The week has been abuzz with activity since the Goldings arrived last Sunday. With nine kids running around, there is never a dull moment, at least not before 10pm. But I speak for all of us when I say that we are having a blast–good friends are a blessing.

We began the week touring Sedona, a city famous for its red rocks.

Jeremy and Nathan entertained us with some sword-fighting.

Then we returned to Sunset Crater to hike the lava flow trail. The kids had a great time spending some energy on the hike and even managed to learn a few things about volcanoes.

Lunch amidst the lava…

While at home, we have taken advantage of the extra hands–more children means more laborers. They have had cleanup duty after dinners.

Ruthie sure enjoys having girls around. She is receiving constant attention.

Yesterday we drove to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and learned that the Colorado River, which lies at the bottom of the canyon, is more visible from the south than from the north.

Jake taught the difference between uniformitarianism and catastrophism.

After finding a quiet spot, we managed to gather everyone together for a picture…with almost everyone smiling…no small feat!

Before embarking on our hike, we had a lesson on the dangers of walking too close to the edge. Here we are looking at some hikers who had scrambled down the canyon a little ways and were walking along the edge of a steep rock outcropping. We weren’t sure if we should watch them to see what would happen, or avert our eyes.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1)  Spectacular.