Fall Family Fun

Some of the family was camping at Mauthe Lake the weekend we were in town, and there were lots of fun fall activities planned for everyone to enjoy there.

 

Jacinta was ready to hop right into the fall spirit.

 

The setting was perfect.

 

While some were carving pumpkins on Saturday afternoon, Jacinta preferred to wander. She wanted to make sure I was getting my exercise.

 

That evening the kids got decked out in their Halloween costumes. Veronica is obviously a fire-breathing dragon.

 

Though there was some question of whether or not dragons can fly.

 

Time for a costume parade!

 

Jacinta’s wandering tendencies meant she had to be contained by Daddy. Marching in formation just isn’t her thing.

 

Time to Trick or Treat!

 

And what kid doesn’t enjoy Trick or Treating?

 

Then some games were in order.

 

And though I missed getting pictures of the pumpkin carving in progress, Veronica did get to pose with her pumpkin she “carved.” With a marker.

 

Sunday was another chance for everyone to get together and play. Even Jacinta joined in chasing the bubbles.

 

Her wanderer’s heart did contemplate escape now and then.

 

But a little impromptu song and dance drew her back in.

 

There was also some time for fishing, which Veronica was looking forward to.

 

With a little help, she reeled one in for Papae.

 

She was excited to get up close and personal with the fish.

 

Eventually she even caught one with her cane pole. She was pretty disappointed to have to throw it back in. Unfortunately I missed all the action on that one, as I was on Jacinta duty back on shore and not on the pier.

 

We had lots of fun over the weekend, and it was great being able to spend time with everyone.

 

Thanks to all whose planning and hard work made it possible!

Next up, a long-awaited fall visit to the The Little Farmer!

Mauthe Lake

So I am way behind on my vacation blogging. I am going to do my best to catch up, I just have so many pictures to sort through! I think over a two day period I took more than 500 pictures. Just to give you an idea. That is a lot more than usual, for sure.

Anyway, I’ve already posted our whirlwind first weekend of events, including the Airshow, Wedding and Baptism. On day four - which was Monday the 2nd - the schedule included a trip to Mauthe Lake for swimming (if desired) and tasty food. We were celebrating all the summer birthdays, as well as sending off Paul’s cousin John Michael who is joining the best branch of the military – the Marines!

 

It wasn’t a long drive, and it was filled with things we usually don’t see here in Arizona. Fields and fields of flowers and green stuff.

 

There were some neat houses to see on the way, too. This was the only one I got a good picture of.

 

Cows! It must be Wisconsin.

 

Ahhh, the Eden Meat Market. We think of you fondly when we are apart. It’s in the middle there.

 

Windmills were recently erected around the countryside to take advantage of the wind (naturally). Some people think they are an eyesore, but I rather like them. What’s that you say? It’s because I don’t have to look at them every day? Maybe.

 

The kids were ready to play on the beach. I still have a hard time thinking of it as a beach, since it is a lake and not the ocean. But it has sand.

 

 

Perfect for making sand castles. Towers. Structures. Whatever.

 

Pausing to admire the beauty of the scene?

 

Everyone got in on the action.

 

Some liked to direct.

 

Some liked to build. A moment alone to actually get something done!

 

 

Some liked to just watch from the sidelines. And suck their fingers. I am definitely in this category, minus the finger-sucking.

 

“Wait, it looks like Daddy is actually making progress out there.”

 

“I’ll take care of this!”

 

“There…

 

…that should do it.”

 

There was also fishing, which was a success.

 

At least, it was if your goal was keeping the kids entertained. They were too few and too small to be cooked and eaten. The fish I mean, not the kids. Anyway, better luck next time!

 

And after fun at the lakeside, we gathered back at camp, AKA Aunt Yvonne and Uncle Al’s camper. There was lots of tasty food for dinner (and dessert!), and plenty of time to hang out and visit.

 

All in all, a fun day and pleasant evening. The only drawback was the constant mosquito presence. I guess they were hungry, too.