We woke up at 4:00 a.m., packed up the mini-van with our little sleeping angels and headed west. We arrived in New Mexico, at the Carlsbad Caverns around 1:30. We had just enough time to tour around and take the 72 story elevator down to the Big Room portion of the cave.
It really was magnificent. So many different formations everywhere you looked. The pictures really don't do it justice.
The ranger had McKay demonstrate the different elements that bond together to make the acid which helped carve out the cavern.
It wasn't quite the right time of year for the famous bat flight, where thousands of bats to leave the cave at dark, but we went and imagined what it is like when the bat cave is at full capacity.
McKay was good to let Matthew explore on the nature hike we took. They stopped and admired specimen they saw.
We drove to Roswell to check out the Aliens and spent the night. The hotel had signs welcoming all earthlings. It was fun to see aliens in front of every store, restaurant, and hotel in sight. We had a yummy dinner at IHOP and enjoyed reading about the historic UFO landing. The next morning we were back at it bright and early and drove all day. We found a hotel in Williams and went swimming and grocery shopping. The next morning we drove for about an hour and arrived here.
I had always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, it was everything I had hoped for.
Being in the Grand Canyon at Sunset was a bucket-list dream fulfilled.
On Sunday morning we hiked up to attend a non-denominational church service. We were a little late, but were able to hear some inspirational words before they wrapped up. We got a few looks tromping up the trail in our church clothes, but we're kind of use to that.
The younger children wanted to help take some pictures. Seeing this picture helped remind me that I need to see things from their perspective sometimes.
After the Grand Canyon we were headed to Aunt Catherine's house. She was such a fabulous host. We arrived on Todd's birthday and enjoyed celebrating with him. Her home is lovely in every way. I'm so excited for them to welcome a little baby soon.
Monday was McKay's 12th birthday. McKay had requested sausage and pancakes. Cath hooked him up with some of the best. We celebrated by going to the Alpine Slide. We loved riding up on the ski lift and racing down the track.
Then we were off to see Grandma Great. The children all took turns telling her about their lives and receiving a drumstick ice cream cone from her.
Gracie always has a hug for Uncle Gordon.
We then had Family Home Evening with the Todd cousins. We played Ultimate Frisbee and had a potluck dinner. Dave and Cindy, Matt and Melanie, and Sam Todd came with their families. Katie and Lauren weren't sure who had grown more.
We were happy to finally have arrived in Utah. We made it just in time because after spending the night at Cath and Todd's we woke up the next morning and didn't drive more than a block before we ran out of gas.
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