Spring Break Road Trip--Day Three

Slide Rock State Park

Well, we didn't quite make it all the way to Sedona today, like we had planned. We decided to stop at Slide Rock again. The water was lower and it was easier to view the natural waterslide. It was a crisp 60 degrees outside with a cool breeze, so the kids wore their jackets.

By the time we reached the water, the jackets came off and the kids began to play. They are sad in this picture because I made them stop playing, to take a picture. Next, they begged me to take them back to the car so they could get their swimsuits on. Keep in mind, the water was ice cold meltwater and although the sun was out, the was a chilly breeze. They promised me they didn't care about getting cold, so I let them change into their swimsuits.

First, Joseph decided to do some cliff jumping. The shock on his face when he emerged from the icy water, was priceless. I think I caught it on video, but no still picture.

Orrin was still too chicken, so Amara showed him how to do it.

Orrin did some fake-outs first . . . too nervous to jump into the frigid water below.

But, he couldn't be outdone by Amara, his little sister.

They all felt quite proud of themselves, showing off to the other kids who were either too chicken to try the cliff jumps . . . or too smart. BRRRRRRR!

gNext, Joseph decided to try the natural waterslide for which the park is named: "Slide Rock."

It was still REALLY cold!

Joseph dared to go twice more, but alas, Amara and Orrin were done being cold.

Since I had no towel for them, they were forced to sun themselves on the rocks, like lizards.

Aleya was smart enough to only wade in the cool water and stayed mostly dry and warm.

Red Rock State Park

We finally made it to Sedona and went to Red Rock State Park, thinking it was another park. WHOOPS! The kids all earned their Junior Ranger badges and we explored a few trails. Then we hurried on to the right park.

Cathedral Rock

Here's where we actually thought we were going . . . to the park with the view of Cathedral rock reflecting in Oak Creek. It was also a great place to skip stones.

Here's the most famous picture spot in Sedona. Sadly, a slight breeze disturbed the water, so it wasn't quite a crystal clear reflection, but it was close enough.


We ended the day with a 360 degree view of the Sedona Valley in the "Vortex." Aside from worrying about our loud and crazy kids desturbing the peace of visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and also worrying about the kids falling off the edge, it was cool to see this view of Sedona.

Spring Break Road Trip--Day Four

Tuzigoot National Monument

The day started off a little crazy. Our motel room key was an actual "key" and we couldn't find it when it was time to check out. We tore the room apart and looked in every nook and cranny. we tore our van apart and thought we looked everywhere . . . except Aleya's tiny pocket. Yep, my little two-year old picked it up and put it in her pocket.

We got a late start, but I am so glad we had a chance to see these Indian ruins on this trip, near Sedona. They are pretty amazing.

Lunch in Sun City West

Next we headed to Phoenix to visit my Grandma Armstrong, who's 88. My mom and her sister, Diana, had flown in a few nights before to visit their mom, so they suggested we meet at park and have a picnic together. My Grandma didn't feel up to coming to the park.

My mom brought the kids bread to feed the ducks.

My mom and my aunt were so thoughtful to prepare an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

Grandma Armstrong's Home

Next we went to visit my Grandma Armstrong, the kids' great-grandmother. Since we're moving to North Carolina, we may not be back for four years. I love her shamrock rock art in her front yard.

Aleya loved Grandma Armstrong instantly. . . and all her grandma treasures in her home.

Here's our four generations . . . in reverse order: Grandma Dorothy Armstrong, Debra Marie Armstrong Yates, Andrea Noel Moody Capener, and Aleya and Amara Capener.

The guys felt a little left out, so I took their picture, too. Notice the cool "grandma-like" home in the background. Her home is an amazing collection of treasures gathered over the years.

Mesa Easter Pageant

Next we drove to the Mesa Temple to watch the Easter Pageant.

The cast mingled in the crowd for a while before the show began, so we took pictures with them.

Orrin couldn't wait to get photos with the Roman soldier . . .oh, and hold his sword.

Joseph need to feel some steel, as well. Don't poke your eye out . . .or mine, for that matter.

We had pretty good seats at this free event. We were on the eighth row, or so.

The show began at dusk, around 8PM. The music was beautiful and the pageant was quite spectacular with a huge cast and special effects. It was a well told story, straight from the New Testament.

We had quite a fun night and the kids crashed quickly.

Thank goodness for these family-sized suites!

Spring Break Road Trip--Day Five

Kartchner Caverns State Park

So, we just had to try one more roadside tourist attraction, two hours from Phoenix. We got a late start from Phoenix and didn't arrive until noon. Our tour tickets were for 1:30PM, meaning that we didn't leave until around 4PM, with a 7 1/2 hour drive ahead of us to get back to San Diego. Ugh.

They did not allow photography, nor video-taping, of the caverns, so I took pictures in the visitor's center/museum.

The kids had a nice time and enjoyed the caves. They had too many rules and regulations, which were difficult to enforce on a 6 and 2 year-old, so it made it more difficult for Christian and I to enjoy the caves. (Rules: No photos or Filming. Don't touch anything but the railing, don't let your clothing brush against anything, don't talk and disturb others, etc.)

I was glad to finally get out of there! We had a really long drive home and finally made it to our home around 12:30AM. I kept Christian awake for a while and then switched with him when he was getting drowsy, so we didn't crash.

Annual Dance Recital for Best Foot Forward Dance Studio

These pictures were from the dress rehearsal for the annual Best Foot Forward Recital 2009.

Aleya danced to "A Tisket A Tasket." She did the dance great, twice, at dress rehearsal. However, on the day of the recital, she just cried on stage.

She loved her costume and her basket.

These are the tiniest dancers of the dance company. Most are 2 or 3 years old.

Christian and Amara danced to Sleeping Beauty's "Once Upon a Dream." He had a temporary wardrobe malfunction with his cape, so it's missing.

Wardrobe fixed. Pose pretty! Awwwww.

Amara danced a ballet to "Fly to your Heart" from the new Tinkbell movie.

Dress rehearsal was lots of fun!

Amara was in a third dance, for her jazz class. They danced a mambo to "Jump in the Line." Here she is with her good friends Sophia and Chloe.

Shake, shake, shake, Senora!

Despite her tears, Aleya was awarded a bouquet of velvety flowers for her hard work.

I had to make up for not getting Amara flowers at her first recital, two years ago. She received a HUGE bouquet (courtesy of the roadside stands).

Spring Baseball 2009--Pony League

Spring baseball season is underway. We switched the boys to a new league: Escondido Pony League.

Joseph is on the Red Sox in the Bronco Division. He has awesome coaches with Coach Haragos as the head coach. They have only lost one game so far and lead in their division.



Orrin is on the Cubs Team in the Mustang division with his friend, Cameron.