The Road Less Traveled

Ocotillo - only has leaves for a day after a rain, and they were in bloom!

Arizona Highway 88 has a section of road called The Apache Trail which a friend of ours recommended us to explore while we were visiting the greater Phoenix area.  We set out envisioning a leisurely drive into Tonto National Forest (amazingly a lot like a desert) hoping for some picturesque views since the road seems to wind around the Superstition Mountains.  As we drove along toward Tortilla Flats, an old mining town and supply junction, we commented on all the cactus plants, the interesting rock formations, and the beauty of Canyon Lake.  Had we stopped our tour at Tortilla Flats, we would have felt satisfied with our excursion.  But this friend emphasized driving BEYOND Tortilla Flats PAST where the pavement ends. 

AZ Hwy 88 - Yup - thats really the highway!

Okay, this is a state highway - does the pavement really end?  Why, yes it does, and it becomes single lane to boot!  A few more guard rails would have been appreciated, as the road literally hangs on the cliffs of the Fish Creek Canyon, but we were rewarded with magnificent views of this vast country of ours.

Saguaro Cactus - only grow a few inches a yr.
yet this guy is probably over 40 ft tall!

Who knew such a variety of cacti existed, and that Red Gum trees (by the Salt Creek bed) could be so massive?!  Our timing was perfect as the plant life seemed to be in full bloom.  Of course pictures do not do justice to the richness of color or vastness of  space, but I tried.  If you ever find yourself in Phoenix with a little extra time on your schedule, take this day trip, you will not be disappointed!

For additional information check out: The Apache Trail

Swoosh - Time Flies!

It's hard for me to believe that it's been 21 and 19 years since these two little blessings arrived in our lives.  It has been a whirlwind of activity every year since!  When I held them in my arms as newborns, I sat mesmerized by their precious little faces.  I would look at the clock and think, "Where has the day gone?"  As time marched forward, so did they - at record speed.

As I chased these toddlers around the yard, pretending to be some imaginary something, it took all my energy to keep track of them, and keep them safe from moving vehicles (ahhemmm both Sarah and Eric), corners of tables (Eric), curling irons (Sarah), etc.  Then in a blink of an eye they were riding their own bikes, reading their own books, even riding the bus to school!  Each day ended before everything that needed to be accomplished had been completed.






The next thing we knew, our weekends were filled with games and treats, lost water bottles, or missing team socks....all the while it seemed like time was barreling forward.  What we didn't realize is that right before our very eyes these precious bundles had transformed into wonderful unique individuals following the paths their hearts and minds presented.

So here we are, with a 19 and 21 year old in what seems like a few moments of time.  Unbelievable really.

The thought for the day is to make the most of each moment with your child, because their childhood is really a blip on your life's screen.  We love you both, Eric and Sarah!  Happy Birthdays!