If you know me even the slightest, you know that I'm not the rugged type. I'd rather doing marathon shopping rather than run a marathon. I'd rather hike through the outlet mall rather than hike up a mountain. But today we wanted to get out and do something "active." We opted for hiking South Mountain with some of Adam's side of the family. Bless their hearts, they would get to the top and then wait for me because I was "that girl" that had to stop and sit and experience near-death like conditions before getting up and attempting to hike the next 20 feet before breaking again. Seriously, I was so proud that I didn't die. And yes, even my little 6, 7 and 8 year old nieces and nephews were making it to the top before me.
I am sure some of you may disagree with me, but this is just not pretty scenery to me. Maybe I live in the wrong state, because I just can't get excited about the "desert terrain" where I live. I think I'm just missing my GA trees today. I'm sure that going hiking when I'm a) super out of shape and b) hotter than h-e-double-hockey-sticks outside, probably doesn't help.

Well, while I don't think it's "pretty" I did think this picture of this cactus I took turned out pretty cool looking. (This picture was taken at the end of the hike when I felt pretty sure I was no longer going to die at this point).

I know, my face looks like a tomato, and yes, I know I'm looking soooo rough, but this is my "proof I made it to the top" picture.

Here's some of the crew just chillin at the top.

Adam and Rocklin taking a break.

Tyler and Luke eating some gummy worms for energy. :)
Rocklin was a trooper (and so was Adam for carrying him!!). Rocklin whined a little (he must get that from his Mom), but overall I think he liked it.

Are we such the outdoorsy-looking family? Sike.

To say the least, I don't think backpacking is in the near future for the Birkmeyer family, but I'm happy to report we did something out of the norm for us (well, for me) today.