Monday, July 26, 2010

Lava Walk

The rest area's by our house have these great lava walks that are nice, easy walks where you get to see the different kinds of lava that have flowed and settled here. Last year, after returning from a trip somewhere we stopped at one of the rest area to use the bathroom. We decided to check out the lava walk while there, but it was in the middle of the summer and the heat kept us from going very far. We decided we needed to go back when it got cooler. Well, life happened and it took us nearly a year to get back.
Ben reading us a sign about how lava is formed.

Exploring some of the lava formations.

All 4 kids taking the lead on the walk.

In early May we were having a fairly warm Saturday, warm for May, and we decided to take the kids to the rest area for a walk. We all needed to get out of the house and it was a nice free adventure. The weather was good when we got there and we started out on the 1 mile or so walk. The kids enjoyed reading the signs and learning what they could about the lava, wandering off the trail and climbing on the hills of lava, and looking for the different types of lava formations. It was just nice to get out of the house and enjoy a little of nature. They also loved the cactus bushes they found on the side and would try to be the one who found the most cactus bushes.
Dan chilling out in the backpack with Daddy.

Sarah Kate and Gracie exploring a little hole in the lava.

About 3/4 of the way into our walk the wind started really blowing and we noticed the clouds in the distance were awfully dark. Rather than sitting and having our snack on the look out we decided to hurry the kids along in case it rained. When we got back to the car we realized the storm was likely to just blow, no rain, so we let the kids play around a little and then headed over to the other side of the freeway to do the other walk. By this time the kids were tired and hungry so we didn't do much of the other walk. That's OK! It gives us something to do this fall. It was a lot of fun to get out and enjoy some time with the kids. Life's been real stressful and getting out with the kids to do simple things can make the stressful things seem more manageable.

Sarah Kate showing off her favorite type of lava formation.

Ben and Sarah headed to the car. I always wanted a sibling as close as these to are. They are such good buddies.

No comments: