Summer Sessions: Creek Week

Well, summer is in full swing now and Phoenix heat has been killer. At 115 degrees, it felt like a "beat the heat at the creek" week. Yay rhyming! Also, yay for living in a beautiful state with an abundance of places to visit when the heat starts climbing. In fact, we took a page from the heat and climbed into the car to spend the day visiting Beaver Creek, Church in the Rock, Sedona, and Oak Creek Canyon.

Wade on in with us...the water is cool and the sights are breathtaking.

First, we stopped at Beaver Creek for a quick dip of our toes.

Next, we trekked up a very steep hill and spent a few quiet moments at the Church in the Rock.

We ate lunch at the Wild Flower Bread company and it was packed! Apparently we weren't the only ones that enjoy a delish sand which on a sweltering summer day.

After lunch we visited some trade posts and marveled at  beautiful handmade Navajo jewelry crafted and sold by local artists near the creek. We are Chickasaw and my grandmother used to wear a Thunderbird necklace before she passed. Wearing one of my own has been a way that I have felt connected to her memory. I visited Sedona a several years ago with one of my best friends and found a Thuunderbird necklace which I loved (pictured below) and wore every day.

Sadly, I lost the necklace in one of my many moves. My pop and mom remembered how much I had loved the necklace and found a delicate replacement piece for me. I love it! Depending on the oral tradition you consult, the Thunderbird symbol has different meanings in Native American symbolism. The Thunderbird  can represent strength, provision, abundance, protection, and in some tribal tradition...the higher power...which is why the symbol is so meaningful to me. Carrying a reminder that God is always with me, has been a really beautiful experience.
Here is the new Thunderbird, which you shall see me in henceforth.

My pop insisted that I wear his hat. I know it looks like Ranger Joe...but I kinda dig it. So I took some selfies to commemorate my love for the hat.

Next, we strolled down to Oak Creek Canyon and spent the rest of our time swimming in the creek and meandering around some of the rocky trails. The water was perfect and we eventually found a cool, secluded spot to relax.

Our shady spot was too cool for school. That's funny because school is out. This was a dad joke.
 The sounds of the stream were bliss.

Mom enjoyed some beloved reading time.

 On our way home, dad did some modeling .

and I took more pictures of awesome.

The end. :)

Love,
Tiff

P.S. Here's a message from dad