Hiking

Well our 4 state Summer Adventure tour is finally over. Hope you've enjoyed the pictures and have been able to follow along on our great summer. Looking back with such great memories, I just feel so fortunate to have been able to take this summer to do the trip. I think in the beginning the kids just felt that this was normal and that EVERYONE does it but toward the end, I think they really got how lucky they were to be able to see so many people and experience so many different things. I'm thankful that R was able to and wanted to hold down the fort at home while we galavanted over the US but he was kept busy with the Sockers, which made it nice for both of us, since we were all busy having a great time. I know that life won't always allow for these big and LONG trips but this year it all came together and I really hope that we'll be able to do it again. I just think it gets you out of your routine and we all learned so much in the process. Besides, this is the most time we've spent with family in a long time and that was the best thing of all. I love being with family and really desire to be closer to them.

One of my favorite things to do in Arizona is to go hiking. I know, I know it's summer and 100+ degrees but I just had to go, even if it meant getting up crazy early or going late at night with the rattlesnakes. I had to get my fix and boy, am I so glad I did. The views, the exercise and the peacefulness made it all worthwhile.

The very last day, J and I got up really early and went for a sunrise hike. It was a great end to a wonderful vacation.

Beauty in the desert
This was our sunset hike.



Oh I love my boys...
So long Arizona.... back to life, back to reality. :}