Sunday, October 21, 2012

KOKO-MO

We've traveled with our dear friends for years now.  Each time we travel, we try going somewhere new to check out new things and make multitudes of memories doing so.  
We were itching for some cold weather since summer continues to drag on in Phoenix. Jason has a coworker who owns a cabin, 'Koko's View,' in Prescott.  It was tricky getting there, but well worth it.  As we pulled up in the pitch darkness with headlights shining on an empty cabin, it was an eerie and creepy 'Cabin in the Woods' feel.   It made us wonder what we had gotten ourselves into.  But once we turned the key, opened the door and turned on the lights, it felt like home. Cozy, warm, and woodsy.  The view was fabulous overlooking Thumb Butte.   
What a way to wake up:  great view, a family of deer, deer calls, the sound of wind in the pines, a cool chill in the air, a cup of hot cocoa in hand, conversation and entertainment.


The ever living 'Ding-a-dur.'
So we had big plans while we were there, none of which panned out.  First, was to go horseback riding, of which got cancelled due to horses being 'unavailable.' Whatever that means. Our ATV plans also fell through. So, we took our guns and prepared for the zombie apocalypse:


HOT


HOTTER  :)


HOTTEST X 2


'Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you.'
It was a cloudy day...apparently the glasses were for 'cool' factor.


Caity being effective in the construction of the pigeon throw.



Proved his effectiveness in our group in the survival of the apocalypse.


Before the kickback on the shoulder.   After, it was all tears.


Thinking they're going to get off Scott free.




Receiving instruction.


First time ever firing a shotgun.  Loved it, but it took me three times to hit my pigeon.


Toughest 90 pounder I know.



My money shot.  $$$ Give me my 9mm, and they don't stand a chance.
After running out of ammo, we chilled at the cabin, made some comfort food, played some serious games including Bop It.  We went to see the movie Hotel Transylvania (hilarious) and had some horrible Garcia's Mexican food after.

Dancin' the moves.


Driving the bus.



Distractions.


Getting ready to school everyone.

And...I bombed.
Later that night, Suzy and I stayed up way too late...






Our next destination was a scenic drive through Jerome, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, to Snow Bowl in Flagstaff.  The plan had been to ride the ski lift at sunset, because of rain we wanted to arrive sooner than later.  Upon arrival, lifts were closed due to the weather but there were NO complaints, it was too beautiful and fun to be high in the air, we were meant to be in the heart of it.



The background is so spectacular it looks fake...like a JCPenney backdrop.








Typical...I'm the only one taking things seriously.





With his continual annoyance of snow balls, he has definitely qualified for Deacon's Quorum.


 Jason's grimacing because he is fully aware of the shadow behind with a snowball in hand.



Instead of getting pelted, Suzanne and I went for the traditional snow egg toss.




Russian spy.



Never mentally graduated from Deacon's Quorum.



Ensign cover page.

Yeah, I fell...so what!!
Later, we went on a hike to the Lava River Cave also known as the Lava Tubes.  Definite rock climbing involved in the beginning but smooths as you hike further in. Headlamp and/or flashlight are a must, without it's pitch black.  
It was amazing and even with the 'Wind Breaker' was worth every step.


Signing in... in case we go 'missing.'


The entrance.


Into the abyss.


A quarter way in.

Picture taken in complete darkness.
Next day, Mortimer Farms, and it reminded me so much of home.  


We split by families and competed through the maze.  Tanner's were victorious.  I know my way through corn!  


Mine is bigger.


Nathan wanted to do the rodeo so bad, so we paid $15 for about 3 seconds (worse than a video game), but he did fantastic and I was so proud of him for being so brave.







Gettin' bucked.


The dismount.


And...he's down!!



I LOVE the look of happiness on his face.


My future cowboy...giddy-up.



Shopping for...corn.  -__-


Pumpkin Patch



Out of everything, one of my most favorite memories and moments of the trip was:




Normally we're lucky to see a couple stars, so this was a treat, even more sweet with thee best company.



Another one for the books. 
Photobucket






2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Inside a nearly sealed lava cave is a bad place to suddenly smell sulfer.

Suzy said...

Ding-a-durs, "Wind Breaker", zebra pants, Sid impressions, farmers trying to bribe our daughters into marrying their sons! etc, etc. We laughed until we cried reading this and remembering the adventures. I have not had so much fun in a loonnnggg time! Star-gazing, late-night chats, the first snow, and the best of friends! For an imperfect trip it could not have been more perfect, or better medicine. Our memories and your friendship are such treasures to us. We love you guys!!

*

..

Map

Blog Archive