Arizona to Home!

Another early morning, and we were on the road headed home. I hated to be leaving such a beautiful, peaceful place behind! More importantly, I hated knowing that our uninterrupted family time was coming to an end.
We couldn't leave Arizona without stopping at a Cracker Barrel.

We played a few games, and loaded up on a big brunch.

 Couldn't help but take a picture of this sign in the country store...it is so me!

 We made it back to California...

 and missed the thunder storm rolling through Palm Springs.

Zoe had to be at a dance rehearsal, so we dropped her off at the studio on the way home. Nothing like getting back into the swing of things. It was nice to get home to our dogs, we sure missed them. Now it's time for many loads of laundry, and back to the daily grind. We had such a nice little trip away though, I am so thankful for the time!

Arizona...Day 4

It was a cold, stormy day, but we were determined to get hiking before the trails got crowded. We started with the Little Horse Trail.

 The kids love to go off the beaten path and make things extra "challenging!"

 It was so cold and windy up here! But, once again, totally worth it!

 After this hike, Joe went back to the hotel to rest for a bit, and the kids and I decided to do the Bell Rock Climb. We knew it would be a challenge, but we were determined to go as high as we could!

 The rocks got a a bit steep, but it was fun. Coop even found this built in seat for a little rest.

 One of the most beautiful views I've ever seen!

We made it as far up as we could go without rock climbing gear.

 It's a good thing none of us were afraid of heights!

 We took a challenging route down, thanks to Cooper and his adventurous side! Our legs, knees, and ankles were sore and tired.
We went back to the room to eat a little, then played some outdoor games before spending some time relaxing in the spa!

 After warming up, we went drove to the Sunset Overlook spot by the airport.

We stopped for dinner at the Red Planet Diner, a tacky UFO/space decorated diner in town.

 It wasn't the best meal we've had on this trip, but still fun.

Arizona...Day 3

We were up with the sun and off for a day of adventure.

 We rented a 4 seat ATV buggy, and hit the road. We started in town, and moved out to the stunning hills and mountains.

 The trails started out smooth, but got quite rough and were a ton of fun. Joe sped us through various trails until we got to our first stop.

 Zoe had found this hike while researching things to do in Sedona, and we just had to do it.

 The hike up was awesome, and just stunning.

 We made it up to Devil's Bridge. Pictures just don't do it justice...it was breathtaking! Joe is severely afraid of heights, so he was not happy to have the kids, or me, out on the bridge!

 We convinced Joe that he had to give it a try, so with shaking legs, he joined us for a quick photo and then rushed off the bridge.

 We hiked back down, and got in the ATV for a ride out to the Honanki Ruins. 

 It was a short walk to the site of the cliff dwellings. This is where the Sinagua, ancestors of the Hopi tribe, lived between AD 1150-1350. It was neat to see the "rooms" and petroglyphs.

 After we left there, we had about an hour and a half ride back. We told Zoe we would let her have a try at off-roading. She did awesome and had a blast. The roads got REALLY rough and a bit crazy, but she handled it well (even when she ran over a giant rattle snake!)

 Then it was Cooper's turn. He had a bit harder of a time, since the seats don't adjust and it was difficult to reach the pedals, and see clearly above the window break, but he did great too. There was so much laughter, and a little screaming, and we had a blast.

 After getting lost on some of the back trails, we made it out of there and back to town just in time.

 We were covered from head to toe in red dust, so we headed back to the hotel for showers and food.
We were ready for a little afternoon treat, so we stopped at a delicious cafe. We had gelato, affogato, and cinnamon roll bread pudding. It was all yummy!

 

 We went back out to explore a little more of the town. Our first stop was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It's built right into the red rocks, with gorgeous views of town.

 What amazing views from a chapel!

 We drove to Uptown Sedona, which is the main touristy part of town.

 There are tons of shops...jewelry, souvenirs, crystals, rocks, clothing, etc.

 We left the area and found a fantastic hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. The food and drinks were delicious, and we ended with some churros and fried ice cream!

A beautiful sunset on the drive back!