I would walk 500 miles...

We had grand plans to go for a family adventure with the Meldrum's this weekend, but the weather did not want to cooperate. So instead of going up north, where it was raining and possibly snowing, we decided to hang closer to home for the day. We went out to have a picnic and hike in the Superstition mountains (we had to have a picnic for Hadley since we told her we would, and she did not let us forget about that). It was colder than we wanted and a bit windy, but there was no rain and it was nice and cool for hiking.

The mountains are quite dramatic as they have a shear cliff face on the north end that makes for great views.

The kids were excited to hike. Miles didn't really want to ride in his backpack, but Hadley did. So we switched halfway through the trek. Either way we were all smiles on the trail (except for those random fits of terror that seized each of our children at some point).

We made for quite the motley crew on the trail. We made a lot of noise and proceeded at a very leisurely pace, but got to enjoy some great scenery. We even got a shot of the whole family together.

The girls had to rest at every bench we came across. It made for lots of picture moments.

The grandparents with some of the kids. 

Miles particularly enjoyed holding a rock, one of his favorite things. It was a great adventure hike and  a very busy day.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President...

Since the United States Government decided to give me a day off of work, we decided to go explore some more of our great state! We made the trip up through Globe to see some ancient Indian Ruins. There are lots of different cliff dwellings in the state, and some are larger than others, but Tonto National Monument is the closest. 

The view from the bottom of the hill provides a glimpse of what to expect at the end of the hike. It was a gorgeous day for hiking, with temperatures in the 70's and a slight breeze. 

The girls were ready for the hike! They both brought hats to wear on the climb (Allie is more utilitarian with a sun hat and Hadley more for flair with a pink construction hat).

Part way up, we stopped to see the overlook over the valley below. There were lots of cactus on the mountains, and we got to learn about them during the walk (Saguaro do not have arms until they are 100 years old!).

The desert has its own beauty if you stop to look for it. There are many varieties of cactus and a few wildflowers sprouting through the thorns.

The ruins at the top were very interesting. At one point about 70 people lived in this small shelter int he rocks! It was a two story house with about 14 total rooms when it was all intact. It would have been close confines for that many people!

Miles enjoyed the cool breeze flowing though the structure and seeing all the different rocks.

The girls kept walking around to all the different rooms and thinking about what it would be like to live in a house like this.

We had a better appreciation for house on the way down. It was a great hike going almost straight up the mountain (half mile to climb over 450 feet!) and we all managed to walk the whole way (except Miles). Hadley may have had a struggle getting her tiny legs to the top, but she enjoyed the family time.

Back near the trail head we got a great picture! A fantastic day of hiking that was only slightly overshadowed by the scorpion Hadley found at the park where we ate lunch (thankfully she didn't try to pick it up).

The Cat in the Hat knows a lot about that

On Valentines day, Mike had to get new tires on his car in the morning, so we headed to the Idea Museum for Membership love day.  The Cat in the Hat was there to greet us and we got to do many activities likes have a parfait breakfast with gummy bear topping, decorate cookies, make hats and so much more. 

 It also was the beginning of a new exhibit there, so we were one of the first to try out the building theme.  A bloody nose and black eye by Miles was one of the first thing to happen at the building station.  Whoops.

 They also had a super-huge tractor the kids could sit in and take a cute picture, but Miles knows that trucks are not for sitting in, they are for work/play.  Such a fun start to our valentines day fun.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Mike celebrated his 33rd birthday and boy was it exciting!  Just kidding, but we still had fun!

We wished him happy birthday before work, and then after dinner we had a delicious ice cream cake. We opted for 3 candles to represent 33.  We didn't want to burn down the house! :)

 The girls were super excited about his birthday and made him some presents which he opened as well as some cards and presents from family as well as a fitbit.

All Miles wanted was more ice-cream, which Allie was willing to help while I took more pictures.

Happy birthday dad!  We love you!!!!!

Castles and Coaster!

Our pogo passes were set to expire soon, so we decided we needed to go to castles and coasters to get our thrills in.  It was actually better than I thought it would be with some decent roller coasters, and even Hadley was tall enough to go on most of them.  The girls were both very brave and went on the big roller coasters.

The first coaster we did was one that goes upside down and all around, and Hadley just barely hit the height mark, so I think I was a bit more nervous than she was about it.  Those G-forces were a bit strong and she could not hold her head up during the spirals, but she said she had fun!  I though maybe she had passed out.  Looks like we have a few more coaster lovers in the family!

Miles was not big enough to ride the coasters, so we made frequent trips on the carousel and other little kid rides.  One day kid, one day. 

 Miles looks like a big kid with his arms like that.  

 Another favorite was the bumper boats.  Mike had Hadley in his boat and Allie went by herself in her own boat because Miles was not big enough to go on one.  She went around in circles for the first half, but she eventually figured it out and even went and parked it back in it's spot at the end.  

 Miles' favorite activity of the day was putt-putt golf.  He commandeered my ball and putter and kept trying to golf the whole time.  Maybe we have a future Tiger on our hands.

 Allie was trying to get her ball through the windmill.  I think she chalked up a 12 on that hole.  

Lots of fun was had by all!