Bandelier Exploring!

Last Saturday, we adventured to Bandelier National Park for a fun day with the family. I have not been to Bandelier since elementary school. My last experience there was actually horrible. I was very sick from the bus ride and I did not go into a single cave because I did not want to climb the ladders, even the small ones. My love for the trails and outdoor adventures has grown and I am learning to try and deal with my set-backs. I even had to ride a bus from White Rock to the park because that is the only way you can get into the park during the summer season. We started with taking the Main Loop trail and explored all the caves and ruins.

The boys LOVED it! They loved climbing the ladders and trying to find pictures on the cave walls.

We ate our packed lunches and then made our way to the Alcove House. Connor and I did not go up to the Alcove House. Not quite ready for that yet! In order to reach the Alcove House you must climb a series of ladders and stairs 140 feet high above the canyon. Bradley and Josh decided to climb this together. Maybe one day I will be able to do this.

Alcove House, 140 foot climb to the top 

Bradley and Josh are climbing the ladder to reach the top! 

Next time we go I am definitely buying the guidebook that you can purchase for a dollar. We regretted it once we were on the trails and wanted to learn more about what we were finding along the trail. We thought it was just a map but it is filled with information about the ruins and painting that you can find along the trail. 

I highly recommend going to this park and exploring it! It was so much fun and very kid friendly. I want to also explore Chaco Canyon and the Gila Cliff Dwellings when it cools off. I have been to Mesa Verde and I want to go back soon. Mesa Verde is my favorite! 

Family Update!

I decided to try to update my blog again! I miss playing around with my blog and writing about my family and sharing things that are important to me. My goal is try and update my blog once a week. I am going to really try and stay on top of it. I find it is a great way to log our adventures and share with family and friends. Since I have not updated in a while, I decided to give you five facts about each family member. I hope you enjoy!

Bradley

1. Bradley starts kindergarten in August. I still cannot believe he is going to school.

2. He is very much into policemen right now. He has wanted to be a policeman for several years now. It is the only thing that has really stuck with him. He changes his favorite color every day, literally.

3. He only will eats his vegetables raw right now. Any veggies cooked is a thumbs down.

4. He has amazing luck at arcade games. The last three times we have gone to an arcade, he has hit the jackpot!

5. He really enjoys riding his new bike that grandma and papa bought him. He is still using the training wheels but hopefully he can ditch them soon.  

Connor

1. Connor will be starting fourth grade in the fall. It is so surreal. I cannot believe it!

2. Connor loves playing lacrosse. He has recently been playing goalie and multiple field positions. His team won in a tournament held in Durango and they also won the local championship.

3. He is still extremely creative and always is working on a craft or taking something apart to see how it works. He loves science so much and is wondering when he can take Chemistry classes.

4. He loves snacking on sunflower seeds. He puts a big handful at once into his mouth, just like his dad.

5. He is a little Paul Bunyan and has some major lumberjack cutting skills. He can swing an axe very well and enjoys cutting down branches and small trees at the ranch.

Josh

 

1. Josh is still working for the fire department in Los Alamos and still loving it! I am so glad he loves his job so much.

2. He is currently working his way through his never ending "Honey Do List". He is working on tiling the kitchen and laundry room right now.

3. He is enjoying geocaching with the boys on hiking trails.

4. He recently got a newer diesel truck. It is bright, fire engine red!

5. In April, he was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church.

Theresa

1. I will be starting working full-time again in the fall. I will be teaching third grade at Enchanted Hills! I am so excited to get back into the classroom.

2. This summer has really thrown me off my health and wellness goals. I cannot get my traction.

3. I am obsessed with Imagine Dragons new album! It is so good!

4. I have been watching The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu. It is amazing! I am seriously on the edge of my seat during every episode. It is so intense.

5. I am looking forward to the rest of my summer and ready to get outside and explore!