Springtime in AZ! (pt.3)

Paul is a bit of a trail nut, and is always scouring the area maps for new trails to explore.  When he’s on his own, of course, the more challenging the better.  Thankfully the Pine Knoll recreation area and trail was fairly level, for the most part, so we could all go the distance together.

One of the things I love the most about my kiddos is that, despite being “nearly grown up” teenagers, they are never the sort who are wont to roll their eyes with world weary disdain.  They are constantly amazed by God’s creation, and this particular morning they absolutely effervesced with enthusiasm, as much as when they were tiny tots – constantly running off trail to one side or the other, laughing and climbing and rolling in the snow while their voices reverberated through the forest, cracking branch-swords together in play combat.

My delight was in the crisp cold air hitting the back of my throat as I inhaled, the scent of pine forest, the constant murmur of wind through the trees, the play of light and shadow upon the snow, the contrasting beauty of dark pine and stately white aspen trunks, the sparkling blue sky visible between the distant treetops when I craned my neck way back, and of course observing the joi de vivre of the young people frolicking on the snowy mountainside.

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