Today, the "big boys" (Paul, his dad, 'Uncle Ray', and a bunch of Papa's jeeping buddies) hit the jeep trails while Grammie and I took the kids on a awesome hike. Which, was followed by a long, hard nap (even for Mom and Grammie) and a refreshing swim at the pool.
The "big boys" were gone from sun up 'til way after sun down and returned happily exhausted with stories about climbing rocks, clearing the trails of fallen logs with chainsaws, and pulling each other out of the tough spots with wenches. It was all very exciting! Papa loves his jeep and Paul had a great time with the guys! The little boys are really anxious to go Jeeping, tomorrow!
For our adventure, we hiked to a waterfall that was surrounded by rocks covered in petroglyphs. The hike was not hard but, a bit technical since the trail was so rocky. Trevor was a trooper and made it about half of the way on his own - I carried him the rest of the way. (My hidden motive...trying to burn off a few extra of those ice cream calories!) Grammie brought books to help identify the different varieties of cactus and animal scat. We saw many different kinds of cactus - swarrow, teddy bear, palo verde, prickly pear, barrel, etc. but, no scat. (bummer, right?!) The view at the top was amazing - there was a pretty waterfall with pools of water and you could see for miles. And, the petroglyphs did not disappoint. They were well-preserved and completely covered the rock face.
What a strange feeling to glimpse into a period of time through these primitive drawings. I wonder about the individuals who made them. How long have the drawings been there? What kind of life /hope did the people have? One day, I know, all will be revealed. Part of me looks forward to that time in heaven when all my random questions will be answered but, the other part is pretty confident that the desire to have them answered will disappear when I am standing in the presence of our Holy God. Oh, to live each day of this life in that way, focused on the majesty of God and the things that concern Him!
We devoured lunch back at the trail head and returned to Grammie and Papa's for a long nap and a swim. It was a great day!
Let's see if we can find a swarrow cactus...
Gorgeous day - let's go!
We found a swarrow...lots of them!
At the top - close up of some petroglyphs.
Above Trevor - a hunter with a spear and an animal
Don't get too close but, how cool!
A great view at the top!
*Saturday, March 27th*
What a day! Papa, Paul, 'Uncle' Ray, Nicholas, Zachary and Trevor headed to the hills in the jeeps. The boys were really excited to go and were decked out in their super cool "dirt shirts" (the color of the shirt matches the color of the dirt - a must-have when you are jeeping in the dry desert!) After a morning of jeeping they stuffed themselves with McDonald's food. Talk about a little bit of heaven for a boy! :)
Let's GO!!!
There are few places that Trevor would be happier!
And, the girls had fun, too!! :) Terri Rhode, Ruth Parker, Grammie and I traveled to Tempe for a huge art festival. We shopped and ate and enjoyed visiting. It has been a long time since I have been out with "the girls" for a day. It was refreshing and relaxing!
The day was capped off with a delicious dinner of ribs and ice cream at the Parker's. Everyone had the best time, today!
Vacation is awesome...
ahh yes! vacation is awesome. especially if you are able to get in a "girls day"! and it sounds like there was fun for all. i love the idea about a "dirt shirt". clever, clever!
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