Wednesday, November 10, 2010

"Follow The Yellow Brick Road" - Judy Garland

So I got tired of my whining.

There is NO "fall" here.  No changing leaves.  No coldNo need for long sleeves.

So last Saturday . . . we headed north.  North bound to Sedona.  You see a little co-worker told the Pita a thing of beauty . . . "the leaves are changing & beginning to fall in Sedona".

. . . . You had me at "changing".  My day pack is packed.  So we woke up Peanut bright and early [like she went in her P.J's, early] and off we went.  With a promise of colored leaves, a 8 mile hike & even some fly fishing for the big-guy.

After our normal bickering during travel. . . .

 . . . ."you are too close" . . . . . "You drive too fast" . . . . "you are an angry driver" . . . . "you are NOT teaching Peanut how to drive" . . . . and a freaking whole lot of honking . . .

Ahhhhh Sedona.  The only fabulous City in Arizona where they are too stupid to put in TWO lanes that lead to the city.

First stop.  holy bummer.  How did I not know the 50k was today.  super bummed.  Would have loved to run it!  Saw a few runners at mile 17.  They looked great & strong.

Here's the photo Peanut captured of me wishing I was running.

Next stop.  Fishing for Pita.  Frolicking in the water for Peanut and for me FREEZING.  I got what I asked for . . . cold.  And you guessed it . . . only a long sleeve hoodie-ish thing [minus the hood].  So I sat trying to find my inner lizard on a rock to soak up the sun.  Ya, doesn't work when the rock is freezing too.  Anyway, spent 1.75 hours picking out items out of the Nordstrom Christmas Catalog . . yay!  I found my must have boots Karen!!  Bummer they don't come in red. ;)

So it's lunch time but the Pita wants to get a hikin'.  We have a lot of water and almonds.  Oh yay.   We are off.  It's beautiful.  b e a u t i f u l.  Even prettier than I had imagined. 

Yellow leaves all over the path/walk-way.  Awesome.

We got about 1.5 miles in and Peanut mentioned the word.  lunch

Peanut: when is lunch
[I look at the Pita]
Peanut: Do we have lunch
Peanut: Mom, please tell me you packed a lunch
Emz:  Kid you ate your "lunch" at 10:05. 
Peanut:  Mom, what time is it?
Emz:  ummmm, ya.  I don't know.  we're walking.  we're walking . . .
Peanut:  Mom.  Time.  Por Favor.  [yes, when the Pita takes Spanish lessons, we all benefit]
Emz:  it's like one kjhdaswtaysf [that's me slurring]
Peanut: one what?
Emz:  uggg, fine 1:35pm.

So we make it another 1/4 mile and we see "Happy Camper Joe".  Who says, what we think was, "howdy [no joke], you are all gonna love the view.  spent the night there.  only 3 miles to go to beauty".

The look from Peanut was priceless.  Then without saying a word she went to the nearby tree and did this:


Awwwww, ya.  That's my girl.  Such fierce determination. Such vigor.  Such excitement.

So we did what all parents would do.  Played one hour of "I Spy".  I could care less if I ever play that game again.  But it worked.  We got there.  And it was wonderful.  And worth it.  And awesome.

We did see a super cool mouse with serious issues.  kept going in circles

We stayed at least 5 minutes and.  it.  never.  stopped

Pita was going to "put it out of it's misery" but tears from Peanut --- quickly halted the hunt.  I have a sweet video of it that I have no clue how to upload or attach.  It's sad but freaking hilarious at the same time.


Peanut & Pita decided to follow camper Joe's advice and get their feet soaking wet in the water and go the extra 1/4 mile around the canyon.  Me.  NoThank you.  My blisters are almost fully recovered from October 2nd.  I'm sitting this one out. 

Turns out, the party-pooper . . [me] . .  was smart.  Guess who had freezing toes and needed "beaver skin" [AKA ...mole skin, I swear the kid will never remember the right word].

The 4+ mile trek back was hilarious.  Fabulous family experience.  My kid.  She's pretty funny.  Loved every whine and comment.

Like:
[each statement below is al la Peanut, where does she learn the sarcasm?!]

* Mom, spare me the "50 mile stories"
* Mom, this is not mile 48.
* So next time you expect me to walk 8 miles, could we maybe pack 7 Cheerios?
* I am hopeless.  [As she trips over her 42 rock of the day.]
* Ehhhhh, who needs to feel their toes anyway?
* so do I get a buckle or a pat on the head when this is over?
* I spy something that starts with a "s".  [no pause] soup.  Oh wait that was just a mirage.  [this kid reads too much].
* Where are MY 300 Spartan sleeves?  I am Spartan!
* Mom, look I'm you . . .[flexes her abs, raises her arms, then says MY LINE!]...... "I've freaking got this!" heeeheeeheee.

Not sure where she gets this personality of hers . . .but....I.  Love.  It.

Yay for family road trips.  Even ones without proper food.

82 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aw, look slike you added a little joy to your almonds...

Get it. almonds, joy.

Almond Joy?

Never mind.

Emz said...

You KNEW you'd NEED to make that connection for me didn't you. [it is appreciated].
now that I get it --- rather clever Mooshy.

Rae said...

Sounds like a great family adventure! One you'll never forget. :)

Andrew Opala said...

lovely trip and pictures ... so great to do family things

the best "I am Spartan!"

sometimes Jamoosh feels like a nut ... sometimes he don't

Emz said...

Andrew. Loved. That. Now.....I can start my morning. ;)

Michelle Kendrick Hartney said...

I've always wanted to go to Sedona!

run4may said...

That was priceless... she is truly hilarious.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I like Sedona, my personal favorute place to "escape" the Valley is Flagstaff, you gonna play in the snow in about a month up there?

Laurie said...

I can't believe they didn't have aid stations set up on your endurance hike. Weird. Did she get her buckle, or settle for a pat? :)

Emz said...

Michelle - you must get there. It's amazing.

run4may - she is one of a kind. for sure.

BDD - oh yes. we'll be heading to Flag in December then again in January when the Pita's family comes. :) I'll make sure to wear warmer clothes then for sure. ;)

Emz said...

Laurie - she got sushi. happy. peanut. [and even HAPPIER ME!!] ;)

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

THANK YOU!! I needed a laugh today :) smart, and funny post.. HUGS to hikes in the woods and the beauty of leaves..

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

7 cheerios.. hahahaha

Heather said...

Love those comments from Peanut! She's very entertaining. and smart. sounds like a fun day!

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

Wow! Girl, we really are the same. I seriously get so jealous when I find out about a race that I could have done and didn't...I love the 'wishing' photo!
Nordstrom Christmas Catalog=Heaven.
Billy and I always fight on road trips too, he is a speedy driver and we usually end up getting a ticket ha!
When were you in Park City? Do you go there often?

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

P.S. Would you mind if I could have your abs...Thanks. They are my dream abs!

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

Bringing a lunch to Sedona is much cheaper than buying there. Not a cheap place to eat. We head there once a year for a weekend. Our kids like the hikes, I like the runs, my wife loves the spa. Something for everyone. Did Pita catch anything and did he nonstop laugh at the two women in his life along the trail?

Allison said...

My favorite post so far. I really really love it :) Peanut's so cute - her sarcasm is perfectly placed :) what an amazing little girl!

Thanks for the great pics too... and we all want your abs. seriously.

Emz said...

HRG - hilarious. deal. they are yours.
I was in PC in September after the Top Of Utah Marathon. Logan, is great but PC ----- great-ER! ;)

Ummmm, ya. I feel your pain on the "ticket" thing. At $250 a pop, I am going to need a second job. ;)

Emz said...

Allison - seriously. If I could remember to write down 1/9 th of what she said, I'd have a book written. by. tomorrow. she kills me.

Slowmo - spa? what? man.....I'm doing this ALL wrong. The pita's catch . . .
...maybe a bad attitude ;) but no, nothing with gills. He loved it. He just loves being out there cussing at the wilderness. On the laughing . . .yes, he adores his Peanut. She kept the mood happy and fun, as ALWAYS.

DRog said...

great trip great pics....WAIT im supposed to be grateful for leaves and cold and fall cleanup and putting on hats and gloves and winter clothing on kids. I dont know what is more annoying for me lathering kids in sunscreen to start the day or loading up in layers of winter clothing.

the mouse!

D

Emz said...

DRog - trust me. sunscreen. is. worse. It's all slimmy and greasy and it gets in your eye make-up.

Jen said...

This post was hilarious! Totally made my day! YAY for fun family trips and getting out of town.

The poor mouse though...

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

LOVE the buckle/pat on the head comment. She's too funny!

Quinton J said...

...Damn it...that was a long pee.

Sedona is gorgeous. I am SO overdue for a return trip. IT wasn’t fair really that we were having all of this autumn fun and you were being left out.

Love Peanuts socks. SO SO FRESH.

The correct stuff IS “Beaver Skin”…She’s right…you’re wrong.

And her sarcasm has me smiling out loud. She deserves a buckle for putting up with you 2 on this trip. Next time pack some food…or some gels…or sumpthin’.

Emz said...

Q-hilarious. I was using this as my long run using no carbs. ;) HA. hey, if I have to suffer . . .everyone suffers. I rock at this "mom" thing.

Quinton J said...

Mom – slash – trainer – slash “suck-it-up-buttercup”…

Jason said...

CLASSic with a capital CLASS.

My most favorite line of P-Nut:

so do I get a buckle or a pat on the head when this is over?

I used your belt buckle on my 13 mile recovery run today for inspiration. It is in my post today that should come out in about 2 hours.

Ahh....family time is grand though. And why did you not say ohhhh P-Nut you CAN go another 4 hours without lunch. You CAN.

Quinton J said...

You stutter now?

Emz said...

hey where's "spartan"? mom/trainer/SIUB/Spartan. thank you.

Emz said...

Jason - after the freaking traffic back through Sedona -- it was an additional hour so . . .

what?

I had two "now & later's" stashed in my purse . . I gave her BOTH. Now how's THAT for motherly love/doing without for my P-nut. ;)

Q -q-q-q-you gotttttttttttaaaaa plollllllemmmmmmmm with dat?

Matty O said...

hilarious. Sounds just like H and my exchanges while I drive her lil butt around. For a cheuffer I think I do damn well, not my fault EVERYONE else on the road is the butt head.

love the entertainment factor and the innosense that is children.

Enjoy it while you can. The boys will start coming soon and Pita will be publicly displaying his gun collection.

Emz said...

MO - You know it. [his guns] ---- oh you meant the metal shooting kind?! Ya, those too.

"not my fault EVERYONE else on the road is the butt head." - could have been an exact Pita quote. What is it with you men and speed?!

[disclaimer . . . uggg . . . I've had three more tickets than the pita.]

misszippy said...

I LOVE Sedona. You are so lucky to live near such beauty. And trust me, the change in the seasons is highly overrated!

Julie said...

Wow! It sounds like you had a great mother daughter day full of adventure:) Great pictures with pretty scenery!

God I freaking love reading some of Jamoosh's comments:) He is such a smart ass but I seriouly love that about him!

Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

beautiful day!!
At school I live by the beach, so fall does NOT occur, bummer! I'm the same way, if I would have seen racers go by I would have wanted to join them! :)
I hope youre having a great week!
xoxo!

Unknown said...

I want to go to Sedona now :)
So glad you had fun!!

KovasP said...

I wouldn't mind if it changed from Spring to Fall back to Spring again. I believe Q has donut seeds for your next trip.

One Crazy Penguin said...

I love that she picked 7 cheerios. Not 6, not 8, not a box, but 7.

Sounds like a great kid and an awesome trip!

Unknown said...

Peanut is awesome! I hope I have a kid like her some day!

What a great family day! :)

Caratunk Girl said...

I think my favorite Peanut line is "so do I get a buckle or a pat on the head when this is over?" ha ha ha

AWESOME hike though, sounds amazing!

Emz said...

MissZ- It's beautiful but seriously...I was freezing in 68-70 degrees. I'm thinking AZ is the place for me.

Julie - yes. yes. yes. a. blast. mooshy. ya, I like that beer drinkers wit. ;)

lizzy - okay now the beach....I'm might be ok with not seeing "fall" if I can see waves. but the cactus thing....it gets old!

Kovas - are they spudnut seeds or donut seeds? two VERY different things. please do your research.

Emz said...

OCP - I know, right?! I wonder where she gets it?! ;)

Patrick Mahoney said...

Did KP ask if you'd reference the Judy Garland song?

Seriously, it looks like a good time.

Emz said...

P- no because if he HAD it would not have been used. ;)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I love Sedona!! When Hubbs was at Fort H about 10ish years ago we considered buy land out there. Now I wish we would have! Army Son is now at Fort H and we could have seen him.
Sedona is so beautiful and I'm glad it's not too developed even after all these years.
Your Peanut is soooo funny!

Marlene said...

Peanut os a trooper!!! Sounds like it was quite the adventure. Love it!

busyrunningmama said...

seriously hilarious.....sounds like our family outings!! Kids say the funniest things.....

busyrunningmama said...

seriously hilarious.....sounds like our family outings!! Kids say the funniest things.....

Amy said...

Peanut is so funny! It looks like a beautiful hike. I can't wait to get out for one this weekend - though all of our leaves are gone and it's more likely I'll be hiking in snow :P

RobinLK said...

I am TOTALLY LOL!!! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful pics... but alas, Peanut wins the prize. :)

Dizzy mouse.

*hugs* from Orlando!

busyrunningmama said...

seriously hilarious.....sounds like our family outings!! Kids say the funniest things.....

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

that looks gorgeous... but seriously... no lunch?! Shame on you!! ;) lol
You're peanut's sarcasm is refreshingly hilarious! That girl's got some spunk lol... wonder where she got it?! ;)

Emz said...

Z - I know. I totally suck. In all fairness we were supposed to hike [lunch] THEN fish. It was all the pita's fault. He should have caught something for us to eat, right?! ;)

ShutUpandRun said...

More peanut quotes por favor. I'm taking spanish too.

racing dawn said...

So great! If I drag my kids anywhere to do that I get all those comments x 5 - well actually times 4 - we usually end up just carrying our 3 year old! :) Way to stay strong and not turn around... Life lessons... You should make her a buckle and give it to her at Christmas!

Emz said...

RD - love that. We are doing the GC at Christmas so I'll really need to get her one then.......and I'll probably pack a lunch then too. ;)

Jill said...

What one doesn't do to see leaves, eh?

Jamie said...

Are you saying her personality comes from you?? Haha, you have a cute Peanut! Awesome trip too. I need to take more of those...and I also love that photo of you eyeing the race. Priceless!

Lucas R. Tucker said...

I will be staring at leaves for at least 6 hours tommorow- as I pick them up. I will trade you!

Karine said...

Your love of leaves, fall, Sedona, hikes and great(abs) all inherited from your Mom! Peanut's personality and creative ways---definitely from HER Mom. Oh, how I remember the family road trips that seemed to go on forever...even if we did pack a lunch, kids were only hungry for "restaurant" food. Just multiply that experience by 5 and you will see what I mean.

Shauna said...

I'm glad you were able to get away. I love your little Peanut's personality! :) I'd love to meet her some day!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness... I *heart* Peanut. Hilarious. Next time, you better have a buckle to reward her at the finish!

Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...

I have a feeling Peanut takes after her mommy!

Hooray for Family adventures! I wish I could get my kid and fiance to do this. yeah, I'm the only active person in the fam. They're rather stay home. ugh.

Kelly Leigh said...

I'd be willing to bet the awesomeness gets her personality from you! Looks like a fun, funny day!

Unknown said...

awwww. love this :) PNUTS funny!!

Give the girl a buckle made of 7 cheerios and a stuffed mouse please.

Char said...

I'm wondering if that mouse was circling the drain.

Emz said...

SHAUNA - YAY! My BFF is in the house!!! ;) YOU WILL meet Peanut. Soon!
Soon!

JL - I LOVE your comment. awesome.

Char - laughing so hard right now. maybe!!

ihaverun said...

Love love LOVE Peanut. She sounds like the 10-year version of my Princess.

And I think I got as much enjoyment out of the comments on this one as the post itself.

Which reminds me. Your last few comments on my blog have made me smile. A lot. I heart you right back. A lot.

Molly said...

Peanut kills me...find your users manual and upload that mouse video!

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

shame on pita!! lol... catch the ladies some fish!!

Unknown said...

haha, I used to be that "whiney" kid. But what a fun adventure!

Sarah said...

Hahaha!!! She is a funny kid!

And I don't mean to brag, but I can go up my stairs, take maybe 10 steps and there are yellow leaves.

Heheheheheh. *gets some hot chocolate cooking*

Jon said...

I love Sedona! Only time I have ever seen snow on a cactus was there. Can't wait to go back one day.

Melissa Cunningham said...

oh! your peanut cracks me up!!!
she sounds like my middle daughter alex,but alex is 4, going on 24 sometimes......
glad you had a fun family trip with fun family time!!!!

Will Cooper said...

Rock it sistas.

Aimee said...

This post made me smile the entire time!
Sedona is such a beautiful place! It sounds like you had a great family adventure!
Oh, and Peanut's comments were HILARIOUS!

RunningLaur said...

Ha, Peanut is hilarious.
Can't wait to meet you next week and hear more great stories in person!!

Emz said...

RL - yay me!! Soooooo excited!!

Anonymous said...

Pretty Pretty Sedona... So Peanut wants a buckle for the hike? Wonder where her quest for bling came from? Hmmmm?

Johann said...

You didn't know the 50k was on! Lots of points lost there. My family would have only seen Sedona because there was a 50k on. Priorities...

A Prelude To... said...

I just found your blog and I LOVE IT! And I love your peanut...she totally reminds me of my own li'l nut.

Great story!