Good Eats and Gourds (1)

So as you know every year we like to try out a different pumpkin patch. After six years we've pretty much figured out what we like and don't like. What we do like: BBQ and farms. So we did both this year. One of our favorite BBQ places opened up a new location right across from a farmstead so we made an afternoon of it. My favorite pix are of Dillon's uber serious expression, really getting into her GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) costume at the BBQ joint.

Pout face.

Showing off our birthday manicures.

Quinn as wrestler/train conductor.

Gearing up for some yummy 'cue.

Dillon exuberance at its finest!

Zoo News

It's been awhile since we've done a zoo update so here are some more pix from our favorite tourist attraction!

Dillon found some flamingos and a giraffe to hang out with.

Sisters meet Rex, the newest zoo lion.

We FINALLY made it onto a bus tour.

Tie-dye gal pals.

Quinn is still pretty much terrified of characters.

Dillon, Quinn and Reece found ANOTHER lion.

Capitol Reef Road Trip (7)

To wrap up our grand adventure...

...did we mention our car broke down on our way to Capitol Reef? And that we got the last rental car in town? And that it was the beginning of about 500 times moving the car seats from one vehicle to another. Yup, that totally happened.

Very cramped in the back of the tow truck.

Pretending to drive at the auto shop.

We stopped in Las Vegas again--Henderson actually. It was--no surprise--really hot!

A fierce ping pong competition.

Chess for one.

Trying to take a picture with zero participant cooperation.

Palm trees a'plenty on the property.

And finally, let us acknowledge how you cannot pass through the California desert without thinking of U2...well played, Bono. Well. Played.

Black and white.

Color.

Capitol Reef Road Trip (3)

Capitol Reef National Park was gorgeous! So many great hikes, beautiful vistas, and fun times together as a family. We also met up with my dear friend Lynn and her family (the last time I saw her boys, Quinn didn't even exist).

A short hike to a stunning view at Gooseneck.

Just as impressive in black and white.

It was surprising how much greenery there was.

Gorge-ous.

Dillon up high.

She may have over-accessorized.

Quinny girl.

Capitol Reef Road Trip (1)

We went on a road trip to Utah this summer so get ready for A TON of photos! Starting with...

...a trip to Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, CA. I think this is quintessential "roadside America." It was a neat installation but OMG hot as Hades.

Mom is never in the photos...

Dillon is almost hiding in this one.

Fun signs.

Local craft beer bottles.

Folk art.

Rusty typewriters (this place has it all).

Close to Barstow.

Everything too hot to touch.

Happy selfie.

Quinn wore her birthday crown to lunch.

Words to live by in the diner.

Camping with the Coopers (1)

Lucky us, we squeezed in another camping trip this summer, this time with the Coopers (we've camped with them before here and here). It was just me and Quinn this time as Dillon had a school activity she didn't want to miss. I'm not sure Quinn actually likes camping--she definitely doesn't like the buggies.

Dirty camping selfie.

Strolling through the meadow.

She saw the boys shirtless and thought "equality!"

Nice to breathe in the trees.

Quinn's first attempt at rock climbing.

Sister Kitty came along too.

America: Hot Dogs for Every Man, Woman and Child (2)

And some pix on the golf course. Some people had a snow cone machine and were happily handing them out to any children passing by (i.e., Dillon and Quinn). If you want to see some pix from years past, look here and here.

Free range children.

Quinn was not a willing participant.

Annual wild animal photo.

Snow cones!

Michelles Go Camping (2)

More from our Memorial Day Weekend camping trip!

Enjoying the Pacific Crest Trail.

Pine cone mobiles.

You are here.

Quinn's wake up face.

Campfire secrets.

Zonked.