Hometown fun...Round Valley style!

We spent a great weekend in Round Valley visiting with family and friends!  Kevin played in a softball tournament with his old high school baseball team, which benefited the Special Olympics.  It was fun to spend time with Chase, and his family, Andrea, and the wives/kids of the players.

LOVE these boys!

Of course, no weekend in the White Mountains would be complete without spending a little time in the forest!  Kevin dropped us off at our favorite camp site by the creek while he hiked up to place a trial camera.  The boys love exploring the creek and being outside, and I love the peace that being in the Mountains brings me!  This time we drove home via the New Mexico route.  It was beautiful and nice to have a little new scenery on the five hour trip!

Until next time.....lets say the end of July.....

Day 4-Sunrise Ski Resort

 The view from the top of Sunrise ski lift!! The boys loved to ride the ski lift so much we rode it four times!!!!! 

 We decided on our last ride to the top we would hike down the ski run, kids and all.

our attempt at a nice family photo....

butterfly....can you see it?

The Thome family

Me and Mason....my little guy!

Brandon showing off some more attitude....

 

We spent the day at the Sunrise Ski resort, enjoying the summer attractions!  We rode the "carpet slide", the ski lift, and hiked down the ski run!  It was a great day, unfortunately Daddy spent the morning in Show Low getting two new tires....thanks to the blow out the night before!

Day 3-scouting for animals!!!!

Can you see the antelope????

Ever the hunter, Mason insisted he bring his "binos" too

Brandon having a fit over not getting his way!  Note the tot-lock on his pocket securing his leatherman "squirt".

A cow elk with calf!!!!

We had a great day roaming around the forest looking for animals before heading to Big Lake to catch some fish and crawfish, which we caught one of each after four hours of fishing.  The fishing may not have been good but it is always relaxing to sit by the water. 
Unfortunately, on the way back to the cabin, we had a tire blow out but we salvaged the evening by eating, drinking, and playing cards!

Day 2-target practice.....

Brandon and Allison

Chloe getting in some target practice

Mason and Daddy, somebody likes to shoot

Allison and Uncle Kevin

Brian showing off the mohawk, after a few cocktails, of course!

Day 2 found us rooming the forest looking for a good spot to target practice.  All the kiddos, except for Brandon were super excited to get a turn! 

Knick's Ranch Cabin in Greer, AZ

The Knick's Ranch cabin in Greer, where we spent our annual Thome-Payne trip!  The cabin was challenging to find last night in the dark but well worth it!  It was not as secluded as the Cowley cabin but every bit as nice!  Can't wait for next year!!!!

Annual Thome-Payne vacay-Day 1 @ Greer Reservoir

The Thome family

Taking shelter from the wind!

The Payne family looks forward to the Annual Thome-Payne family trip each year, and for the second year in a row, we went "cabining".  This year we were at the Knicks Ranch cabin in Greer and it was beautiful!
Day one found us at Greer Reservoir, where the winds were howling and we got sprinkled on!  The kids decided they were ready to go back to play at the cabin, so we loaded up and headed back.

Josh & Mackenzie's graduation 6/2014

Josh & Mackenzie

Happy graduation Josh!  Can't wait to see what your future holds!!!!!

Pre-graduation party -Day 3

 Gwen and I had to at least try to defend our Ladder ball title, but unfortunately the "boys" won this year.  That's alright, everybody needs a win now and then.....we'll get you boys next time!

 Mom, Bill, Linda, and Josh

Josh and Don!  Note that Don is wearing the scrubs he wore the day Josh was born, a father's love!

South Haven, MI -Day 2

 We spent the morning at South Haven (on lake Michigan).  It was a great day, the water was clear and we got to peruse the shops and have lunch after hanging out on the pier.  The water was cool but it was a nice sunny day!  

Hanging out on the dock!  Josh is out in the boat, trying to catch some fish.