One of the things I find challenging as a parent is discovering things we can do together, as a family, where everyone gets a full enjoyment out of the activity. Some of the things that Calvin loves to do are quite boring to Jonas, and vice versa. Sometimes we have an activity that both kids will participate in, but at different levels – such as sports. Jonas wants to play the games as fast as possible (Calvin doesn't process all the variables fast enough to keep up), while Calvin likes to slow the game down enough to participate (Jonas gets bored.) It's not easy, but we keep trying.

Hiking, on the other hand, has become a great activity for us. And since there are lots of trails in and around Phoenix, we have plenty of opportunities to hike and explore. Jonas wants to hike fast, and wants to be the leader. Calvin doesn't care about who leads. But after a few minutes, Jonas' little legs get tired, and we all get to hike together. On the way down it's a different story entirely – Calvin rolls downhill like a bowling ball (I have to keep up to make sure he doesn't get out of control.), and Jonas is much more cautious as he works his way down the trail. It's great to have something that we can do as a family, and it's great to have something where Calvin gets to "win"!

Pictures taken over Christmas break at Squaw Peak (Piestewa Peak) Recreation Area in Phoenix, Arizona.