Treasure Loop

On Veteran's Day we took an early morning hike with our friends the Maxwells. Their kids and ours all match up in ages and they all get along so well. And Jarad and I kind of like the parents too (ha ha).

The trail we were hiking is called the Treasure Loop in the area of the fabled Lost Dutchman's mine. Of course we played up the idea that we'll be looking for the lost treasure. So the kids scramble up the mountain and we stop for snacks at this natural playground. They had so much fun playing around on these rock faces. But no treasure was to be found.

On the way up

Tessie and Tommy

All the kiddos having their snack

Climbing around on the playground

Then just as we were about to leave one of the kids discovered a treasure box! With jewelry and coins and all sorts of fun stuff in it. Of course I'm looking at Micah wondering how she planted that box of goodies without me noticing, and she's thinking the same thing about me. Someone had left this cute treasure box, accompanied by a note encouraging families to replenish the treasure box the next time the make the trek up there so that other kids can "find" the treasure. What a fun surprise that was!

Showing off their treasure...