dreaming of the desert

I mentioned weeks ago that I had gone to Arizona to celebrate my grandpa's 85th birthday. Even before my grandparents moved to Arizona four or five years ago, they'd been spending their winters there for as long as I can remember (probably longer). When I was little, my family used to go visit them there every year, so I've spent a lot of time in Scottsdale over the years. I went to the Grand Canyon with my dad one year, taking a little prop plane (and throwing my breakfast up in said prop plane) and being so amazed that there was snow at the Canyon. Actually, on that little trip, with just the two of us, I remember my dad let me use the camera and take a picture of him. That's actually the first memory I have of using a camera! Funny the memories that come up when you're thinking of something else.

Anyways, I've seen that part of the country grow and grow and develop beyond anything I could have imagined. But going there this time, well, it was the first time I'd been there since I've gotten more interested in photography and really taking photos. It's funny how differently you see a place when you're looking through the viewfinder. I really wanted to get some photos of the desert, but unfortunately, there was a bit of a heat wave while we were there and no one wanted to spend much time outdoors. So during a Saturday afternoon drive, my parents graciously pulled over a couple of times and Jared and I hopped out of the car to snap some photos. He's such a good assistant!

So here are a few of my favorites. I have another set that I'll share tomorrow. Even though this was only three weeks ago, it feels like a lot longer. And of course winter has arrived here, so hot and sunny days feel worlds away from my walk home in the freezing rain this afternoon. I suppose it's good to have photos like these to revisit on days like today...