Ode to a Phoenix Summer

During the past few weeks we have been enjoying our 108 degree weather to its fullest. Most people in Phoenix tend to stay indoors. We can vouch for the fact that the parks are virtually empty and the movie theaters full. The few that venture outdoors not headed for a pool are definately not locals.

Last weekend Braden participated in his first biatholon. Thankfully the locals have experienced a few Phoenix summers and chose to hold the event in the 7 a.m. 85 degree weather. Eleven and unders were required to swim 200 meters of any stoke and run 1/2 mile. Braden, being very literal in everything he does, took that to heart and chose to swim a little of each stroke including a 25 meter butterfly! His 5th place was quite an accomplishment, and though it won him a ribbon, it did not earn him the morning off from his yard work.

This week we were able to enjoy our heat to its fullest as Braden's friend Brendan from Ohio came to stay with us. I was thrilled that he would help occupy Braden's time, though his visit did present one problem: boys like to be outside. No dress ups, doll houses, or making up "stories" in the comfort of an airconditioned house. No, instead we found ourselves sweating while biking, miniature golfing, riding go-carts and motoring around on boats in the 100 plus afternoons. One of the boys' most interesting idas of the week was an insistence to build a roller coaster. They began by doing some research on-line and then came asking for materials. When they couldn't find any around the house, they refused to give up. They are very resourceful and have been taught well by our public education system to be creative, reuse, and recycle. So they found the legs to the trampoline that is not set up and a bit of duct tape (of which I have plenty) to build their track. The coaster came with a bonus water feature, as it landed the rider directly into the swim pool. Unfortunately our backyard is a bit small and there were far too few trampoline pieces, otherwise I'm sure it would have been quite the ride. The two of them have grand plans to build a roller coaster theme park when they are older. They've already named it the Rocky Road Roller Coasters and even gave it a slogan: Ready to fly? Their most expansive project will be a coaster that can be used for state to state travel. Any takers?

Today Brendan's Dad took the two boys up to the Salt River to go tubing. He said they received quite an education from the abundant number college kids on the river but otherwise enjoyed their four hours of fun. I think one of Braden's favorite parts must have been that they were allowed to pee in the river because he must have told me a half dozen times that he took advantage of it at least ten times.

Tonight we were out "enjoying" the heat with a backyard, poolside barbeque. Looking over at the babies I have decided that they have had the right idea all along. Clothes in the middle of a Phoenix summer are entirely overrated!