Once back in Flagstaff we continued our ‘investigation’ of the area and continued to be amazed at the many similarities to Park City.  The Snow Bowl is THE ski area in Arizona – and just like the ski areas in Park City, provides lots of hiking and the obligatory ski lift ride.  So – we were off to the coolness of the 11,500′ summit and the views of the surrounding area –

 

 

The days in Flagstaff were limited as there was a quick three day trip back to Phoenix to check on Mom Dorthy and the need to get our butts up to Park City to get settled in before the Shoe Crew arrived for the 4th.

It was nice to be back in ‘our site’ at the PC RV Park and to begin our usual PC activities – including the usual weekly hikes.  First up was the Deer Valley Loop –

 

 

The Egyptian Theater, which we love to support when in town, was another early stop to see Asleep At The Wheel – –

 

And then it happened!!!  The Shoe Crew (Daughter Heather, Son-in-law Christian, and granddaughters Haley, Kira and Olivia) arrived to celebrate the 4th with us;-)  That creek in the campground is a magnet for the kids –

 

If the girls thought this was a free ride vacation – they learned quickly Gramma had other ideas for them.  They were put to work quickly making a mellon ball fruit salad for dinner.  Of course – there was a lot of melon eating while working;-)

 

We had two birthday celebrations while the ‘crew’ was here.  The first that we celebrated was Haley’s 8th (actually birthdate is the 15th – but, Gramps wanted her to have her birthday present to use while in Park City.)

 

 

Enough of this sitting around.  It was time to get them out on the hiking trails.  So – we were off to one of our ‘regular’ spots – the meadow where G & E spread some of Keith’s ashes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That was an awesome day – but it was only the beginning of their visit and there was lots more to do.  Since it was the 4th of July week, there were all the usual 4th activities – including the Oakley Rodeo.  Kira and Olivia had never been to a ‘real’ rodeo – everyone LOVED the evening!!

 

 

 

 

 

And then – ALL the Park City 4th of July FUN beginning with the breakfast in the Park–

The Parade on Main Street —

 

 

And celebrating Heather’s birthday (actually on the 4th of July – and she is really 45 but we had to tease her a little) before going to a BBQ at a friend’s and more fireworks in the evening.

 

We also had a great evening at a Deer Valley concert featuring the Squirrel Nut Zippers during their visit. Everyone had a rocking’ good time –

 

Remember how Gramma was going to make the girls work for their meals?  Well – besides making the melon balls, the girls also made the chicken skewers one night and our ice cream one afternoon –

 

Whew!!  We survived.  It did take us a day or two of doing NOTHING to recover from all the activities – but it was a GREAT visit.

The days that followed including checking out our old house in Park City – which we had been told had been sold (again) and was being ‘redone’!!  A little – it is completely gutted –

 

Gary also had a little repair work to do on the rear bedroom slide – which decided to quit working;-(

 

It has been a little while since we did our last post – but, perhaps you can see that we were quite busy during the last few weeks enjoying life and family.  Hope all of you also enjoyed your 4th and are keeping cool during this summer month.

Promise to ‘see’ you again soon – E & G