We live in Arizona. It has got to be one of the most beautiful states in the country. Perhaps I am biased because I am what we call a "Native" (born and raised, baby!), but the amount of people emigrating from other places to be here leads me to believe I might not be the only one who has this opinion. One of the best ways to better learn to appreciate Arizona's beauty, especially if you're in the Phoenix area, is to go hiking on one of the gorgeous mountains in the valley. There are so many to chose from. No matter where you live, there is a mountain nearby just waiting for you to climb it. So if you're outdoorsy and need a quick fix without the drive, take a hike! (And I mean that in a good way, not in the "get outta my face" kind of way).
Unfortunately I haven't been able to do much hiking in the past year because of my pregnancy and now infant I'm taking care of... But my little man is getting older now so I have been dying to get back outside more. I need the exercise and my husband and I need to do more stuff that we enjoy together. Not to mention the fact that right now is the most gorgeous time of year in Arizona as far as weather goes; and to not be outside taking advantage of that always feels like some kind of sin. So yesterday I decided was the day we were going to get going again. No more wasting away indoors. We are outdoorsy people who can't stay cooped up forever! So, Eric got off work really early yesterday which was perfect (and extremely rare these days). We had a nice lunch outdoors at a place we had been wanting to try in our neighborhood called the Burrito Shack in Gilbert. If you live nearby and haven't tried it I highly recommend it. It looks so sketchy driving by, but trust me, it's a gem. I can't wait to go back! I looooove me a good burrito and salsa.
After lunch we came home and Gavin took a long afternoon nap like he typically does. While he was sleeping I mentioned to Eric that I would like to go hiking. He agreed. Gavin slept for a good 3 hours, so by the time he woke up it was after 4PM and we were both a little worried about how late it was. But I wasn't going to let that stop me! No excuses - we are going to HIKE! So rather than let the later time hold us back, we quickly changed our clothes, gathered our stuff, grabbed the dog and baby and off to the nearest mountain we went; which for us is the San Tan Mountains.
By the time we parked, the sun was already starting to set, which actually ended up being perfectly fine for us because we knew it wasn't going to be a super long hike anyway, and I was grateful to not have to worry about the need for a hat or sunscreen for baby G. I carried Gavin in my Tula baby carrier. I am so obsessed with that thing! Leading up to the hike, I had anticipated that halfway through the hike I might want to give my back a break and switch with Eric and have him carry Gavin for a while while I walk the dog, but I never ended up needing to! I was perfectly comfortable the whole time. Best purchase ever. Now that I think about it, I'll probably write another post explaining why I chose the Tula and how much I love it. Stay tuned for that one...
By the time we parked, the sun was already starting to set, which actually ended up being perfectly fine for us because we knew it wasn't going to be a super long hike anyway, and I was grateful to not have to worry about the need for a hat or sunscreen for baby G. I carried Gavin in my Tula baby carrier. I am so obsessed with that thing! Leading up to the hike, I had anticipated that halfway through the hike I might want to give my back a break and switch with Eric and have him carry Gavin for a while while I walk the dog, but I never ended up needing to! I was perfectly comfortable the whole time. Best purchase ever. Now that I think about it, I'll probably write another post explaining why I chose the Tula and how much I love it. Stay tuned for that one...
Gavin was so cute, you could tell he was enjoying the hike. He was looking around at everything with his big blue eyes, soaking it all in. He started chit chatting with me a lot about everything he was seeing. I love it when he babbles. Babies are just the cutest things to ever exist on this planet (especially when they're yours!).
The weather was so perfect and the sun setting around us was a nice addition to the gorgeous landscape. I couldn't help but stop every now and again to snap a couple of photos. I wish I had brought my DSLR with me. I will remember that for next time! Luckily my iphone takes decent enough photos too that it got the job done.
The weather was so perfect and the sun setting around us was a nice addition to the gorgeous landscape. I couldn't help but stop every now and again to snap a couple of photos. I wish I had brought my DSLR with me. I will remember that for next time! Luckily my iphone takes decent enough photos too that it got the job done.
Because it was getting dark, we were only able to go about a mile before we decided to turn around to head back to the car. So in total it ended up being a nice little 2 miles hike - which is honestly farther than I thought we would get considering the fact that we were losing daylight and I walk much slower while carrying a 20-ish pound baby (who knew?).
Not long after we turned around and started heading back down the trail toward the car did I feel the light fall of Gavin's head against my chest followed by the faint sound of his cute little baby snores that he does sometimes. He had passed out asleep in the carrier. It was so precious! I just adore that little dude.
Not long after we turned around and started heading back down the trail toward the car did I feel the light fall of Gavin's head against my chest followed by the faint sound of his cute little baby snores that he does sometimes. He had passed out asleep in the carrier. It was so precious! I just adore that little dude.
Other than Schizo getting a cactus in his foot on the way back to the car, the overall hike was a success and I look forward to making it more of a regular thing for us again. We are also looking forward to a camping trip this May for our anniversary. Our little baby boy is going to be a little explorer just like his mommy and daddy. It is so fun watching him grow and discover the world around him for the first time. I am sure I will be documenting even more hikes and adventures in the future.
So if you haven't had the chance yet, I encourage you to get outdoors with your family over the next few months while the weather is nice and enjoy the beauty and diversity this state has to offer. And if you want company, feel free to tag along with us sometime - just let me know and we'll make a date of it! The more the merrier. <3
So if you haven't had the chance yet, I encourage you to get outdoors with your family over the next few months while the weather is nice and enjoy the beauty and diversity this state has to offer. And if you want company, feel free to tag along with us sometime - just let me know and we'll make a date of it! The more the merrier. <3