spring break, mountain style!

we are so lucky to be surrounded by generous friends and neighbors who invite us to their great mountain retreats.  usually, we've gotten away during the dog days of summer (and fall), but this time we went during spring break, and there was actually a little bit of snow.  

 this poor kid has inherited pink furry snow boots and pink gloves.  since this is likely his only snow day this year, we were not willing to make a more masculine investment.  

 the double-decker view from the family room of  this cabin is amazing.  me and my sore back enjoyed it very well during our stay.  

 some may have said, "there's not enough snow for a snow man." but these 4 proved them all wrong!

 here is our favorite activity up there, quad riding.  the scenery is too delicious not to explore.  and the quad gets us places we wouldn't otherwise be able to go.  we got stuck twice and lost 2 machines to repairs, but we still had an amazing time.  

 the girls had so much fun playing with Conner. 

 the quad takes us to such amazing places to hike and explore. 

 we got to see some cool Native American hieroglyphics.  

 love my boys!

 we rode to the top of a neighboring mountain for a fun and delicious picnic in the snow.  

 quad/rhino rides are also excellent for lulling nappers to sleep!

big thanks to the Whites for sharing their piece of heaven with us.  we love the opportunity to explore and play!

camping portraits

so, since my portraits while camping were so successful last year, i planned some this this time also.  Colin has this completely adorable hat he inherited from Sawyer, and a shirt, jeans, a little sweatshirt/coat, it was the perfect ensemble i used to anchor everyone else's outfits.  

Madeline rocked it out in this brown couroroy dress and velvet blazer.  

 Avery was a perfect picture in her khaki dress and gray jacket.  

 striped tights and pink beret.  

 And Anna dressed up her neutrals with a huge flower and spunky boots.  

 i was loving everything about this photo op.  the light was gorgeous, the girls adorable.  

 there was just one problem.  Colin.  the boy who inspired it all,just wasn't having it.  he would absolutely not wear the ever important hat.  he wouldn't sit for a portrait of his own, he wouldn't join in the fun with the girls.  all he would do is sit and cry.  poor baby boy.  this is the only shot of all four kids.  

next time.  

camping, our favorite family activity

so, our favorite camping spot is covered in wild flowers and cows.  now, i've always had a thing for cows, so i always take a million pictures of them hanging around.  who could resist that face?

 the kids are so cute setting up the tent and their beds.  these two little cuddle bugs. 

and look at these  big girls gathering firewood and helping dad get the fire ring all set up.

 Bubba!  he is just too cute for words. 

 the girls brought notebooks, or as Anna called hers a "nacher journal."  they wrote down everything they saw.  Anna (because she is the only one who really has a good handle on writing) broke her notebook down into categories, "land, air, and water."  she wrote down all the animals and foliage she found in those places, with pictures.    

 potato lake is one of the most beautiful places.  of course the first time we were there the water was a lot higher and bluer.  but even since the water turned green and lowered, the little meadow has stayed to intriguing to us.  

 my little sweet maddie wanted a picture with me by the fire.  

 then i snapped one of all my loves!

super dad. 

 we were with our cousins, so we got a shot of our whole family.  

 Anna took here "nacher journal" very seriously.  

 here we are on top of the Mogollon rim.  the views are amazing.  we've considered camping here a few times, but the wind can really pick up, and sleeping in a tent with 4 kids can be hard enough.  

 look at these girls checking out the views.  

 i die, how amazing are these girls.  

 this is one of my favorite places in the world.  i have a fantasy wedding all planned out in this glen.  guests can stay in Strawberry and then take hummers up to the ceremony reception site.  seriously, call me if your interested.  in the meantime, we enjoyed the balance beam act these kids put on.  

 i love the passing of the flower!  so cute.  

 so, i totally brought adorable clothes to make portraits of the kids while we were up here.  that's for another post.  the portraits are so cute, but these snapshots say a thousand words too!

 now can you see why we call this guy Mr. Handsome?

 i think i could stay up here forever, sometimes we joke about living "off the grid".  buying a trailer and living off the land.  obviously, not going to happen, but it's fun to dream.  and speaking of dreams, here's my dreamy two men:

Colin loves his daddy time.  oh and his oreos, see the oreo crumbs on his mouth?  love these lover boys!