Flagstaff , AZ

Downtown Flagstaff is so charming. There are cute historic buildings and homes, murals and fun shops. We drove around early in the day when shops were closed but stopped for some murals. Zara especially, but Beatrix too.

We visited this little library last time. It’s actually near the  Coconino Library in downtown Flagstaff.

The little library is in Wheeler Park. I didn’t know the name of this park before but when we noticed Zara and I had to get out and tale a picture to send to Avery who was at FSY. It’s a little joke sort of.

We actually drove on part of the Route 66 a couple times. Mom told me it turns 100 next year!

The hotel is the same as last year. Pretty basic but it’s a good price and has a pool. The water was cold for a warm day. Colder than we are used to but all kids got it and swam for a little bit.

We have visited Thorpe Park several times ever since taking family photos in this area. That was for our 10 year anniversary and we’re coming up on 20 next spring.

The library has a really cool children’s room. Lots of mini boats, castles, dragons and that sort of cool crafty things on the book shelves. There’s a mural on the bathroom door wall and these colorful Alice in Wonderland paintings.

 Monday night we grabbed some buy one get one free papa John’s pizza and ate to me near North Morton, my dorm in north campus NAU. The weather was perfect, food was tastey and I’m glad we decided last minute to stay overnight and spend some extra time up north.

Walnut Canyon National Monument

17 minutes away from NAU and just outside Flagstaff.

There are several remnants of cliff dwellings and several you can see in the distance.

There’s a steep climb down with lots of stairs to a loop around about 1 mile total.

The far side was more forest and the start is a little more desert.

There trail is often on a cliff with a steep drop off that was scary for Rupert. I didn’t realize he was scared of heights. I am too but he was more sensitive. Proud of him for continuing the whole way.

 Rupert and Beatrix both earned their junior park badge just like at the Grand Canyon last month. Such a great program and we always learn so much!

This has been on my Arizona travel list for years so it was wonderful finally coming. We even used Rupert’s National park pass to get in free! 

Girl treat

 

I’m still recovering from the Flagstaff/Sedona road trip. It took a lot out of me. Just a quick stop in to share about our girls cookie trip to Crumbl tonight. 

We had free cookie coupons that needed to be used. Zara picked the Twix cookie, Beatrix the Oreo and me a Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Mine was like a snickerdoodle but I actually prefer Chunk cookies snickerdoodle to this one.

Kristy was back at work as a teacher so we had CJ and Teddy for the first time this new school year. I’ll have them over again tomorrow. 

It was nice for Rupert especially. Speaking of Rupert, Andrew took him to get a free cookie after we got back. :)

Last week was a full week with synchro and swim divisionals, then camping and then this week started off in Flagstaff and Sedona that I didn’t get a chance to meal plan and food shop so that’s what I did today.

I was craving some good whole foods and protein. Just more balanced meals.

For dinner I made spaghetti with homemade meatballs, roasted cauliflower and a salad. I doubled the meatballs and sauce for yummy lunch leftovers. Andrew is going to have a great lunch tomorrow!

Flagstaff FSY

This is Avery’s third year going to FSY, all of them at NAU, all of them the last full week of summer. Each time she’s had a different roommate though.

The first year it was Maimoa in our ward. Last summer it was Avery’s best friend Ella Johnson. This summer she gets to room with Lizette, her cousin bestie.

I got to drive the girls up as well as Joseph who never plans a roommate so he can be surprised and make a new friend. Joseph is so cool.

Zara, Rupert and Beatrix came along so we could continue some fun up north.

Avery and Lizzy are in Riley Hall which was my friend Geneva’s dorm our freshman year.

 

So many memories at NAU, it’s always nostalgic driving around campus. I know I say this every time b ur NAU and Flagstaff have changed so much since Andrew and I lived here.

After FSY drop off I took the younger three kids on some adventures that I’ll share more about next time. We’re still living them. :)

Sunday princess

 Beatrix put a princess dress on before church and there was no changing her mind. It was frustrating at first but once we got to church and there were a lot of smiles, it was cute.

 I love how she doesn’t care what other people think. Such confidence, I admire it.

Camping: upper canyon creek

Yesterday we left to camp near Airplane Flats at Upper Canyon Creek with Chris and his boys. The campsites were really crowded so we lucked out in getting on of the last empty campsites. 

We camp here are the time. It’s just a nice area about 50 minutes east of Payson with a creek. The fresh air was just amazing. Bring outside in nature but particularly the ponderosa pines.

Sandals for city girls. We switched into running shoes later.

Beatrix is so cute in these red converse high tops.

The creek is always a highlight.

Zara and I both read in bed before getting for the day. Zara is on Keeper of the Lost Cities book 6 and I finished reading Austenland by Shannon Hale. It was a reread. Reading my kindle while traveling is so convenient,

Beatrix found this cool boomerang looking stick.

We kept food simple. Yogurt bowls with sausages for breakfast. Andrew had a oatmeal packet with chocolate chips.

Zara thought that his red pine cone looked cool.

I braided both girl’s hair cute and all the kids and I did temporary freckle tattoos just for fun! Our ward did this at girls camp I thought it was a cool idea and wanted to do it again so ordered some cheap in Amazon and this seemed like a good time.

 We all got so dirty have just 24 hours. That’s camping for you! It was so dry. We weren’t allowed to do campfires this time but with the camping burners we still had s’mores.

So worth the long drive. It was a good time.