Summer

It inevitably starts in April every year; the unavoidable compulsion to plan a summer escape of any kind. After a glorious winter, the envy of every snowbound friend and relative, it is time for the sweltering heat. The goal is to make it until May before we succumb and turn on the air conditioning. We never seem to make it that long, but we cling to the idea of putting off summer a little longer. As the temperature increases so does my desire to leave for cooler and far more exciting adventures. So every year I plan a glorious vacation. This year's plan was the trip of a lifetime. A European tour followed by a Mediterranean cruise. It sounds amazing doesn't it? I'm sure it will be . . . someday. As always my dream of exotic vacations comes face to face with reality and we end up having a very nice and quiet time visiting family.

This year the vote was for Utah to visit "all the Popes" and enjoy some time 4-wheeling at Grandpa's cabin up near Park City. To add the missing exotic element we planned a side trip to the Grand Canyon. We've lived in Arizona for 14 years and we've been to the Grand Canyon only once, 14 years ago. Rather shameful don't you think?



The views were spectacular, but the drops were terrifying. We kept a tight hold on Ben.

It was quite the challenge getting Nate to control his face long enough for a lovely family picture and when he finally did.....

The other clowns had to act up.

What you can't see is the drop off just to the right of the trees. Obviously Joshua did not inherit my aversion to heights.

He just can't help himself.

The clowning around seemed to be quite contagious that day.

After a long week at girl's camp Amanda was a trooper. She was kind enough to only "cheerfully" complain about the heat and length of our stay.

Jacob seemed to have endless energy.

Benjamin putting on a show.

No trip to the Grand Canyon would be complete without a thorough Geology lecture. The natural consequence of having a scientist for a father. I learned long ago when to make myself scarce and they will too eventually.

It was a lovely visit with great company.