Cup stacking and Grossology

The fun continues! Who new 4 kids could make so much noise consistently for days on end? One of the highlights of Jenna and Rylan's fun with their cousins - cup stacking! (Picts to come soon) Yesterday we visited the Grossology exhibit at the Fort Worth Museum. Yep, the kids had hand-on learning about boogers, gas, barf, poo and scabs! (oh yes, we have Picts to come of this too) After the museum, we went to the stockyards and watched a cattle drive. The longhorns moseyed down the street right in front of us.

Finally Dallas

We finally made it to Dallas a few days ago. Jenna and Rylan are having a great time with their cousins. The first day we all went bowling. Everyone did well bowling, kind of. Scott came in first, the kids held their own, and me, well my 4 year old niece beat me and I had to buy lunch. In my defense I had at least three strikes... I just threw gutter balls after each one (really, I can't even make that up).

Hello Phoenix

After a lunch stop in Sedona to see the beautiful red rocks, we arrived in Phoenix... to 117 degrees! The kids had not seen Scott's grandma in 3-1/3 years, so they were VERY excited to arrive.

Nonna has been feeding us very well. And giving the kids brownies at 7:30 a.m., pie at lunch, and ice cream in the evening. The kids love the pool in her retirement community, but the best part was watching a 70+ year old woman (whom we didn't know) rub sunscreen on Scott.

The Grand Canyon, AZ

Finally we made it to the Grand Canyon on Sunday. Scott was the only one who had ever seen it. What an amazing sight!

The kids not only became Junior Rangers at the Grand Canyon, but also completed a Discover Pack Program with Ranger Anne. They checked out the weather, explored with binoculars, and learned to identify plants and animals around the park.

Later we went back to the park for sunset, a definite must see.

Wupatki National Monument, AZ

After Sunset Crater on Saturday, we traveled further into the National Forest and visited the pueblo ruins at Wupatki National Monument.

There were two pueblo sites to visit. At Wukoki, we were able to crawl (literally in a few places) around and explore the old home. The kids loved it!

The next ruin, Wupatki, was huge! It once had as many as 100 rooms, plus ballcourts which were outdoor arenas. We made it about half way around and Jenna and Rylan were begging to head for the car. The desert heat was enough for all of us.

 These are blowholes. I know what you're thinking, but I'm not talking about the people ;-) . This is ancient air conditioning. Cool air is blowing out from inside the earth.

Sunset Crater National Park, AZ

On Saturday we visited our first volcano! Sunset Crater erupted between 1040 and 1100 AD and the lava flow trail remains.

We hiked the trail and the Junior Rangers were at it again, identifying different kinds of lava rock and cinders.

Yes, that's us sniffing the trees. Pinyon pines are everywhere and one of the rangers told us they smell like butterscotch or vanilla. Sure enough, it's true!

Finally, Updates!!

No, we did not fall off a cliff. FINALLY, we have good internet access. Enjoy!