Hiking with Hayes

One of the advantages of homeschooling, is the flexibility.  Hayes loves to hike, so when the wind let up (a little) and the sun was warm, we went on a “field trip” out on the ranch for a hike.  Chase was at school and my mom came and got Ree, so Hayes and I were able to enjoy a little one-on-one time.  It was nice to get out and spend a little time together that didn’t involve me directing Hayes an any way.  (“Pick up your clothes; re-write that with better handwriting; finish your math by 10:00; clean up your lunch plate without me having to ask you”; etc., etc.) Hayes really is a great kid and I love having him around.

I brought my little video camera instead of my regular camera so the pictures are sort of poor quality. 

Hayes loves to climb.

Hayes can spot a petroglyph 10 times faster than I can.  He thought this one was a wolf.  I wonder if the people who scratched their names over the top of it thought so too?

I see a serpent eating a fireball.  Hayes saw a plant and the sun. (in the center, left of the crack)

Hayes thought this tree struck by lightning was cool. He gets so excited at little nature discoveries.  I love that about him.

The talking rock.

Defying gravity.

Ledge walk.

Talk about resilience in the face of adversity.

Can someone enlighten me on the phenomena of the circle stones?

I thought this was a neat spot with all the green yucca.

“Where’s Hayes?”  Can you spot him?

There were so many cool rock formations.

We did a little bit of serious rock climbing.

Hayes did some serious jumping.

And we ended with a try at an optical illusion. (That crater in the rock wasn’t very deep)

Thanks, Hayes, for a wonderful afternoon.  I love you!