Fisher Family: Final Weekend in Flagstaff

We are currently on the road heading toward our new home in Houston, Texas. Our last weekend in Flagstaff was 4th of July weekend so Jeff had Monday and Tuesday off. It was a weekend of failed plans, but that actually ended up being okay. We had originally planned to spend the weekend house hunting in Houston, with General Electric (the company Jeff will be working for) footing the bill. But our flight got cancelled at the very last minute, an hour and a half before it was supposed to be in the air. We have had nothing but bad experiences with US Airways since we moved to Flagstaff (it is the only airline that flies in and out of the tiny Flagstaff airport) - last minute cancellations and delayed flights, getting the run-around when attempting to obtain a refund. Terrible. This time, the plane just didn't show up. What?? Anyway, we were already packed and excited to go so we were bummed, but we ended up having a great long weekend ...

Snuggling in bed on Saturday morning

A few new baby birds were born into the same nest above our front steps that we first saw babies in last summer. There were 4 of them, but sadly, one fell out early and died a few weeks ago. These two adorable little guys and their sibling, however, recently flew off for good. For the past few weeks, Luke and I have loved looking up to see them peering down at us every time we go out. Luke would smile, laugh and let out excited little squeaks and beckoning shouts to the birds every time we saw them. He wanted them to come down so he could pet them.

On Saturday afternoon, for lack of a better plan, we visited the two Goodwills in Flagstaff just to look around.

Doesn't Jeff look so sweet in his pink pigtails and velvet top hat?

Luke as a studly fireman.

Luke as Tigger, displaying a lovely habit.

This crazed, brightly colored monkey attacked Luke out of nowhere!

Luke Fisher: Court Jester

If you had your suspicions, you were dead on. Jeff is a wizard

After Goodwill, we made a stop at TCBY for some frozen yogurt before heading back home.

Back at the apartment, we took a closer look at our Goodwill loot. We got all of this for less than $5. Sure, we were moving in a few days, but what's a little more stuff?

This is kind of a little baby toy, but it was $1 and we're planning on having a few more of those little babies, so why not? And notice the adorable little tool set I couldn't resist buying Luke when we stopped at CVS to pick up my prescription.

Yeah, Luke might be a little big for this thing.

You can never have too many books! Especially when they only cost a few cents each!

We found this adorable felt board for a dollar. There are bags of felt items for the beach, school, bedroom, people, etc.

On Monday, we had plans to do a long hike to the top of San Franciso peak, but we read that we shouldn't hike the peak if the weather isn't sunny and clear because it can be dangerous near the top. Our second choice was the Lowell Observatory, but we figured that wouldn't be a good idea with the clouds rolling in obscuring the view of the stars and planets. Then, Jeff remembered a place one of his co-workers had mentioned: Grand Canyon Deer Farm. It was awesome!

We bought some feed for the deer and they swarmed us the second we walked through the gate. The crowd wasn't too overwhelming at first...

...but the mob continued to grow...

...until Jeff and Luke were pinned up against the fence. After a few seconds, Jeff just threw the rest of the feed at the deer and got the heck out of there!

Luke insisted on getting in a little deer petting on the way out of the rabble.

We came just in time to see a miniature horse and her unbelievably adorable one-week-old baby being walked around the farm. Luke loved petting the ultra soft baby.

But I think I loved it even more. This sweet little thing was so friendly. When I started petting her, she tried to lay down on my lap. I was in heaven!

Luke tested out the new sandals we got him right before we went by walking all around the farm with daddy's help. He's never really worn shoes so he was fascinated by his feet. He hardly looked up as he walked.

It was about at this point that we heard Kevin the "Snipe" from the movie Up. It sounded exactly like her! We looked around a realized it was coming from a peacock. Who knew that's where they got the sounds for that movie?

Reindeer!

It started raining almost immediately after we arrived. Here are my wet boys taking refuge under a tree.

This little reindeer was all antlers. When he laid his head on the ground, it looked like they were smushing his face. Poor guy didn't look very comfortable.

When it started raining even harder, we went back into the gift shop to look around and wait out the rain. We were soaked!

Wet baby

The rain finally cleared up (after we had gone back inside to escape it twice!) so we could go out and take our time really enjoying each animal on the farm.

Luke couldn't get enough of all of the deer that walked right up to us. They got sick of him as soon as they realized he didn't have any food for them.

This little boy literally did not stop smiling and giggling the entire time we were there. Our little animal lover was in heaven with so many furry animals within reach.

Sometimes Luke's excitement would get the better of him and he would start kicking his feet. This deer didn't appreciate that very much.

This camel was in the back of her pen when we walked up, but like just about every other animal there, she came right up to the fence as soon as she saw us. I think the people who work there often feed the animals at the fence so the animals come running when they see people, hoping for a carrot or an apple.

Lucky for us, just after we walked up to see the camel, a couple of the girls who work at the farm came over and gave us some carrots to feed her. Luke loved it! He couldn't stop giggling and the camel seemed to like him too because even after she knew we were out of food, she stuck around to nuzzle Luke and tickle him with her lips.

I love this picture. It looks like all three of them are having a good laugh together, like the camel told a funny joke.

Check out the short videos I caught of Luke and the camel here.

It could be a struggle getting Luke away from each animal to move on to the next one. His grip is unbelievably strong so once he got his hands on the fence, it took some muscle to pry him off. He just loved each animal too much to leave.

This is a wallaby. Is that not the best name for an animal?

Saying hello to the miniature horses.

My favorite animals at the farm.

Check out the crazy humps on these guys' backs!

A lot of the animals were in the process of shedding their coats for summer. This guy looked like he was dressed for Halloween, covered in cobwebs.

Luke was so excited to see the real live version of his stuffed llama.

Luke kept yelling and waving trying to get the llama's attention, but unlike most of the other animals, they hardly even looked at us.

Giggly Luke being a little bashful around a friendly deer.

This little guy kept licking my shorts and trying to eat my shirt. Luke thought it was hilarious.

Luke trying to make friends with a cute little donkey.

There were very friendly deer everywhere we went.

Luke was always happy to see them.

This little guy (notice I keep using that phrase because I don't remember what any of them were actually called) was sniffing Luke's foot through the fence when Luke started kicking in excitement. The deer(?) didn't appreciate being kicked in the face. Here he is threatening us with his antlers in response. Luke obviously thinks they can still be friends.