Barry’s Daily Web News

The Apache Trail

Today, we drove the Apache Trail. The Apache Trail goes from the far east end of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Apache Junction, up to Roosevelt Lake. Half the trail, 22 miles, is unpaved. There were a few cars on the trail, but I was glad I had my new 4WD Honda Element. The car never went into 4 while drive mode, but I was glad I had the capability. Parts of the trail were steep, and there were many sharp turns. The Element really handled well on the dirt road, and I was able to drive faster than the typical pick-up trucks and Suburbans on the road.

After the Apache Trail, we went to the nearby Tonto National Monument. Even though the scenic views and dirt road of the Apache Trail were fun, the Tonto monument was definitely the highlight of the trip. Sean and Ethan really liked exploring the cliff dwellings.

I’m trying something new here, linking to a photo album rather than displaying the pictures as part of this entry. Click on the picture below to go to the photo album. After you get to the photo album, you can even display a slide show.

Apache Trail trip photo album:

A Humid Day

It was very humid today. I was glad I took care of some yard work in the morning before it became too hot. We had a dinner out by the pool this evening, and it was very uncomfortable. The pool was cool and refreshing, but our swim was cut short by a big thunderstorm. We made it inside long before any of the bad stuff started, but we did eventually get some rain and thunder and lightning.

Sean and Ethan had some creative play in the pool. They were pretending to make ice cream. They alternated calling out ingredients for the other to go fetch. I asked why Ethan wanted pepper in his ice cream, and he answered “It’s alligator ice cream”. I told him even alligators don’t like pepper in their ice cream.

Sean Aces His Tests

Sean did really well on his tests for the day. He got all ten of his spelling words right, all of his sight words right, and got nine of ten of his phonograms (he missed “th”). I guess the time Cortney and I put in with Sean on his home work paid off. Cortney treated Sean with dessert for dinner tonight.

I’m also glad Sean did well, as I was worried he was having trouble adjusting to his new school schedule, where he spends 6 and a half hours at school, another half hour or so getting to and from school, close to an hour of homework, and then gym class twice a week. I can put up with Sean being tired and cranky in the evening if I know he is doing well in school.