cabin life

Mike's parents have a cabin in the mountains, about two and a half hours away. Since Mike and the kids are off on fall break this week, we spent a few days there unwinding in the cool, non-internet connected air.

Cabin life means pulling out our warmest clothes and realizing that we don't have any warm clothes.

It means long walks in the evenings.

And two out of four kids who willingly pose for photos.

Cabin life means at least one night around the fire pit roasting marshmallows.

And it means lots of lazy afternoons, reading books or playing games.

My favorite thing about going to the cabin is seeing my kids happy together. They genuinely get along with each other, and I love the bonds of friendship they form when it's just our little family without any distractions. If I was an emoji, I'd have all the heart eyes.

And now I think we are ready to get back at it. Maybe? Well, after this weekend, for sure. School (and all the housework), here we come. In a few days. :)

fall break, cabin style

My kids had fall break last week, so we spent a few days at my in-law's cabin in Heber, Arizona. It was still 100 degrees when we left the valley, so the cooler mountain temperatures felt really great.

Our days looked a lot like this: staying outside all day collecting rocks, playing games with cousins, and reading. We came home relaxed and ready for a new season.

By day the fire pit acted as a school room.

By night it was s'mores central.

On the way home we stopped at the Mogollon Rim lookout point. Sometimes it's nice to remind myself that Arizona is a really beautiful place.

And good news, our high is only going to be 79 today! Every fall I feel like I should win some sort of award for surviving another Arizona summer. I think the cooler temperatures are here to stay. We've made it once again. Phew.

at the cabin

About two and a half hours from this hot, hot valley, is a place where huge pines cover the land and storms roll in every afternoon. Where sweaters are required, even in August. Lucky for us, Mike's parents bought a cabin there this summer and gave us a copy of the key. We went up for the first time last weekend and had such a nice trip. We can't wait to go back!

S'mores the first night, of course.

Not sure why this shop sells Alien statues, but my kids were fans.

My favorite part of the whole weekend, aside from the incredible weather, was the lack of electronics. There was no tv, no iPads - I didn't even bring my phone! It was so relaxing. We read books, played board games, went for walks, and explored outside. It was such a nice escape. I think we like the small town life. Thanks Heber, we'll be back!