A Break In The Heat & Nate Swings Through

After setting a week's worth of record highs (which says something in the desert!), the temps finally broke and we are living comfortably in the mid-80s. After our trip to WI, then 110F we had was a little much. Streptococcus was also a little much for me, and I got taken down Monday. Tuesday, Nate came through after his golf week with some Nebraska buddies in UT & NV. We hit up Papago Park Golf Course while he was here. It was friggin' hot, but the fluids were replaced with plenty of Gatorade & beer.
John & Heather were kind enough to take Rohan Friday night & Saturday while we climbing and caught up with Nate. We REALLY appreciate them being so close to do that! That and Rohan loves the break from Mom & Dad too! :)
We hung out at Greg & Nico's a couple nights, and then Saturday we celbrated Mara's birthday and headed back to Jack's Canyon for some climbing. It had been a while (~6 yrs) since Greg & Nate had been out, so they had a lot of fun getting back into it. It rained on us a little, but not too awful. We're tough mid-westerners who can take a little rain. They bugs were a little much, but we toughed it out as well. We all got to lead & top-rope at least 2 routes, and Mara got to practice cleaning the wall and self-belaying down. All in all a great trip.
We had to cut climbing short a little since we had a going away party for a friend, Heidi, from AZR. Nate came back, but unfortunately Greg & Nico didn't make it. We headed to Jeanette's house for cake, apps, and of course, beer pong. Nate & Mara dominated! It was a LONG day, lasting until 3am. Add in climbing and it was exhausting. Rohan didn't help us too much, and slept until about 5am. I let the birthday girl sleep it off...:) We wish Heidi the best in NV. Rohan will miss his babysitter!
We hit up The Good Egg with Nate and he headed back on his long drive to Des Moines. We were REALLY glad be made the time to stop by PHX. It was great to see him.
We capped off the weekend with dinner at Ruby Tuesdays with Heather & John for Heather & Mara's birthdays. It was great to catch up with them, and thank them again for taking Rohan, who by the way, charmed every damn waitress in the restaurant, and even a couple of customers. He was playing hide & seek over the booth and being about a cute as he can be...:)
Not much planned this week. Just getting back into running and climbing. With WI, strep & Nate, we neglected our running a little, but if we don't get back into it now, then when? :)
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Stay warm Midwest!!


Nate warms up & NASCAR yells in the canyon:


Nate climbs the aptly named "Jack Off" route:


A view from the top of "Jack Pot" courtesy of our free Flip cam:


One more look over the edge for Michelle...:)


Mara's Post Climb Birthday shot of Jack Daniels:


Rohan Enjoys listening to 50 Cent & playing with light saber apps: