Flag Day...Father's Day

Wishing all the dads out there a happy Father's Day.  Hope you get to spend some of it with your kids...whether in be in person or by phone.  

Don't forget to display your patriotic pride today as well.  

Timm 

Chris and Scott 

Dad

The Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

This year it took two attempts to acquire our beloved Christmas tree.  The first weekend of December was bitter cold but we headed out anyway.  We were stopped just before the Virgin River Gorge by highway patrol.  They had closed the gorge due to black ice and snow.  We turned around and came home only to hunt another day.  

Our second attempt was successful.  We headed up Cedar Mountain, beyond Brianhead to the parking area outside Meadow Lake Estates.   We crossed the road and headed into the woods.  

I was not allowed to walk into the snow to hunt trees because of my recent knee replacements.  Scott, Timm and Christy all headed in to find our trees.  The snow was deeper than we thought it was, so it was probably a good thing I didn't wander off the road.  It certainly isn't as much as the snow though. 

We found our three trees pretty quickly.   

Christy really gets into this tradition of ours and she loves it too.  

Scott and Christy's tree. 

We even found a bird nest in one of the trees...super cool.  

The successful second attempt was a pretty quick trip but we still enjoyed lunch at Lupita's Mexican Restaurant in Cedar.  The dogs didn't go this year, Chris and Bri had to work.  I hope next year they are all able to go with us. 

Oak Creek Canyon, Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake

While in Williams, AZ we ventured over to Oak Creek Canyon.  What a pretty place it is.  I can only imagine what it must look like in the fall.   

Cassy loves to look out the window.  

One of the cactus blooms in the area. 

Timm loves drives like this.  

When the canyon opens up at the south end near Sedona the rock formations are spectacular. 

Cool refreshing water 

Cassy wanted in the water really bad but I don't think the fly fisherman would have appreciated it. 

We took Cassy Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake so she could swim. 

It really made her day! 

And of course, she needs to roll in the dirt afterwards.

Bearizona

While at the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival we took time to visit Bearizona again.  This was our third trip and it gets better each time we go.  They continue to work, build and grow the amazing park.  There are new animals and exhibits each time we go.   Here are some photos from our time there for you to enjoy.

Mountain goats 

Mountain Big Horn 

Wolf 

Wolves 

White Bison 

Desert Big Horn 

Bear 

Bear 

Porcupine 

Racoons 

Porcupine 

Linx 

Bear Cubs 

Bear Cubs 

Javalina...looks like he's sticking his tongue out at us but he's really smelling the air. 

Badger 

Falcon 

Owl

Timm 

Crystal

An Easter Ride

Last weekend was spent with family and friends as we enjoyed a barbecue for my birthday.  Yesterday I saw my kids, had doggie daycare and two weddings this weekend so Easter Sunday was spent with just the two of us.  We give praise to God for everything and know Christ is risen.

Since my quad has been out of commission for months and recently repaired, we set out for the desert hills of Nelson, NV.  The desert was gorgeous today!  It was a bright sunny day, the desert flowers are blooming and we enjoyed a peaceful ride over to Keyhole Canyon.

While there are a ton of petroglyphs on the rocks in that area, I found something I've not seen before in that area...painted glyphs.  You can always see and find something new...even in a place you've been to many times before.  I thought I'd share with you today.  Have a blessed Easter.