On Thursday, July 12th, Michael & LeAnn drove to Christopher Creek Lodge. The next day Shirleen & Paul, Bryce & Amy, and Esther, Karsten, Maylee, and Melody joined them. This delightful place is located about 22 miles from Payson, Arizona. We've been there a few times before.
 |
| Amelia, Bryce, Shirleen |
 |
| Michael & LeAnn stayed in one of the so-called Pony Express motel rooms near the office |
 |
| Shirleen & Paul stayed here -- one of the Trail Bunk units |
 |
| Inside the Trail Bunk Unit -- LeAnn, Maylee, Shirleen, and Melody |
 |
| The Griners stayed in this cabin (it has a loft, where the kids slept) |
There is much to see, including wildlife!
 |
| Esther, crawdad, and Bryce's hand |
 |
| Arizona Tree Frog |
And there are some other forms of "wildlife" to see.
 |
| Maylee (with special rocks and wand) and the Mogollon Monster |
 |
| Melody, Esther, ?, Karsten, Maylee |
 |
| Something up in the tree!, Karsten, Maylee, and Esther |
 |
| ?, ?, and that guy from Mesa |
Some other scenes from around the lodge property:
 |
| By the office |
And there's a playground:
 |
| Melody and Karsten |
 |
| Melody |
 |
| Esther and Melody |
 |
| Maylee, Esther, Karsten, and Melody |
 |
| Melody and Amelia |
 |
| Karsten, Maylee, and Melody |
 |
| Melody and Esther |
We had a birthday party for Michael -- in the Griner's cabin.
 |
| Esther, Maylee, Michael, LeAnn, and Karsten |
And, of course, there's a creek. Spoiler alert: It was raining daily, so the creek water was muddy at times.
 |
| Esther |
 |
| Karsten |
Was there any excitement? Well, yes. Shirleen & Paul needed to go into Payson for some medication. On the way back to the lodge, this happened:
 |
| Our right-front tire |
 |
| We're members of AAA |
 |
| We got the replacement tire here, in Payson. |
Was there any other excitement? Yes, a branch came down out of a tree and punched right through the back window of one of the cars (not belonging to anyone in our group). Here's what it looked like shortly afterward:
 |
| Michael & LeAnn's car is third in line (happily for them!) |
Food!
 |
| Breakfast in our Trail Bunk unit |
And one evening we went to dinner here:
 |
| Shirleen and Amelia approaching the steakhouse |
We played games!
 |
| Esther, Bryce, Shirleen, Karsten, and Maylee -- "Ticket to Ride" |
 |
| Bryce, Amelia, Karsten, Esther, Michael, LeAnn, and Maylee -- "Wackee Six" |
Need direction or instructions?
We got out and about often, as demonstrated:
 |
| Melody |
 |
| Shirleen and Melody |
 |
| Shirleen |
 |
| Melody |
 |
| Melody and "Bacon", another guest's pet pig |
 |
| Mogollon Monster and Paul |
On Sunday morning we all gathered for a group photo on the grounds of Christopher Creek Branch chapel. After the photo was taken Michael and LeAnn left for Peoria to attend a nephew's mission farewell.
 |
Back: Melody, Bryce, Paul, Michael
Middle: Amelia, Shirleen, LeAnn
Front: Esther, Karsten, Maylee |
As it happened, we participated with the branch, as follows:
- Shirleen offered the opening prayer in Sacrament Meeting
- Paul offered the closing prayer in Sacrament Meeting
- Bryce accompanied the singing in Priesthood Meeting
- Shirleen accompanied the singing in Relief Society
On Monday Shirleen & Paul and the Griners left for home, but the Griners took a side trip to the Tonto Natural Bridge. Then, on Monday evening all ten of us got together at our house for a one-day-early birthday celebration for Amelia. BTW, Monday was Sarah's birthday, and it would have been nice if the Cardas could have been with us for this year's Christopher Creek vacation and birthdays.
You know, we just may go back to Christopher Creek again next year! 😊
No comments:
Post a Comment