HamiFami "July" 2021

The Monsoons arrived and they bring some great energy with them. 

Liz and Donna taught a sewing class for the kids. 

We really appreciated that and the kids learned a lot. 

Pig update! They keep gaining weight, as they should. Emma and Ava have grown very fond of them. It may be difficult to take them to market at the fair *sigh.*

Clara and Willow keeping cool on a hot, summer July day.....

Isaac and Willow helped Bryan with work -related stuff at Stella Lake. 
Monsoons were still going strong, especially at 10,000 + ft!

Audrey invited us up to stay with her for the weekend. Believe it or not, this was our first time to Sand Hollow. What a gem of a place in the hot desert.  

Another day. Another Horse. What a beautiful evening! 

Gotta love those Nevada sunsets.....

On the weekend, we found ourselves at Audrey's house in Hurricane again. We met part of the family there. We spent one day at Quail Creek reservoir and another day out hiking Kolob Canyon.

4H Shooting sports was going strong....

We planned to get together with family in Albuquerque this month. First we would stop by Jemez, NM for Bryan and I's birthday retreat (gifted by the Hamiltons) on the travels there.
I would return here in a heartbeat! 

Soda Springs: 

Monsoons were hitting hard in Jemez. Spence Hot Springs is beautiful, but popular. There's a remedy to visiting sites without crowds; time to do a longer hike! 

8.5 mile hike gaining almost 2,000 ft in elevation through ponderosa pines. Paused at McCauley Hot Springs, a more remote spot. 95 degree water temps felt great after the rain and hail. Fishies exfoliating and tickling our feet. Another gem :) 

Sarah and Waseem came to pick up our kids while Bryan and I got some time to ourselves. We would meet them in Albuquerque in a couple of days. 

We were told a visit to Jemez wouldn't be complete without soaking in the ancient mineral sea water in the heart of the village of Jemez. The water on the property originated deep beneath the Valles Caldera National Preserve (17 miles up the mountain). 

After soaking, we had to go check this Valles Caldera National Preserve out! 

On our way to Albuquerque, we stopped at Bandelier National Monument. 

Made it to Albuquerque where we jumped into the family activites! 

A trip here wouldn't be the same if we didn't visit the Rattlesnake Museum.

We also went to an escape room! 

Back in the saddle again.........

Audrey and I took Willow on her first backcountry hiking trip. We decided to go up to Mt. Washington and hike down to the magic grove. What can I say except the magic is really there. 

Willow saying "Hello" to her special tree that we've taken photos with over the years. Awe.

I stayed up most of the night. I was just thoughly enjoying the cosmic energy!
Video (Here) on Youtube of this trip. 

Horsemanship evening! 

Last day of Horsemanship in the Garrison arena for 2021! 
Video (Here) on YouTube.