Scott Reunion

My favorite person in the world was born in one of my favorite places in the world.

 

One of many reasons I'd love to gain some photography know-how:  Arizona is a vivid, diverse state.  And we are blessed to be frequenters of a region I consider heavenly - the White Mountains.  From both sides, Jim's people are from here.  And now me & mine reap the benefit with views like this:

Escudilla 11,000 feet & the sky went on forever.
 
I want to imagine the fall here into reality.  Soon.

With this as our backdrop, ours was a weekend of family and first's.   

family 

I  love my in-law's, and they've gradually transitioned from "Jim's family" to "our family".  And "love" is a mild, mild world for how passionately my boys adore time with their grandparents, aunts & uncles. 

The boys with Grandma Kay & Papa:

 no use wondering why they love Daniel:

 oh to have recorded the shrill squeals and "AGAIN!"'s

 

a few first's

 

This trip marked the first anniversary of buying our toy hauler.  Over the past year it has taken us 4 times to the trees and 6 times to the sand.  A big transformation for a family parented by camping wimps.  We love our stove, beds, showers, and air.  So this has forever altered our reticence for quick get aways. 

 

Some other first's marked this trip as well...

 

  first sleeping bags

 

 

 first winks (along with further Davynova flirtation)

 

 first gun shooting (with the help of Grandma Kay & Uncle Tyler)
AD was elated, but DB was no fan of this first.

first archery range

Jim restrung his old red bow, previously Mike's old red bow, soon to be A & D's old bow.  I'll take that pedigree over brand new any day.  The above shot was Jim's, but {much!} more often we had a ball missing the target.  I proudly claim the shot to the left.   Our arrows fit decently on the boys' tiny bow& they were thrilled to hit the target.   With a little help from dad, of course.

days worthy of repeat.

Comments

[Megan]

This makes me miss the white mountains so so much, it's a beautiful place to go! Makes it tempting to live in Arizona again as well. It's nice to see you had a great labor day weekend.

[Mandi]

The White Mountains are gorgeous! You're lucky you always have excuses to go up there. Looks like the boys had a ton of fun - and it was probably nice for you to get a break from being at home 24/7 with them! I'm sure it's nice to have so many people w/o kids there to entertain yours!

[Marie]

My kids had their first sleeping bags this summer to. Such a hit.

You are a brave mommy to let them do guns and archery already. Dirk is a hunter and so he is into that stuff, but I am not ready for him to introduce it to the kids. Maybe when they are 30 or so.

[jenny c.]

This makes me excited to move back and enjoy the mountains again. Doug and I dream of having a cabin some day up north. How great you guys are able to enjoy it with your littles so young. So many great photos and beautiful scenery. See we need to share these with people who think AZ is ONLY dessert. :)

[jenny c.]

I meant desert

[Emily]

Family vacation memories are like no other and become such treasures!

[Kelly]

I love your picture of the aspens -- gorgeous!

This looks like a beautiful place, and you can tell it's just magic for your boys.

[Jordan]

How come I am not going to these places?! Gorgeous.

[Barb]

It looks like you had some great fun. I was just telling Ken that I want our next summer vacation to be a camping vacation.

[Shanon]

How fun! Your pictures are gorgeous!! Seriously the one of your boys should be your Christmas card picture!! Looks like your boys had a lot of fun being boys!

[Lucy]

Well, that just looks like too much fun. When there was a possibility of us ending up in the desert permanently, my husband really talked up the White Mountains and how we could spend our summers there. From your pictures, it looks like a great idea!

[Annalisa]

While the scenery is beautiful, it is the relationships that touch me more. It is so rare to fit into another family so well you consider them yours. Consider yourself lucky.

[Shawna B.]

Sounds PERFECT! We are off to a family reunion tomorrow and you have me all excited for our adventure to begin! Those are some mighty cute boys you have there! So glad you had such a great time. It's the best when "his" family turns into your own, too. I, gratefully, can say the same thing.

[sista #2]

I love your 'stories' about the family adventures! Great pix too ;)

[Michelle]

I love the pictures! It looks like a good time was had! Kay amazes me helping the little ones with their shooting skills.

[Amberly]

Amy, this sounds like a wonderful weekend together in a beautiful spot. Your boys are lucky to have a family that values time together- and they are so darling!

[Kelly]

I'm not a fan of 4 days in between new Amy reading material! Where are you Mim?

[carlo]

awesome pics and family adventure! love to see where everyone travels and the fun they have. i feel like i am "tagging" along!

[sheri]

It is beautiful country. Glad you enjoyed yourselves

[Jill]

These pictures are beautiful, I don't know Arizona had trees, ha.

I love all the firsts from this trip and think the sleeping bag pictures are priceless.