SCHNEBLY HILL ROAD

For years we've talked about camping in or near Flagstaff, but we've been creatures of habit and stuck with all we knew (for the most part).  After our day trip to Sedona and exploring off road we discovered a new camping area that we were so excited about that is less than a week we were back.  Only this time we were in our home away from home.  We had plentiful of razor rides, hammock hangs, roaming Flagstaff, infatuation of trains (Reece) infatuation of Reece's reaction to the trains (us), and even cave adventures.  

SCHNEBLY HILL ROAD

The entire trail is almost 12 miles long and can only be driven by 4x4 vehicles that are high clearance.  We did see a few cars, crazy, and saw a nice 4 runner get some considerable damage.  There were lots of jeep tours so if you don't own a high clearance vehicle that could be an option.  The view is incredible!  The change of terrain is beautiful.  Look in one direction and you see the red rocks Sedona is known for and then other mountains were thick with trees.  We stopped at one area along the road to enjoy a drink and a snack- highly recommend.  

LAVA RIVER CAVE

This mile-long lava tube cave was formed about 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent. It's recommended for each person to have several flashlights because it is completely dark!  Looking at the entrance to the cave (pic shown below) you'd have to be a little crazy to enter.  Honestly I wasn't sure how the girls would do.  Reece sleeps in a dark room, but Ava and Adisyn sleep with their bedroom light on, to our dismay, so I was certain they would freak out a bit.  I was so wrong!  They did so amazing and even led in front of me and warned me where loose rocks were or slippery rocks to be cautious of.  Shawn held Reece most of the way and was undoubtedly the MVP.  I've wanted to check this place our for years so I'm glad we were finally able to check that off the list.   

This was certainly a trip to remember!

THANKSGIVING 2017

For some strange reason we decided to make a chicken pot pie from scratch the day before Thanksgiving.  I guess it doesn't sound all that crazy except earlier that day was spent doing baseboards all downstairs and a white wash project.  Not sure what we were thinking, but after a long day of work a warm savory home cooked meal was delicious.  

The next morning I prepped a side dish we were making while we watched the Macy's Day Parade. 

Then it was off to Shawn's parents house.  Reece napped most of the time in our trailer thats parked at their house.  Once she woke she devoured some charcoal grilled turkey and loved it.  We were both shocked at how much she ate.  Later it was off to see other family.  We had such a good time visiting that I didn't even take my phone out, hence no photos.  We made it home about 10pm I'd say that's a sign of a good time. 

Reece finally built up the courage to pose next to Santa and the teddy bear set up at Nana and Papa's.

The next day was the annual Christmas movie with cousins.  This year the kids had custom pj's and we sat outside around the fire while watching Home Alone (does this movie ever get old? No, the correct answer is no) on the projector. 

VETERANS WEEKEND

After a few full hook up trips we were ready for some boon docking.  We took advantage of the long holiday weekend and decided to head up to our spot in Payson.  The roads are no longer maintained which I think deters a lot of people from going as there were plenty of great spots.  This was also the first trip we had our razor which changes the level of fun for us! 

We didn't have the best spot there for sunsets because the trees were so much more dense.  We didn't mind it was just as beautiful.  Shawn's parents met us there with their RV.  The older girls went with them to some of the local lakes for some fishing.

Lots of razor rides were had...

Like usual Reece fell asleep with every ride.  This time she had a nose rest. LOL

 

We came across a camping site that had trash thrown all over the place.  It was really frustrating and disappointing to see.  We don't want one of our favorite camping spots shut down or permit only.  The silver lining was the learning experience instilled in our children. 

The last morning we were there Shawn and I were desperate for just a few more minutes of sleep.  I finally got myself out from under the warm covers to see this.  Ava crawled into the pack n play to be with Reece.  Such a sweet sister. 

When it was time to head home we casually got packed up and tried to enjoy the views just a little bit longer.  Unfortunately, there were problems with the truck and we couldn't go over 25mph.  So we were parked in this parking lot (one of the look out views) for a few hours while Shawn tried to trouble shoot the problem.   A few people stopped to offer help or water, there are still some good people in the world.  Shawn eventually made the decision to drive and see what happens.  We made it to the Auto Zone in Payson and had them figure out what code caused the check engine light to come on.  He figured out what he thought was the problem, but there was very little we could do about it at that point.  Not to mention the repair was in the thousands, ugh!  We headed home while I was on edge hoping the truck wasn't going to get us home safely and we would be stranded on the side of the highway with three kids and a dog.  Can't imagine the tow bill either.  Thankfully we did make it home safely and got the truck in for warranty repair the next day. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Meet our peacock, cheerleader, and Harley Quinn

We were anxiously anticipating how Reece would do this Halloween.  She was not a let down her love for candy, or sweets in general, is real!  Reece was a trooper!  She loved the candy and wasn't shy.  She would tell people "you're welcome" after receiving candy sometimes she said thank you but it was the cutest and she stole the hearts of so many neighbors. 

We have such a fun neighborhood during the holidays.  One of our neighbors set up a legit haunted house in their driveway.  It was the coolest and over the top in the most perfect way.  All it took was one turn of the corner and Reece saw a giant spider and I was holding her the rest of the way.  As we entered they had a code name for the older kids inside so they knew youngins' were coming and to turn down the scary a notch.  I'd be lying if I didn't jump a time or two.  So fun!!!

Reece continued her dressing up for the following week, until the costumes finally got put away.

She put this one together herself. LOL.

PRESCOTT, AZ

I had the idea of heading to Prescott for some festive small town events none of us had been before.  I figured we could do a day trip, but Shawn thought we should stay I mean why not.  So we searched for a full hook up spot because we loved it so much.  We found a site Point of Rocks not far from downtown.  Shawn's parents joined us with their RV and eventually Stacy and her family came too.  The best part of the stay was the park and the lake, beautiful views! 

The pumpkin festival was nothing special we didn't stay too long and headed to see some parts of downtown and grab some lunch before Reece's naptime. 

Here's the view from our spot. 

The girls loved the park and the candy most.  I can't say we would be anxious to go back to Prescott, but I'd be willing to give it another chance if the opportunity came up.