Flagstaff Hike

Man, our boys really love to hike!  I'm so thankful for that, because I love hiking, and I think that Brent has come to enjoy it more since having kids.  This was a gorgeous day for a hike, and Brent's idea was to do the hike from the trail head at the base of Flagstaff road.  I hadn't done that hike in years, so I was way up for it, and my ankle did really well that day, which I was so thankful for. 

Both kids want to off-road it and climb everything in sight when we hike, and that freaks cautious Daddy out a lot, which can be a challenge. 

We both say that the boys are totally in their element when they're outdoors, in general, but the way we let them experience it is different.  I am more apt to let them roam more freely, which can be risky I admit, and Brent is more likely to establish boundaries and call them back to the course.  When we're doing it well as parents, the combination of styles is probably a good balance.  

I  wish you could see Gage's cute face here a little bit better.  That boy has turned into SUCH an amazing little hiker!  He's often in the lead as we all head up the trail together. 

This picture was taken at the amphitheater on Flagstaff where our friends, Malia & James, got married a few summers ago.  (Come to think of it, I bet it's been more than a few summers ago.  My estimates of time passed these days feel a lot like my estimates of a Thai woman's age when I was in Thailand in college...you usually have to add at least 10 years to your initial thinking!)  It was a beautiful wedding, Malia, and I remember it fondly.  Miss you, Friend!