Mike, Faline, and I spent Labor Day weekend camping with his extended family down at Big John's Flats. This area is in the mountains east of Beaver. This was a tradition when Mike was growing up, and it has been started as a tradition again. It is nice because so many people from Mike's mom's side of the family come, so it really is like a family reunion with everyone camping together. I was a little worried because when we went last year, it was SO cold and Mike ended up getting sick, but this year we had pretty nice weather.
We were able to take Faline for her first 4-wheeler ride. I was a little nervous about how she would do because she gets nervous whenever the 4-wheelers are even turned on, let alone if she was on one. Mike's cousin was nice enough to let us borrow his 4-wheeler, which is quite a bit roomier than ours. I was able to hold Faline on my lap, and she settled down and I think even enjoyed the ride. Mike drove us up to the top of the mountain - it was so windy, but the view was pretty cool.
On our way down from the mountain, we stopped at Mud Lake so that Faline could walk around before we kept 4-wheeling back to camp.
Another activity that was planned was the first annual Anderson Family Dog Show. One of the kids organized the whole thing, which was a good idea since there was seriously like eight dogs there.
For the dog show, each family had to present their dog and show any tricks that they could do. Mike took Faline into the ring and showed everyone how she can sit and stay until she is released, even when there is a treat waiting for her. Faline did pretty good, but there were a couple of other dogs who showed her up. Lucky for her, she still won third place and she also won the award for "Best Scrapper".
Mike and Faline after the show
Faline basking in the glory of her winnings :)
Besides 4-wheeling and the dog show, there were also horses, good food, games, shooting, and just a lot of visiting with everyone. We had a great time catching up with everyone, and it was nice to escape to the mountains for a few days.
Our little family on Christmas night...we were at my parent's house and getting ready to head home. That explains why Mike and I look so tired!
These two pictures were taken at Mike's grandma's house. He was wearing his cute santa outfit, and I loved how he looked in his santa hat. Jax was a good sport to wear it while I took a few pictures.
Here is Jaxson on Christmas morning. We had to wake him up, but he quickly fell back asleep for most of the morning. I am guessing there won't be too many more years of that!
