cerebral discharge

Joel and Kristen Martin came to visit us in Phoenix this weekend. I’ve blogged about Joel’s situation before. He’s been battling lymphoma for the last few years. I’m happy to report that Joel’s recent PET scan came back showing no cancer! He still has a pretty significant series of procedures remaining in his treatment to try to ensure that this cancer does not return, including a bone marrow transplant, and another round of chemotherapy.

Joel and Kristen mentioned on their blog that they needed a break from the cold weather, since the midwest has been barraged by some of the coldest days on record. (global warming, my ass…)

It was such a nice weekend catching up with the two of them. Here’s some pictures highlighting the weekend.

This is Apache Trail, one of our favorite places on the earth. You drive on a dirt road through 45 miles of mountains. The road is often down to one lane, and it’s right on the edge of a cliff. The mountains are absolutely beautiful there.

This spot was featured in an earlier trip to Apache trail, with Jenna Cripe. We always stop in this spot for more pictures.

We found a cave just off the road. It was an easy enough hike, so we climbed up into it and (surprise!) took some pictures.

Random landscape shot. Flipping beautiful. Doesn’t this kind of view inspire something deeper inside of you?

Kristen enjoyed playing with the prickly pear cactus.

The next day, we drove up to Sedona, which Amy and I had never done. Sedona is characterized by the red rock formations that I’m sure you’ve seen in photography before. Here’s Amy and I at one particularly beautiful spot.

Joel and Kristen had a great time. We were so glad to get them out in the sun to enjoy themselves.

The DeZagos were with us on the Sedona trip as well. Dan was another of my college roommates. He, Joel, and I realized that this summer makes 10 years that we’ve all known each other! Insane. I feel old. Here’s a group walking pic, minus the fabulous photographer…

As we climbed higher and higher in elevation (in the Jeep, of course…we didn’t hike or anything!), the temperature dropped from the mid-70s in Phoenix, all the way down to about 40 degrees up near Flagstaff.

Smooching pictures are cute…right? Right?

On Tuesday morning, we walked around downtown Phoenix with the Martins a bit, just so they could get a feel for the city. I didn’t manage to get any good pictures with any people in them, but this flower shot turned out well, I think.

We had such a nice weekend with our old friends. Since we’ve been here, Jenna and the Martins have all come out to visit, and Jenna’s coming back sometime in the next few weeks.

The rest of you, it’s your turn. Leave a comment, send me an email, call me, txt me, and let me know when you’re coming. We’d love to show you all these places, and feature you on this blog!