A Hike and a Big Jump

Picacho Peak @ the Base

*Disclaimer: We will see if I can get two posts in today, I'm not sure we will have much to post after this, but I will try.

Today Aaron and I got to take a hike, just the two of us while Oma and Opa babysat the munchkins. They reported a full hour of non-stop swim time at Oma's swim school (yes she has many training camps, she is a woman of many talents...and lots of patience...).
Meanwhile, we hiked Picacho Peak just behind their house. Fitbit reports that it took us 12,000 steps and 107 floors. Finally I was able to make more than 7,000 steps in one day, however it was apparent that I am clearly out of shape. On the other hand, I made it up and back, mostly in one piece (I had a minor slip and was pierced by a cactus, but only once, so it was but a flesh wound.)
It was a wonderful climb and some nice time for just Aaron and I.
Here are some pictures from our journey.

looking out over the valley from the base of the peak

Midway point

Two Hikers @ the Top of Picacho Peak

a pretty cactus that opened up on our way back, all the blooms were closed on our way up

If you look hard there is a millipede on the top of that big rock

Afterward we jumped in the pool with eager children and swam for another, maybe 2? hours. Where Lucas became even more daring and started jumping A. by himself off the top step not needing us right there to catch him and then B. off Aaron's shoulders in to the pool.  Elijah is coming along slowly, we almost got him to jump off the edge....almost. They are both improving in their swimming, and I can almost guarantee that they will be swimming without wings by the end of our stay...i think...maybe its a little early to be guaranteeing that.