Missing the Monsoon

The monsoon season is approaching in Flagstaff, and I am missing it. I looked forward to this time every year for lots of reasons.  It is Arizona's way of apologizing for the insane heat, and comes just in time for the hottest part of summer. I love the smell of the pine trees after it rains. And FINALLY there is some moisture in the air.

When the rain comes I'd open up every window in my house (all 5) and all the doors and let the rainy breeze blow through. I remember once when I was pregnant with Ben, being with Hannah at swimming lessons, and it rained so hard that water was pouring off the roof of the school (MEMS) like a waterfall. Hannah was so scared to run to the car that she cried. I loved that day. 

I also remember when I first moved to Flag from Seattle, I think the rain saved my sanity. During the monsoons I wanted to lay on the driveway and simply soak up the wet.  

I even kind of miss ugly, dry Mt. Elden that sat practically in my front yard and that I never once hiked.  This picture is so Flagstaff. The half dead Ponderosa's, no underbrush except for dry grass. It is beautiful in it's own way. Maybe soon I'll post some pictures of Hart Prairie and Snowbowl so that I will be able to remember them.