Araviapa revisited...

So, yes, we did take the kids to backpack Araviapa back in June, but I didn't get to see the whole thing end to end. And, my friend Ann wanted to see the whole thing as well. She tried to plan a trip where a bunch of us would go and meet in the middle and exchange keys so there wouldn't be a ton of driving involved, but that didn't work out. What did work out was us being driven to the east trailhead (150 mi away) and dropped off and us hiking through the 11 miles and then picked up at the west trailhead (70 miles from home). Weird how it's only 11 miles on foot by 225 mi by road! Good thing Rik is such a nice guy to spend his Sat dring us around or I'm not sure how it would have all worked out. I really owe him! 450miles of owing him!
Anyway, it was a BEAUTIFUL day for a hike. It was a touch cool when we started (but not as cool as the girl wearing the mittens nearby would have you believe!), but once the sun came up over teh canyon walls it was PERFECT. I was worried that all of that walking through the water in November would be a problem, but the water wasn't cold at all either. If you get a chance, you should go back and look at photos of my trip in June and compare it to the trip yesterday. The differences in the seasons were really cool to note - there were actually fall colors involved! Of course, I had to give you the beginning photo - we look ready - and the ending one a few hours later - we're just a little more wet (note my pants!) and tired. It was totally worth it though - wet shoes and sock and all! I can't wait to plan another adventure. :)

So,

Coupon Geek...

This is the coupon box that has served me faithfully for years and years. Probably at least 12. Maybe more. You can see I should have probably cleaned it up a bit, but I wanted to show it to you in it's "working" state. Unfortunately, in the past few months, I've been overwhelmed with coupons. Don't worry - it's a good thing! Figuring out how to get mutiple coupon inserts, printing off the internet, etc have all added up to me overflowing this box and nothing ever fitting right. So, I went in search of another system. The internet is filled with people who want to show you their coupon systems. I looked at several and finally decided on one that is very similar to what I was using, just better. I took all of my main catagories I had been using and added sub-catagories to them. Like in my Personal Care section, there is now a "dental" subsection, and so on. We'll just say it took some time to do this. But, I think so far it's well worth it in the time I'm going to save in looking for coupons. I did a trial run at Fry's the other day and it worked like a charm. Boy, it takes so little to make me happy! Maybe that's why I was thrilled when I got a full box of instant potatoes and a sample of Honey Nut Cheerios in the mail yesterday... along with some high value coupons to go get some more!

No photos...

Why? Because I am a good mom and took the day off from work to help escort 62 7th graders to Tohono Chul Park. Maybe good is not the word for it. More like insane! But, I didn't take my camera as to not embarrass my offspring. I only have this to say. As much as Philip can cause me grief, headache, and heartache... there is A LOT worse out there! In fact, I came home rather grateful that he is mine. I guess I just needed to see what the alternatives were!

Halloween...

OK - so sadly, this year I didn't get to make any costumes. No fairies, princesses, Jedi's, nothing. Caitlin didn't want to dress up and Philip told me he'd figure out his own costume. Fine. Be that way. Just remember that I have spent days (probably months!) out of my life creating the "perfect" costumes for you guys. Anyway, Philip decided to be a "rock star". Torn clothes, chain, and black hair was all that was needed. Don't look too closely. It was cold out that morning and I didn't get the black hairspray too even! The sullen look completes the outfit! The funny thing about his costume is that if you don't know Philip - he just looks like a kid at jr high. Very grateful he doesn't look like this in real life!

OK - so we decided to have a nice peaceful Halloween since everyone decided they were too old to trick or treat. We carved pumpkins, made jack-o-lantern pizzas (though Philip made his into a bat!), handed out candy, made cobbler in a dutch oven (YUM!!!), and watched a movie. It was about the most perfect Halloween ever - AND - I didn't have any leftover candy - and no candy was brought into our house to tempt me! Maybe it was worth not making the costume! Oh - I'm also not sure what's going on with Caitlin and the winter hat. Maybe she was dressed up?!!

Fall Break...

I love Fall Break - it's something we didn't used to have, but in the last couple of years we have gotten. A couple days off in October - what a treat! Rik even took it off and we went and saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, played soccer, went to lunch, visited Mt Lemmon (Rik was dying to do some rock climbing!), and visited the Botanical Gardens for their yearly butterfly exhibit. The kids and I went a couple of years ago, but Rik hadn't been. It was really neat to see so many butterflies up close and personal! It's funny how they inspect you as you go out to make sure you don't have any friends leave with you! PS - after seeing pomegranate trees with the fruit on them, I am quite convinced that I need one!