first family hike...

off to a great start... petroglyphs on the stone... observing all the petroglyphs...
(oops, a little sideways!)

view of downtown phoenix on north side...

almost there...

and we made it!!!
they made me go first for the victory!

job well done...

celebrating...

cute little squirrel that wanted our attention...

a little breezy up there...

view of ahwatukee...

making it back from the extended hike...

family devotional...

steep cliffs we were sitting on...

"be an eagle, not like the chickens"...

~~~

the saturday after thanksgiving we hiked up telegraph pass on south mountain. i had not really been hiking since girls camp three years ago, and before that back when we were first married and john took me deer hunting with him (big disaster, as i had a horrible head cold and "you have got to be quiet, aim" is what i heard the whole time!). john, kam and i attempted this hike earlier in the week but i had to call it quits not even half-way up! so, to say that i thought i was going to die was an understatement!!

the kids were excited to go. kaisha even made a comment that she'd rather be out hiking than working out on a treadmill! i had to stop three or four times to catch my breath (feeling like i was having an asthma attack - when i don't have asthma!) but made it up to the rock house! it took a little over an hour. seeing me struggle so much getting there, the fam gave me the glory of reaching the rock house first!! and it certainly was a welcomed site! we rested for a bit, met an older couple from gilbert that took pictures of us (who happen to be related to our friends, the hall family), had water and snacks, and then john and the kids hiked up a little farther while kaisha and i rested. we saw a cute little squirrel right at our feet and enjoyed the view.

after they returned, john gathered us on some rocks for a family devotional. he shared an awesome story of an injured eagle, raised with chickens. it taught us to soar like an eagle, and not run around with the chickens!!! we talked about loving, supporting and cherishing each other. perfect end to a great morning!

we have plans to take dad up with us when he and mom are down for new year's. he will love it! gotta love these arizona winters :)