Day 2 in Sedona

Birthday Boy

We all awoke this morning with a better feel for this week’s time zone. The sun rose through skies a touch cloudier than the day before. We began the day with a pancake breakfast, then stashed Easter eggs around the house for the kids to find.

After all eggs had been discovered, we celebrated my nephew Wesley’s fourth birthday with balloons, cake, and ice cream. The kids didn’t seem to mind, but I couldn’t take on ice cream and cake at 8:20 in the morning!

Early Risers

Not long after, we hopped in the car and rode south to visit Montezuma’s Castle: a national monument. Somehow we beat the rush, snagging three parking spaces before they were all gone. After buying our tickets, we wandered along the sidewalk path next to the magnificent homes of the Sinagua, ancient ancestors of today’s Hopi Indians. What I found more fascinating than the Sinagua’s living quarters was how they ever farmed the harsh desert as successfully as they did.

Montezuma's Castle

We finished our tour and picnicked alongside the fast-moving Beaver Creek before hopping into the car and heading back to Sedona. Back at the house, some took naps and others played. Kelly’s dad had been interested in hiking the nearby Little Sugarloaf rock, so he, Kelly, the kids, and I hopped into the car and drove over.

The trip was a short one: about a mile or so. We piled out, checked the trail maps, and headed up the dusty path. It was great seeing the rocks (and Chimney Rock) up so close. To the right, behind Chimney Rock, loomed Capitol Butte (a.k.a. Thunder Mountain) – a mountain we can see nicely from our house.

The plan was for us to summit Little Sugarloaf and our trip began easily enough. After hiking halfway up the rock the trail became tricker to navigate. As I was leading the way I heard Hallie slip on a step and fall. Brushing herself off, she gamely continued her climb. The step wasn’t through with its hijinks, though, and snagged Travis seconds later. T crumpled when he added yet another cut to his well-worn knees and elbow. I had to guide him back down to our car while the others completed their climb. Reunited after another 30 minutes or so, we returned to our house.

Hiking up Little Sugarloaf

I became depressed once we returned as I was so looking forward to getting our two young hikers up this mountain. Hallie succeeded, and beamed the rest of the day. Travis had clearly had enough of hiking for the day and it made me sad when he could not be convinced otherwise. While I knew not to push it with him, I felt sad that a good confidence-building hike got away from him.

Before dinner was served by Kelly’s brother David, Hallie, Kelly, and I enjoyed a few games of Blackjack. I thought it would be a good way to teach the kids math in the guise of playing a game. Surprisingly, Hallie is very good at it! We may even have to keep score the next time.

Dinner

Tomorrow we visit the Grand Canyon. I’m trying to imagine what that will be like but I’m sure that nothing I can imagine will compare with the real thing. It should be fun!