Monument Valley & Mesa Verde

On our way to Colorado, we cut through a corner of Utah so we could drive through Monument Valley.  Awesome is too simple a word. Also, these photos make me realize that either my camera has no ability to pick up true color, because this place is ORANGE (a really nice orange), or I don't know how to use it correctly (this is probably the true reason).

***Warning:  driving through Monument Valley is a nightmare for people who get car sick.  Up and down, up and down---you have been warned***

Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez, Colorado:

Just like the picture in my 6th grade social studies book, only I got to be in it and touch everything (only where we were allowed to)!!!

The Pueblo people lived here about 1,400 years ago and built their homes into these cliffs.

We were told this particular staircase built into the mountain is at least 700 years old.  

We also had to use ladders to climb out.  

Climbing into a Kiva (a ceremony room, or a living room)

Go.  You won't regret it.

Vacation Part 3: Sedona, AZ

If you're looking for Part 2, I haven't done it yet.  Sedona is more visually stunning, so I have to go with that.  Part 2 is a history lesson.

SEDONA:

I know.  Amazing right?  So much beauty there.  You literally can't take a bad picture there if you tried.

Joseph took this photo:

We did this super-fun Pink Jeep Tour that took us through some parts of the mountains.  Two of the best hours we spent during this entire trip.  We all loved it.  This jeep below was the jeep behind us.  Not sure if you can tell from this photo how steep some of the mountain road trails are.  On this particular road we were literally being held in by our seat-belts.  

Vacation Part I: Grand Canyon, AZ

The photos don't do this place justice.  At all.  It is enormous and absolutely stunning.

This place is so amazing, I told the kids they must come back here with their own kids some day.

They say the Colorado River (below) is responsible for carving out this canyon.  Hmmmmm......  it looks so innocent.

These Juniper trees were all over the place.  I love them.

These two became Junior Park Rangers by completing some little tasks.  Too cute.  They got a pin and a badge for their efforts.  They also had to say an oath stating that they will always help take care of National Parks and tell people to visit them.  

Look at this view!  It's from the Bright Angel Trail that we went on.  We went down very little into the canyon.  Don't look down.  And don't go down with a 7 year old that you constantly have to tell, "Olivia!!!  Stay AWAY from the edge!!!  Walk by the wall!!"

On the trail:  This is also the trail the mules take down.  So the Brady Bunch was here.  That's why it's so famous.

Below: Me:  walking back up the trail as far away as possible from the edge.  Who's idea was it to go down into the canyon anyway?  (not mine!)  BTW, it was chilly!!

We had a great time here.  We took 2 different bus tours offered, getting off at every stop, we went on a couple of trails, we drove around, and we even got to watch a Native American Dance.  It was awesome.  Unfortunately we were specifically asked not to post photos on-line of the Navajo, and I believe in karma, so I can't show you any here.  But come on over & you can see them!

Today

Homework and a spin top...

Ice Cream and an Art Show

 Yesterday was 41 degrees and windy.  Cold enough for some ice cream!

 Don't the colors of the ice-cream sprinkles look like the colors on Olivia's painting below?