Thursday, June 21, 2018

Sedona

Jason and I got back from a trip to Sedona, Arizona & it was amazing. Here comes picture overload. 

First night sunset at the Airport Trail. 

Each morning we got up early to avoid the crowds on the trails. Having them to ourselves was the best. 


We found a sweet cafe that had the best patio & chai lattes. I think we went there 3-4 times. 
The next day we hiked to Devil's Bridge. 


Despite what it looks like, the bridge was wide (8 feet across) and not scary at all. People took turns going out on the bridge while others from the side took pictures. It was a really sweet experience. 
We had debated driving to the Grand Canyon, which was two hours from Sedona and had settled on not going. But when we woke up to a forecasted day of rain in Sedona we quickly changed plans and jumped in the car. We were so glad we did! 

Bright Angel Trail: hike down the canyon for three miles and then hike the 2,000ft elevation change back up to the top.  
View from the top.
And the bottom. The end is at the very top of this photo--it was a tough hike back up!


I am doing a running challenge with coworkers where we have to run at least one mile each day this summer. This meant after that tough hike we found a trail to get the mile in. 
It was by far the prettiest place I have run! 


Our final day was Fathers Day, and for his gift I rented mountain bikes for us. The views were incredible and the trails were challenging and fun. 






And then I crashed. Twice. My arm looks bad, but my leg is actually worse, though nothing too serious, just lots of bruises. I sent Jason out on the final ride of the day while I stayed back and read in the car. 
We couldn't help but get in one more hike on our last day on our way to the airport. Cathedral Rock was a steep climb with an inspiring view at the top. 


Sadly, this end of the trail signaled the end of our trip. 
It was definitely one of our best ones yet! 
But just like always, it's so good to be home! 

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Lately

Summer is here and the ease at which we have transitioned into it has been quite remarkable. ;) Here's what we have been up to lately. 

Last week of school: Andrew was in the Chess Club at school and earned second place in the end of the year tournament! 

 My happy place. 
 After two years of waiting, Jason's Tesla finally arrived. We celebrated with a family ride to get ice cream. 
 Our annual vegetable garden. 

 The Vogels came to stay during Memorial Day. It was a full house filled with lots of fun!
 Our bats returned to the DIY bathouse we added last year. We are so proud. 
 A night downtown. 
 Cousin Nolan slept over while his parents ran a half marathon slept in because of the rain. 
 This boy living his best life. 
 Building a rock climbing wall for the basement.