Labor Day Weekend 2013

And thus begins the great blog catch up. At least I hope it will be! Being at the computer while Rhett is awake is futile and endlessly unproductive unless you are doing what he wants: "letters" aka Starfall.com. So. He is napping and Max and Kate are at preschool, I have spent the past 2 hours culling and editing one months worth of images. Aaaaand there are many more months to go. Let's do this.
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Labor Day Weekend we were itching to get out of the heat and do something fun as a family. Fun and cheap. Phil had the idea to take the kids up to Workman's Creek and while I love the area I wasn't keen on spending hours in the car. He won and I am glad we went. It was a lot longer of a drive than he remembered but it was so beautiful.

The kids loved being out in nature, the cooler weather and going on an adventure with dad. We transferred the car seats to the truck since I didn't want to take my van on the rough roads. At the end of the trip even Phil was praising the virtues of our van and the blessed space it provides between the bickering and teasing children. Three in a row is a no go.

And now for a plethora of pictures. Between the gorgeous scenery and my darling children I couldn't narrow it down one bit. You're welcome. After several hours in the truck the kids were ready to go exploring. I had packed a lunch and we walked down to the creek and found a safe cluster of rocks to serve as our dining area. And apparently the only child I was concerned with readying for the day was Kate. Max is looking awesome with his bed head.

 

After a quick lunch of cheese, crackers, meat and apples we went exploring. The beauty of this area always makes my heart long for "greener pastures" and specifically cooler weather. I know AZ is wonderful and we can experience all the seasons within a few hours drive but goodness I would love to LIVE in the heart of such beauty and green. Someday...

   

 Phil found a horny toad and the kids were fascinated by the little guy.

 

He also spied this caterpillar. 

We explored an old campsite that is now closed to overnight camping. It is sad because it is so beautiful. Now it is all overgrown, the last time we were there was when I was pregnant with Max and Kate. That was a fun trip that we took with Brent and Terina. Not ideal because we were both pregnant but it was fun! I remember having to use the nasty porta-potty and being chicken to go in the middle of the night, getting a flat tire, making delicious camping food... Good times. I am looking forward to camping with the kids once everyone is a bit older. 

We just walked around for a bit and threw the frisbee. It was starting to sprinkle and Rhett was losing steam so it was only 10 minutes here.

We drove up the mountain further to see the falls but the water was running low and you couldn't see much, especially if you are only 3 feet tall. It is also really steep and nerve wracking to have three littles so close to the drop off. I was a nervous hen and happy to keep everyone safely in the truck.

After traipsing around a bit more and numerous roadside potty breaks (for me and Kate mostly. Okay fine! I'm sure my pregnant bladder trumped Kate's...) we stopped off on the way home to look out at Roosevelt Lake. Truly beautiful.

 

I'm glad Phil twisted my arm to go on this trip. I need to be better about being spontaneous and adventurous. But as the mom of soon to be 4 kids in just over 4 years, spontaneity is not my strong point at this stage in the mommy game. Planning! Lots of planning and schedules.