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July 17-23



Less than twenty-four hours after I returned from camping, I packed these faces - plus Gabe and James into the car and we headed West.

It has been more than two years since I have been in Flagstaff and it was a much needed visit to my roots and my family.

I chose the hottest week of the summer to drive across New Mexico and hang out in Arizona. My family is not the 'hang out by the pool' sort of family. Rather they are the 'run as many miles as you can in scalding heat' kind of family. So we did. And we were super hot, but it was fun too.


I have been knitting this scarf for my mom for a few months with yarn that her sister gave me years ago before she passed. I was happy to give my mom a bit of her sister back.



Outside of roasting in the heat and running, we had to fuel all of these bodies. This means that we spent a great deal of time in grocery stores and Sam's Club. These are the rules, friends. Run a lot, you need food.


And drinks. Not to be outdone by his sister and her great drink pics from Costa Rica, Jamie tried to impress with one of his own.


There are the peaks who have dominated my life.

And these are the people who have dominated my life.


My dad made Jamie and Gabe a toolbox.


Wednesday we picnicked in Sedona.







And we all practiced photo-bombing












And admired cakes.


And bibs that appear custom made.


And wine-tasted


And waited.
















A rare photo with all of us. 


Here is Tony and his gang (we missed Nat, Kev, and Merri).








We had the most fun. I made Sharon pose with my drink because she is cute and my drink needed a model.


Thursday morning




We met Dan at Macy's pre-hike. If you are from Flagstaff, you know. If not - I can't help you. But you should try it.

And then we hiked. In the heat with my baby puppies, which was not my best choice.



But there were butterflies.



I love my family so much. I am so lucky to have parent, siblings, in-laws, and nieces who come to see me and value our time together.





The dogs were hot.


Too hot. So, Jamie and I headed back.

Thursday afternoon.


When I saw my best, favorite Debra and her skeleton.


I love her so much.


Despite sore, hot paws, Snips enjoyed her time with Finn. He enjoyed his time with Charlie much less. Charlie is somewhat dominant, despite being a chihuahua and Finn is a huge lab. No one really understands what has happened here.

We headed over to Willow Bend in Flagstaff on Saturday to check out their gardens and learning center. It was very hot, but really neat to see. We really loved the butterfly mural.



Mae


Dan


Gabe


Deanna


Dad


Mom











The best Saturday.






And it was Rhianna's birthday!! Please note that thus far I have had birthdays with all of Alicia's girls so far this year. Audrey is my last hold out and I am counting on her.


We also love Josh and cake. And I am so tired and I cannot think of more things to say. I am hiding in my week of introversion. So here we all. This is all I have left today.




 Photos I wish I had taken: Joel, Gabe and I running. More of Tony and Jennie. More of Mindy and Julie and Matt. More of my dad. And lots more of everyone. Yet, as I look over these photos, I think to myself that the fact I have missing pictures is more of a testimony to the wonderful time we had. We are a busy family and we were so busy, I forgot to take a lot of pictures.

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