5th Anniversary and the Government Shutdown

We originally planned to do some backpacking in the Grand Canyon for our wedding anniversary.  But our permit was not granted.  And then the government shut down which means the canyon and many other National Parks closed.  So we improvised and went camping outside Sedona in an area that was new to both of us.

And then we found it: the perfect camp spot.

Begging for coffee?

"I hear something.  That way.  But I am too scared to bark and too lazy to move.  So I'll just stare at it."

 
Doggie headed off down the Dogie Trail...

 

 

If you look real close, and I mean REAL close, you'll see our white truck.
Best. camping. spot. ever.

To say that the dude was a little tired after our hike is an understatement. 
This happened as soon as we got back to our camp spot.

Filet Mignon and vegetable soup?  Damn right.

After we packed up the entire camp site and were double checking to see if we forgot anything, we caught a glimpse of this... and heard snoring.

Off to check out Robbers Rooste.

The trusty old Land Cruiser (with 215,000 miles) fearlessly led us down the unmaintained powerline road from our camp spot to the Highway on our way to Jerome.

I was stuck taking pictures through the window after getting stung by a wasp while driving with the windows down.

September, summarized

Summary of September, based on photos from my phone...





Scott went to Aspen for Labor Day weekend to play in his annual volleyball tournament.

Natalie and Miles out to dinner while daddy is away.

Daddy is gone?  Whit decided to paint, furnish and organize the office.

 

And while he was gone, I decided to paint the kitchen too.

Natalie's first braids.

At the dermatologist.

Being silly.

 Whit organized a surprise birthday get-together for Scott at a new brewery...

 

Natalie at her pretty school.

We attended a wedding on Friday the 13th...

 Natalie got a circus tent and tunnel...

Gus got a little lazier...

Natalie discovered her love of flamingoes...

 We had a few dinner parties...

 Natalie got bigger and smarter...

 Football / peanut season kicked into full swing...

And so much more...