We went camping on along the Verde River last night with long-time friends. We were only about 15 miles SE of Cave Creek (i.e. about an hour away from our house) but it felt like we'd embarked on a big adventure. The weather was perfect! Some people were even swimming in the river despite the fact it is November. We actually could've been those people if Silas' had his way. I guess I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I'm normally all for that kind of thing. But it's supposed to be nearing winter...right? Anyhow, you'll notice Silas' normally very long shorts (due to his, relatively, very short legs and still chunky body) are rolled up into daisy dukes in my attempt to keep him dry. An attempt, I might add, that was at least slightly more successful than James' attempt.James and Nate:
Lisa and baby Jacob:

Smiley Jacob:
We had a sweet little hike right near our campsite. Silas really enjoyed hiking. And if it weren't for the cholla cactus pieces lodged along the main drainage/trail, he probably could've made it the whole way without being carried.

Lovely view of the Verde River. Maybe you can even see our not-so-little tent on the middle-right part of the photo. We were pretty high up...because our family camping tent is like a dome-shaped palace (at least when compared to a backpacking tent). We've got room for a queen-sized inflatable mattress, a pack'n play and six more kids (just in case...ha ha!).

You may see this family photo again soon...
We love making pancake breakfasts on car camping trips. I think James liked it too.
Here is Silas before and after the blueberry pancake explosion:
and here is Silas after a great time camping!!