Week 4 - Arizona Vacation

After much deliberation, we headed west to Flagstaff last week. We set up a base camp at the Tuthill County Fairgrounds Campground. It was not fancy, but it was quiet most of the week and well located for our day trips.

Day Trip #1: Sedona
The last time Mark and I visited Sedona we got engaged. Here we are almost 14 years and 6 children later. We visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross and took in many of the rock formations in the area.Day Trip #2: Walnut Canyon National Monument
The kids had a blast exploring the ruins of the Hopi tribe's cliff dwellings. We all tried to imagine what life was like for these people. Water collection was certainly a challenge. Day Trip #3: Grand Canyon National Park
We spent Monday in the Grand Canyon. I think our children are a little young to comprehend the wonder of this park. Catherine and Chloe both expressed feeling small and a little scared by the canyon. The boys enjoyed hiking but didn't seem impressed by their surroundings. Nonetheless, the five older children completed the Junior Ranger Program for the Grand Canyon. We attended a great ranger-led program about wildlife tracks.
Day Trip #4: Slide Rock State Park
We spent two days at Slide Rock State Park. One day was spent with our Arizona cousins and the second, just us. What a fun place! The girls and Mark had a blast sliding down the rock water slides. I stayed with the boys and enjoyed splashing and swimming in the shallower pools.