Yuma

We arrived at Yuma and met up with Mom and Dad on the way into our campsite.  The girls were so excited to see them, as were Doug and I.  We initially planned on staying a week, but ended up staying 11 days.  We did a number of day trips. and also spent lots of time just hanging out as a family.  We spent time at an orange orchard and picked a bunch of grapefruits and oranges.... so good!  It was lots of fun! 

We also went on a hike to Palm Canyon.  It is the home of the only Palm Trees native to Arizona.   It was  a half mile hike over some fairly rugged terrain.  I was thrilled that Mom not only attempted the hike, but successfully completed it too and fro.  Yuma weather definitely treats mom well.  Doug, Dad and Erin hiked up the canyon to the trees.  There was some climbing involved and Erin loved it!  Andrea and I stayed behind and kept mom company and took some fun pictures.   Check out flickr for the most recent pictures. 

Andrea and mom worked on a messenger bag together.  Andrea pieced the flap and with help, sewed the bag.  It turned out really well.

Castle Dome is a local landmark and part of a chain of mountains in the area.  Apparently there is a trail up the mountain that we'd love to have climbed, but were uncertain of where the trail head was.  Apparently it's a fairly rigorous hike, but I think we could have handled it.  Instead we went to the castle dome ghost town.  The area we were in was home to over 300 silver and lead mines.  The old cabins and other buildings from the area were gathered and fixed up.  It was a great way of seeing how life was 100 years ago.  We also climbed one of the foot hills and enjoyed seeing the desert from an elevation.

Saturday, we went to an airshow at the local Marine base.  The flying was cool.  Doug had never been to an airshow, so he particularly enjoyed the day. The girls also spent a bunch of time in the pool and enjoyed it.