Creation

Every once in a while I hear people wonder if there is a God or debate how the world was created. I know there is a God and that He created the world.

This picture of 5 of the most magnificent creations seals the deal for me:

Yesterday I took the kids up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to greet Jeremy as he came out of the Canyon after his 24 mile Rim to Rim hike. I so often hear adults say that they have lived in AZ their whole lives and have never seen the GC. I didn't want my kids to ever say that. I didn't want them missing out on one of the most remarkable sights in the world that is so close to home. The kids were amazed when they saw it. Hannah at her first view of the canyon's grandeur exclaimed, "It looks like someone painted that picture in front of us." She couldn't believe it was real. On our way home I asked the kids if they had fun (knowing the answer). They overwhelmingly proclaimed yes, then thanked me over and over again for taking them. Jake: " That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

We enjoyed the afternoon greeting all the hikers in our group coming out of the Bright Angel Trail. We cheered for each one joyously. As the group got bigger the cheers were louder and louder for the last few hikers in the group. As someone who has done it before, I can honestly say it is one of the most amazing feelings of accomplishment when you make it to the top.

The North Rim view (so beautiful and peaceful)

Jeremy was in great shape for the hike. He had trained hard for it. It helped that we recently moved near mountain trails and across the street from the high school bleachers. He did a lot of hills and jogging along with P90X to train. After he got out, he said he could have easily pushed it harder, but being his first time going back in 12 years, he wanted to enjoy it. He still had a spring in his step as he came out the top. He even went back down with Jake a ways to check on Dyan and my dad. Jake carried my dad's pack out the last little way as a birthday present.

Jeremy took a little detour to Ribbon Falls. It is a bit off the path and so worth it. He swam around it in, soaked his feet and enjoyed the gorgeous falls. He said he felt like a new man after that and was ready to trek on.

Jeremy, Matt, Dad and Dyan on the North Rim. They waited until it was too dark to take the North Rim picture, so you can't see the Canyon in the background, but don't the hikers look great? My dad celebrated his 65th Birthday in the Canyon hiking. I'm much impressed. He even beat his time from last year by a whole hour!

Our family after Jeremy got out. Way to go Daddy. The kids were so impressed with how far their daddy went.

By the way, Jeremy already has the itch to go back, but to push himself to see how fast he can do it.