{Family Time} Flagstaff Weekend

 Over Labor Day weekend we headed to Flagstaff for some family time and a visit with friends. As the kids get older, our family trips are less work and more fun. There's no more hauling around a diaper bag or planning our day around naps. I look forward to our adventures and feel more relaxed during our time away. 

With each trip and each passing year, there are so many moments that I was to freeze and keep forever. 

I want to remember how much they enjoyed the fair, even though it was raining and so cold. 

I want to remember Shelby holding Cooper's hand as they ran from ride to ride. 

I want to remember how fearless Cooper was. No ride was too big or too scary for him. If Shelby was going on it, so was he. 

I want to remember the look of pure joy as the spun around one of those crazy rides I wouldn't be caught dead on. 

I want to remember how the both slept in past 9 a.m. after our late-night adventures. This never, ever happens.

I want to remember how Mike and I powered through a very tough run. The altitude difference and steep inclines almost broke us. But we did it. And it felt like such a huge accomplishment. 

I want to remember how easy it was for Cooper to settle back into his friendship with Cael. They see each other a few times a year, but the way Cooper acts and talks to Cael you'd think they see each other every day. 

I want to remember shopping with Shelby and hitting up all her favorite places in Flagstaff. 

I want to remember Shelby getting treats at the sweet shop and how she made sure she got something special for her brother. 

I want to remember a fully-clothed Cooper running through the sprinkler park at the outlet mall. He had to be stripped down to nothing and rode the rest of the way home in underwear. 

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Until our next adventure, I'll hold these memories close to my heart.