Extraordinary.

We climbed Badger Mountain as a family for the first time this year.
I've posted before about this little hiking treasure...back in 2006.

The weather has been nice enough, and we all needed to get out as a family.So we did.
Yes, there were some initial teen groanings,
but by the time we got in the car, we were all in happy hiking sync.

There are many things I like about a family hike.
Conversation. It's quiet, and there are no distractions.
Your kids feel like talking.
And it can be fun to listen.

There was a funny moment when Trev had
just finished taking about 5 pictures in a row.

My oldest asked him why he was taking so many pictures.
We explained to the kids that if you take a lot of pictures,
the chances are better for you to get one really extraordinary one.

Then he joked, "Kind of like you kids.
We had to have four of you in hopes of getting one extraordinary one".
My oldest gave him the teen eye roll, my youngest giggled,
but without missing a beat, our middle daughter piped up,
"I'm pretty sure that's me."

If any of you know this middle daughter...
you might understand why Trev and I just laughed our heads off.
But of course, they all are extraordinary.

What else about a family hike?
Outside and exercise...two things you know I love.
You can see everyone forgetting all the distractions of life.
We are all focusing on our footsteps,
the view,
companionship,
and the path ahead.

A good day.
I like good days.
Especially good family days.

Arizona

Why is it so hard to come back to real life?

Scottsdale, Arizona was SO fun!
Here is a little rundown of our getaway!

Tennis every day.
Wait...that should be in CAPS!
TENNIS EVERY DAY!
We stayed at the Scottsdale Resort,
and the courts were ours for the taking.
Me likey.

He likey too.
(Hey we matched!)


Got to relax by the pool.
The weather was about 75 degrees, so it felt great.
Trev swam, I soaked up the warmth.

We hiked Camelback Mountain which was AWESOME.
Beautiful cactus everywhere!
I honestly did not know that Arizona had palm trees either.
Cactus with the palm trees is just kind of cool.
Here's a doozie cactus...check it out!
(Trev is at the bottom of it).

Yes, toward the top, it got a little "rugged".
Uphill rocks.
LOVED it.
Seriously, I did.

Check out the view.
This is about halfway up I think.



Here's me at the top!
We hung out here for a little while before heading back down.
This was the one place I wish we'd had the kids with us,
they would have enjoyed this hike.

Cute little cactus...
OUCH!

King of the world...

Chipoltle...burritos as big as your head.
BUT kinda yummy.


We took a lovely walk around the resort one night.
And snapped a few of these.
He posed with me...yup he loves me.

We also shopped, ate, and explored.
We want to go back.
There was so much too see, but too little time to see it.
But the getaway was good.
The getaway is ALWAYS good.

A gift.

I thought I would try and describe my feelings
about the activity I have chosen for my weekend.

But then I think of how silly I might sound when I try.

BUT, here goes.
When has silly ever stopped me.

I think we all have a few things in life that bring us pure joy.
At least I hope we all do.
They are probably different things for each of us.

I'm talking about the stuff that makes you EXCITED!
The stuff that makes your heart beat and you ITCH to get out there and do it!
Whatever your "it" may be.
Your soul is so anxious for it, that your body can't catch up...
The thought of it brings you instant warmth, comfort, peace and happiness.
Because it's a thing you LOVE.

And why do I love it so much?
Why does it make me feel all these things?
I really can't explain that, except that maybe it is a gift?
Are we all blessed with gifts that can make us feel this way if we take the time
to appreciate and accept these gifts?
Maybe these gifts are given to us for the soul purpose of giving us moments of joy?

I'm just trying to figure out why I'm so in love with this "it".
He he.
My weekend activity?

Gardening.

AND, it's not even the pretty type for this weekend.
It's the clearing away of all the old and getting ready for the new.

And I am bursting with the thought of it.
My cheeks are flushing, my pulse is racing.
I'm in love with plants.
I'm in love with dirt.
I am in love with digging.
I am in love with fresh air.
I am in love with green.


As I think these things, I DO feel silly.
BUT I embrace all of it.
Because I like gifts.
And I like being in love.