WE HAVE A FAMILY HOMESTEAD

in the middle of nowhere but it's not our family's anymore. We got land coordinates, a BLM map and drove out to it. It was posted private property and that they will prosecute, but we were so curious we kept on driving, and driving, and driving.
We came upon the owner of the property and after explaining to him why we were trespassing, he was super nice and didn't prosecute. He knew where on his property our relatives had homesteaded, told us what he knew about our family history and even drove us up there in his pickup, since last year the road had been washed out due to the 100 year flood.
The house was no longer standing, but we found remains of, what we are assuming is, where they kept the turkeys they raised.
We found metal debris of a wood burning stove, a bed frame turned into a gate, another type of frame and a pot.
This ash tree, we are assuming, my great-grandparents planted. It is completely out of place among the hillside desert landscape.

It was amazing being on this property and seeing the harsh land that my great-grandparents turned into a home.

On the way off the property, we found a rad Jiminy Cricket. This desert locust was the hugest thing I've ever seen.

I AM INTRIGUED BY MY

2nd great-grandfather, George W. Huntzinger, (1851-1944), who lived an interesting, mischievous and somewhat mysterious life. I'm having so much fun getting to know him while putting the pieces of his life together.The photo I'm holding, in the above photo, is a parade on this street. The cute, elderly gentleman, holding the American flag, is George.

We found the Elk's Lodge where he was a member. The Elk's lodge was his life and they called him 'Dad" Huntzinger, which I think is so sweet. According to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, this Elk's Lodge building is the tallest, 3-story brick, building in the world. The lodge has moved and this building is now an antique mall.
George lived on one of the main streets in town, in an apartment above a store, but unfortunately, the building had been torn down.

He died at age 92, in Globe, where he had lived for almost 40 years. We found him in the Globe Cemetery, thanks to the Gila County Historical Museum, but was so sad to see that someone had stolen his burial marker. Getting that replaced is on the top of my list.

Although I was hoping to find a plethora of information on George, I'm happy with the information I was able to verify and thrilled to see where he called home.

TOMBSTONE,

albeit touristy, is such a fun town. Lach was in a sensory magicland, soaking up every Tombstone sight. As if I had put him on repeat, I heard, "dis is SO cool" and "hey mom, check dis out." He put almost everything in the town on his wish list.

The Earp brothers and Doc Holiday told Lach to look at the camera but not to smile and to look mean. I think he did a pretty good job.
One of the shows was a cute, silly, slapstick cowboy act. He loved yelling "BOO" at the bad guy and "YAY" for the good guy. Hearing him giggle was the best part of the show, especially when the cowboy ran into the wall, and it made me want to buy an Apple Dumpling Gang DVD just to keep hearing that cute, contagious laugh of his.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

They are at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This place is cool beans. It is a natural history museum, zoo and desert botanical garden in one place.This was one of Lach's favorite places. "Wolfie" joined our family and he discovered the javalina, or as he calls them, "stinky, stinky piggies!" And it's true, they are rank!

MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC

is also known as the White Dove of the Desert. The Catholic mission was founded in 1692, this current church was built in 1783 and it is a beautiful sight in the desert.

I'M IN LOVE WITH ARIZONA

We had so much fun while we were there. I have loads of photos to go through and I can't wait to show you where we visited.

We saw desert cottontails, lizards galore, amazing cactus, crazy huge grasshoppers, met up with a high school friend I hadn't seen for 25 years (no photo, sniff), met blogging friend, Christina and the gang from Full House (no photo, double and triple sniff), had dinner with my aunt and uncle and cousins (you guessed it, no photos - gah!!), swam in the gorgeous Arizona sun with my wee-est, could have been arrested for trespassing but thankfully wasn't because the man was really, really nice and awesome, drove all over the middle of nowhere, fired my father from pumping our gas, almost fired him from navigating too, saw a wild coyote and that's not all folks.

I'm already planning my next Arizona getaway.

SEE YA'LL AT THE END OF THE MONTH

Photo from here.

I don't know who the photographer is. Does anyone know, so I can credit?

The LongBoardLarry mobile is being loaded up with me, the wee-est, grandma and grandpa and we are heading down to Arizona. I'm giddy with excitement.

I have A LOT on the Arizona itinerary and have high expectations. And, I'm vowing not to complain once about the heat. Not a peep. I'm just sure of it.

While I'm away, check out these cool links:

~This rocking bed is rad, and it reminded me that I really want to go zorbing.

~One of these days, I'm going to make a Union Jack pillow. Love them!

~This video will melt your heart with sweetness.

~My man clan will love me forever when I make these for them.

~This is at the top of my list to do in October.

~I think I'll die if I see one of these. Seriously. Have you ever and lived to tell the tale?

IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY TO

celebrate Laird's birthday. He's turning 14 on Sunday, but we celebrated early because I'm going to be out of town.The family came over to watch him open presents, sing Happy Birthday and eat cake and ice cream.

Laird is an awesome person. Funny, helpful, happy-go-lucky, thoughtful, loving, smart and a wonderful brother and son.

We love you Laird!

Happy birthday!

RUB THE BUDDAH

He.loves.bellyrubs.

If you want to be his best friend, rub his belly.

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT FARMER'S MARKETS

1. Fresh produce

2. Bouquets of flowers

3. Honey

4. Meeting/supporting local business

5. Walking hand in hand through the crowd with at least one of my man clan

6. The aroma of food

7. Seeing the art of handmade

8. Friendly atmosphere

9. People watching

10. Buying mango lemonade

What are your favorite things to buy and see at your Farmer's Market?

LILY'S DIARY

I turned one on Sunday. I feel older though, I feel like I'm seven.

To celebrate, my parents had a family birthday party for me this weekend. My mom is still afraid of dogs, but she likes my friend, Bella, so she was invited. Bella doesn't bark at her and is very sweet to everyone. I have a lot to learn from Ms. Bella, she's going to teach me to be a classy pup vs spazzy pup.

On the menu:

Doggie Floats (a.k.a. Rootbeer Floats)

Vanilla Cupcakes

Rice Krispie Bones

Sugar Cookie Bones

Rice Krispie Kibble

And just for the dogs, goodie bags with treats from the Petco Doggie Buffet.

It was a HOT day. After everyone left, I was pooped.

I can't wait for my party next year. My mom said we are going to have a hot dog bar for lunch and we will play Red Rover, Red Rover and Pin the Tail on the Cat.

HAVE AN ADVENTUROUS WEEKEND

and maybe add a little rebellion into the mix.

Sarah and Stephanie in 2008 on a girls weekend in Portland

Sharing a little blog love this weekend:

Who knew it was so easy to make your own nut milk?

Isn't this the coolest monster supply shop?

There are a few spots left for the art commissions.

I want this for my backyard.

I'm in love with this wedding cliff jump.

What fun plans do you have for the weekend?

LILY'S DIARY

My parents are having a little party in my honor because I'm turning one. I love being the center of attention - I'm so excited!

NEVER FORGET

I took the boys downtown after school to see the Field of Flags, set up in honor of the 9/11 victims. There are over 5000 flags and it is so impressive and moving.They are set up all weekend at Riverfront Park. Take the family, your camera and Kleenex.