Northern New Mexico / June 5 - June 16, 2009

On our way to Albuquerque we stopped off at a couple of great places:

First stop was at the Walnut canyon Natl. Monument to see the ruins there and to walk allot of steps. It was a not planned stop but we were happy we took the time to stop there and learn more about history and the people who lived here.

Our second stop was planned and that was the Petrified Forrest. Now that was very beautiful and a great stop to see. It was amazing all the colors in the rock forms that were once trees. I would love to stop here again if we ever get by there again in our future travels.

Now were in Albuquerque and were in a small campground. We went to turquoise Trail and drove over to Madrid which is like a small gypsy art stores and other goodies. This is the town where Maggie's restaurant is in the movie "Wild Hog's". I went back the next day with the girls to do more window shopping and picked up a couple gifts too. Beautiful drive to get there also.

We took one day to do the Rio Grand Zoo and it was a fun relaxing day at the zoo. Always love to watch the baby monkey's with their mothers.

Northern Arizona / June 1 - June 4, 2009

We went to Williams, Arizona to see what else, "The Grand Canyon". We had soo much fun there and Krista looks over the edge and says "it's not so big". I guess teens these days expect more. Lexi made me a bit nervous trying to get a closer look like everyone else. I had some great shots to keep me happy and to remember it all by. (we lost all pics when the computer hard drive burned out and I only backed up a few to my myspace page.)

Then we had a great time at Slide Rock State Park. We first heard of this place through another family's blog on family on the road. What a great time for everyone. Eddie and I jumped off the small jump by the river. We all slid down the natural water slides and had the rock burns and bruises to show for it. Lexi made some little friends in the shallow area. I would love to move here for the view alone.

Our last free day there we decided to let Eddie rest and the girls and I went to route 66 to do some souvenir shopping and have lunch. So much fun window shopping dragging the girls from shop to shop and picking up a few items for friends and family.

California / April 2 - May 30, 2009

We were at Joshua Tree Natl. Park for a week and we had a great time hiking and climbing. If your ever debating whether or not you should go there, you defiantly should. What a wounder of a place, so different in every different area you go too. We saw humming birds there and a desert tortoise. It was a great week!

We drove over to San Diego for a month and a half. We were at the Mission Bay area and we had so much fun at the beaches and parks. The beach shops were a favorite of our oldest daughter, Haley. The amusement park was Krista's favorite hangout and Lexi loved it all! We loved taking Roxy to the dog beaches and parks. Fiesta Island was amazing for dog lovers, you could let them off the leash and they could run the beach and play in the water. Roxy loves to run and swim even though Bulldogs do not do either one very good, if at all. By the way Bulldogs don't swim they sink!

We went to see the harbor seals who took over one beach. Dolphins swimming at mission beach with the surfers. At Mission Bay one day a seal was jumping out of the water trying to catch seagulls. we also went to Cabrillo Natl. Monument and saw the light house and whale look out. We also took the girls down to the tide pools to see what they could find and identify.

Arizona / March 19 - April 1, 2009

We went to Wilcox and we went to so many places there. Cheicaha Natl. Park, Cochise Stronghold Coronado Natl. Forrest, Fort Bowie, Dragoon Rock, Tombstone and a rattle snake store right by there.

At Fort Bowie it was a 3 mile hike and just as we were coming to the last curve to get to the parking area Krista walked up on a 6 foot diamond back who was coiled up and rattle going like crazy laying on the edge of the path. We were stuck waiting there for a half hour , the Ranger was new and unsure what to do. While holding a 2 year old this whole time and I had to carry her half way thru the hike, my back was screaming. I gave up on the Ranger and did a hugh No-No, I walked off the path and far around the area with the rattler and left with my family in tow. Our first and only encounter with a diamondback.

We went to Tusan to meet up with friends of ours. We were not able to stay where they were because they did not allow children there so we went down the street and stayed at BLM land and roughed it for a week. The view was awesome, our own cactus garden and a small mountain to climb right next to us. At night the stars were all over on top of us.

We went to the Saguaro National Park there to view the rock drawings and the grand cacti that is only found that area of the State. We went to Reid Park Zoo and the girls had so much fun seeing all the animals. They had an albino male peacock that was so majestic.

The Last place we visited in Southern Arizona was Maricopa where we went to see the Casa Grand Ruins. It was really interesting and we had a Ranger walk us through and tell us about everything plus she answered all our questions.