Lava River Cave

One of the coolest things we did while we were in Arizona was to hike 3/4 mile one way through a lava cave.  The cave was located approximately 100 feet underground, was pitch black without our headlamps and flashlights and was about 40 degrees inside.  To enter, we had to make our way down some pretty steep rocks and although most of the cave was tall and wide enough to walk relatively comfortably, there were times when we had to crouch down to get through or scramble over and around big rocks.  It was such an adventure beginning with the dirt road we had to travel to get there…

All the kiddos minus my three year old niece not pictured…

And how about some silly faces…

Us five… (the hole to right of the picture is where we entered)

My brother’s sweet family…

And my wonderful parents…

Adventure loving boys…

And my sweet girl…

Walking through the forest back to our cars (I love that Andrew and my nephew are holding hands!)…

My love and I…

And how about one of the woods in black and white…

We may have spent two days at the grandest of all canyons, but ironically when asked, this is the adventure my kids would say was their favorite of our vacation.  The best part … it was free, not at all crowded, off the beaten path, cool, and not at all touristy!  In fact, had my mom not done some internet research on things to do in the area, we would have never stumbled upon this unique experience.  I’m so glad she discovered it because it really was a highlight of our trip – especially the moment when we all turned off our lights and stood there inside the pitch blackness of the cave and sang “Amazing Grace” as a family.  Such a special memory!

If you’re ever in or near Flagstaff, Arizona be sure to check out the Lava River Cave!

[linking up with Deb for This or That Thursday]

Grand Canyon

We spent two days hiking and exploring at the canyon.  Both Joel and I agreed that pictures simply don’t do the canyon justice.  It is immense and grand, beautiful and majestic.  Being in its presence leaves you speechless.  Throughout our visit, we kept trying to impress on the our kids what a privilege it was to be able to see it in person and what an awesome example it is of God’s creation.  Standing there looking at it, you can’t help but be in awe.  At one point during our visit, I was standing on the edge with my five year old niece in my arms when she declared, “Wow!  That’s awesome!”  I really couldn’t say it better myself!

The Grand Canyon is awesome in every way!

Arizona Day 2 [Wupatki National Monument]

Our second day of vacation found us touring the Indian ruins of Wupatki National Monument.  These are some of my favorite pictures from the entire week!  I love the colors and the wide angle perspective I was able to get on many of the landscape shots.

We did a lot of walking in the scorching, hot sun but it was such a fun day seeing things that we could never see in Indiana!