Friday, August 5, 2016

WE'RE BACK! And with photos to share!!


6 Week Hiatus:
Well, it has been roughly 6 weeks since I've even logged into our blog.  During that span, our family had a nice family vacation that spanned across four states, I had a personal injury that would have made it difficult to type, but most importantly, I had a chance to sit back and evaluate everything in my personal life as well as our blog. The break was nice because I got to spend more with the family and also had more time for myself. But I have to admit that I did find myself missing blogging at times.  

As much as I do enjoy blogging and sharing our journey with everyone, I have to say that prior to the break, it had become more and more of a chore than fun.  Moving forward, I still plan to continue blogging and sharing our family's journey but I will likely discontinue some content in an effort to reduce my obligation to the blog.  

I hope everyone can understand where I'm coming from. I want to make blogging fun again! I want to look forward to going on our blog to share a new family accomplishments or experiences! With that said, I truly see this blog possible becoming more personal and than financial, at times. I hope that by mixing up the content, it will help make blogging a bit more fun for me again. :)

Summer Road Trip 2016:
Although our summer road trip was planned, our hiatus was not.  Believe it our not, I had every intention to keep blogging throughout our family vacation. Well, I guess that I am living proof that things just don't always go as we planned. Throughout our trip, I kept saying that I'll just blog tomorrow.  As several "tomorrows" had past, blogging became less and less important and spending time with family and enjoying my vacation became my priority. Based on my recent experience, I will say to everyone that it is very important for your blog, your business, your work, your family, etc. that we all periodically take breaks away from the daily and weekly grind! Chances are, after a nice re-charge of the batteries, you will come back with greater passion and desire. Our family road trip certainly helped me do just that!

Here are a few photos of places we visited during our family's summer road trip. Enjoy!!

Elephant Rock - Valley of Fire, NV

Virgin River - Zion National Park, UT

Horseshoe Bend - Glen Canyon - Page, AZ

Lower Antelope Canyon - Page, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Sedona, AZ

Watson Lake & The Granite Dells - Prescott, AZ

During our summer road trip, our family complete a total of 6 hikes! It is official! I've now completed my 2016 fun goal of 26 hikes and am now moving on to take on the 52-week hike challenge.  To date, I am now up to hike no. 40.  With 21 weeks left in the year and only 12 more hikes left to finish my 52-hike challenge, I'm feeling pretty confident about my chances! :)


12 comments:

  1. Looks like you had an awesome family vacation! Wow, your pics are awesome!I spent some time in Zion a few years ago on a guys trip but definetly want to bring the family on my next trip and then hit the grand canyon. How long was your trip?

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    1. Thanks...Zion was my favorite stop. We were only there for two days. I would love to spend a whole week in Zion! We did our 4-state road trip in 18 days. Stayed in a hotel for a few, camped for a few, and wrapped up our trip in Prescott, AZ where my in-laws live. 👍🏼

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  2. Looks like you had a great time, AFFJ. Its always good to see ppl take vacation and enjoy time off. Of the places mentioned, Ive been to Zion -- truly a spectacular place and some breath-taking views.

    The other parks, esp Grand Canyon is on my wishlist to check out. Want to plan a hiking/camping trip involving some parks in your part of the country :)

    cheers
    R2R

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    1. Thanks R2R! And agreed, Zion is such an amazing place. Others are cool too but Zion was my personal favorite. We did a hike into The Narrows which was a bucket list hike for me. 👍🏼 Hope you eventually have the opportunity to hike/camp in our neck of the woods! :) AFFJ

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    2. When I visited, we ended up doing the Angels landing -- which gave us some spectacular views. Will have to check out some pics of The Narrows

      R2R

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    3. That's awesome you did Angels Landing! I would like to tackle it one day but with a 4 and 6 year old, we didn't even bother trying this time. We did the lower emerald pool which is the base of Angels Landing. 👍🏼

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  3. Welcome back! I was just saying the other day, where is AFFJ lately!?! Now I know! Thanks for sharing some pics from your trip. I love traveling and seeing new places. The USA really is a beautiful place!

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    1. Thanks Adam. Glad to be back. Not sure the blog will be entirely the see moving forward but I look forward to getting back on the Saddle again.

      And yes, there is so much to see in the US and beyond. That is why we are working so hard to retire early. I hope to travel extensively in retirement. AFFJ

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  4. Good to have you back. Amazing photos. The southwest has so many cool national parks.

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    1. Thanks IH. We are blessed with all of our national parks. Hoping to take my kids to as many of them as I possible can! :)

      Thanks for visiting. Best wishes. AFFJ

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  5. wow nice pictures and sounds like a great vacation! glad you are feeling better! Best wishes!

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    1. Thanks HHWG. Glad to be back. It was only 6 weeks but it felt twice as long. Looking forward to finishing the year strong! AFFJ

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