apAdventures

How lucky can one be to climb on warm and sunny boulders in the morning and build a snowman in the afternoon?

Me warming up on the Marble Cake boulder at Hairpin

Silas finds a climb of his own

Ivan finds a feathery piece of nature that matches his hair

and Paul finds a project

The sitstart Tough Landing

Higher up the mountain we dive into the white stuff and have a blast

And as if this day couldn’t possibly get any better, Mother Nature treats us with a gorgeous sunset as we drive back down the mountain toward home

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Now that we’ve finally reached this glorious phase of parenthood where both kids can walk on their own two legs for more than 100 feet, I’ve been taking advantage of the gorgeous winter temps here in the desert to bang out some local hikes with the kiddos. Tucson is loaded with trails and it’s amazing how far these two little boys are willing to walk! Excellent combo. I love it.

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I’ve somehow only managed to snap pics of the kids lovin’ up Hueco this winter. None of climbing! Whoops. I’ll try to mend that soon…and hopefully with some sending pics. I’ve officially committed myself to getting the Bloody Flapper Traverse, v9 finished. Paul’s grade-breaking send has got me a bit envious. I really want one of my own! Wish me some cold-temperature days please (this climb bakes in the sun). 🙂

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Some cute photos from our travels east over the holidays.

Fishing with Papa in upstate New York

…and Hazel

Got one!

Hike in the woods

Hike up to the Tree Fort

…and teepee

Show off

Silas finds a bird’s nest near the sugar shack

Ivan finds Uncle Joel’s old tractor that he had as a kid

Perhaps the most important thing about Christmas for Silas is (well, besides getting to be with family) is candy canes.

Ivan on the other hand, just plain loves it all

Now in Pittsburgh. Silas and Ivan have a bit of growing still to do to catch up with cousin Luke

Ivan twirling amongst the holiday trees in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

While Silas and Grandma check out The Nativity display

Dinasour bones!

And a very cute bear

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posted by arr

Happy Birthday my Silas.

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Summer is now officially over and the Hueco Tanks trips have started back up. Paul is eager (to say the least!) to get back on Slashface, having fallen off the top of it last spring on our final trip of the season.

Here are some glimpses of our Hueco “pre-season.”

I sent this pic to my parents and siblings with the caption, “Whoever can guess what’s new in this photo is ultimate winner of the year.” My mom guessed correctly immediately – WE’RE NOT CARRYING ANY KIDS!!!!!

After 6 years of kid-hauling, I’m wondering if my v-ability will spontaneously jump three grades, haha. Figured I’d test out this theory on Revenge of the Choir Boys, v9.

I can do all the moves except 1 on this burly beast of a climb. Woo!

It’s been a rainy fall here in the southwest. Check out these skies. Thunderstorm approaching fast.

Paul figures out new beta on Fat Apache Jogger, v8…

…making this climb actually fun now.

Back at it on Slashface, v13

The one drawback to the Hueco pre-season, warm temps and soft skin

My morning cup

The kids have really taken to climbing.

Can’t seem to get enough of it, shown here climbing on the campsite shade roof.

Everybody needs a rock

…and this boy needs a snack

Water-filled Huecos on East Mountain

Mo Mojo, v11

Cuties

Back at it on Ultramega, v8

On East Mountain with West in the backdrop

Porn Again, v7

On a whim we decided to do what we’ve coined a “West Mountain Wild Card” day. The rules: forget the projects and climb as many problems as possible in areas we don’t typically go to

…because they’re hard to get to! Here we are at the Between the Sheets area way up on West Mountain, 1 hour after leaving the van.

Hardcore little hikers

Nice view for a snack

Topping out some warm-ups

The start to Between the Sheets, v4

Between the Sheets, v4

The Umbra of Discontent, v4

Superhero

Silas on an actual rockclimb!!!

Ivan too! …well, sorta.

Homer Simpson, v3

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And last but certainly not least, my sister Holly and Joe’s beautiful Park City Utah wedding brings us to the end of our summer adventures. I promise cross my heart to be better about keeping you more up to date this fall. 🙂

The cozy little cabin my parents rented for a week, just up the street from Joe and Holly’s place. The whole fam stayed here – my parents, siblings, spouses, significant others and kids, with frequent visits by friends of the family! At first it seemed like a terribly horrible idea. But turned out to be really really fun. Fun enough to do again perhaps! 🙂

Setting up at the marriage/reception location.

Paul and the kids sightsee a bit while I help with setup and getting Holly’s hair done.

It’s game time. Silas and Ivan with their cousins.

My parent’s homemade maple syrup and jam for party favors.

Cousins!

Awaiting the bride

My father and Holly

Tying the knot

Ivan pre-gaming it a little too wildly with the appetizers and some indecent exposure

Cake cutting

Grandkids dancing with their grandma and papa

Pretty much the scene for the remainder of the night. Great party Holly and Joe!

And a swing by the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry on our way back home (i.e. the “shortcut” around the big Grand Canyon going to/from Utah)

posted by arr

posted by arr

Too good not to share.

Ivan’s “whale with boogers all over his face”

Construction Worker

Superhero

Silas and his homemade shoes

He wants to sell them to make money. City Grandma has already placed her order, size 8’s.

Ivan helping out while shopping for dress clothes for Aunt Holly’s wedding. He was ecstatic about this hands-free invention.

No solo grocery shopping trip with dad happens without mischief. The two spontaneously sidetracked to a fountain park where Ivan ran like mad through the sprinklers until he was soaked to the bone with no change of clothes. No worries! Dad is a genius and can make a loin cloth out of a grocery shopping bag!

And perhaps my favorite quote of the summer happened while sitting at this coffee shop, while worrying about whether or not I had put enough coins in the parking meter. To which Silas replied “Don’t worry mama. We have lots of time. That meter is savoring our coins.”

posted by arr