Piestewa Peak

It's hard not to take full advantage of the great weather in Phoenix during the winter months. It's the perfect time to get outside and conquer the many hiking trails in the area. 

This past weekend we made our way to the second highest peak in Phoenix, Piestewa Peak. Our My plan was to hike the Summit Trail (#300). We made our way to the start of the trail and ignored the signs that stated it was extremely difficult and forged ahead. 

One thing to keep in mind...it does get crowded. It gave me a bit more motivation because there were all ages and all physical types on the trail. Giving me that extra boost of energy to keep pushing to the top. I mean, you feel kind of bad when your gasping for breath and an eighty year old passes you like it's just another walk around the old block. 

Watson Lake

After a full week of non stop rain, clouds, and being cooped up in the house I was eager to get outside. Thankfully, Arizona has unlimited options for outdoor adventures/hiking trails. 

We drove a little over an hour north to Watson Lake near Prescott. The temperature dropped about 30 degrees in that short amount of time. So, although, I received a few strange looks at our local gas station the parka and snow boots came in quite handy.  

Exploring Telluride

There is nothing quite like the first sight of snow and the crunch beneath your shoes to get you excited to play in a winter wonderland. 

Tourists at the Grand Canyon

Shhh...do you hear that? It's so quiet. It has been a few days since Jer's family left and I flipping miss the chaos of having nine people under one roof. The chit chat, the laughter, the skateboarding in the house, the trying to control our dog so she didn't eat the little one, the constant nagging for the girls to hurry up and get ready...I miss it all.

It was everyone's first time to Arizona so we played tour guide for the week. Their main request was to visit the Grand Canyon. I mean, who wouldn't want to see one of the seven wonders of the world, right?!? This would be a first for everyone since we had yet to visit.  

Jer took it upon himself to watch a very informative YouTube video and he advised he had our whole day planned out. We packed up the van and headed north to the South Rim of the canyon.

 

Ghost Town of Jerome

Once a bustling mining town with a population of 15,000 people, Jerome is now one of America's largest ghost towns. We made the short drive from Phoenix taking in the picturesque views on the way. One of my favorite drives. 

 

Arizona State Fair-Vlog

October is one of my favorite months here in Arizona. The weather starts cooling down(except, of course, for the day we actually decided to go to the fair) and fair/festival season starts heating up. 

     PRESS PLAY:

            

Beach Vibes

Ah, the Outer Banks. The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and eat your weight in Duck Donuts! Am I right?!!? 

We made the long drive to spend the next four days with family in Duck, North Carolina. Hurricane Hermine just passed through and left a little bit of a mess but we were greeted with sunshine and smiling faces from two of the cutest little boys.