Windy Cactus 2013

Remember this?!

Well, we may have skipped it last year but we were ready and rearing to go for the Memorial Day weekend traditional camping/mountain biking/hiking adventure in the desert! 

It was warm (hot?!), windy (but no one lost a tent!), and the perfect 24-hour get away!

2 boys, 1 large dog, 4 bikes and lots of camping gear - it was tight but we made it!

Sam didn't waste anytime getting on his bike!

Meanwhile, the adults didn't waste any time getting settled for some sunshine & conversation!

Despite the miles of fantastic single-track biking and all the great amenities of camping in the desert... there is still debate as to the REAL reason we all like to go to Fruita.

I'm not saying The Hot Tomato isn't great, but I'm also not saying I wouldn't go to Fruita without stopping in for some excellent 'za, hand-crafted beers, and pretty awesome atmosphere!

If you sit on the patio (which you would naturally do anyway!) they will let you bring your dog in with you!
Gabe was happy to be with his people, and the kids were happy to spread the love!

Alright - so getting down to business: let's bike!

It was such a joy to watch all these kids get out and do some pretty sweet single-track without hesitation or fear (ok, so it was equal parts joy and panic, from a mother's point of view!)

~ and as an added bonus, no one had to pull cactus spines out of anyone's heinie this year! ~

But I truly was so proud of how the kids rode and how adventurous they were on the trails...

Hamp on the trail...

and Sammy bringing up the rear...

It might have been all the dessert sand that was crusted in every nook & cranny of their sweaty little bodies, but I thought they looked like they were the kings and queens of summer!

THE DIRTY DOZEN!

p.s. Happy Birthday Liam!!! ☺
check out birthday wishes and more pics here!