work was put in to make it special. Thank you to everyone! We have a beautiful loving family with so many talented, intelligent, motivated amazing people. It's amazing when you surround yourself with your family members how sure of your self you become and that you are loved that you are a special part of something larger then your own life and that you come from a great genealogy!

Our first family pic since our new additions, Jordan & Jaxson not including Chase on his mission.

All of the girl cousins & Jordans first ever "sister pic" since she is an only child..not anymore!
And YeS we all look fabulous after 3 days of camping and rain!

Willie loves this little guy and Vance loves his big daddy and they especially LOVE camping!

The days were beautiful as the Rim usually is. Cool air and amazing skies. 

We had a little rain, just enough to make the forest smell fresh. 

Some Favorites of the trip were Mom & Dad bringing our favorite California Taco shop to us! We even got the boys to wear their hats! The babies playing together and running-a-muck, Adam (mandy's little guy) was to tired to get in the shot but as the oldest he showed the little ones the ropes. Willie and co. bet on archery targets in the form of thirst busters. Vance pushed Alyx's pink stroller around all day...Not Willie's proudest moment.  Bill Taxied Grandma back a forth each day as she is still recovering from spinal surgery and they loved being a part of all the action. Grandma loves all her babies and still attempts to pick them up (with a mending broken back) even though we threaten her to stop!

Willie brought the Brazilian Hammock and it was a dream! The little boys had some "push and shoves"  but loved the freedom of camping. 

Dave rigged up a zip line that became the center of our entertainment. As willie loves to harass Dallin on  a regular basis this trip was no different. He Decided to not only throw pine cones at him on the way down but to drag him back up the line, tie him to a tree and leave him dangling.

OK. We are in the midst of potty training.
                  I know 25 months is a little early but had some other reasons to do it this soon. To do it again I would wait closer to 3. Lets just say the first week I went no where, did nothing and spent most of the day on my knees cleaning the floor or doing laundry. We purchased M&M's as a "reward" and by the end of the first day that little bag of chocolate was gone, however not because Vance was getting rewarded.
I'll skip over all the dirty details and make a REALLY LONG story short...

We have had LOTS of success with #1 and a little with #2,  all in all he can and does go on 

the the big potty and thinks he is so cool when he does and he can go the entire night and stay dry.

AND lets be honest little boys are soooo cute in underoos! I especially love the boxer briefs. 

-side note the boots are not part of the protocol

 but HE thought they went nicely with briefs.