Monday, March 19th.
Today, I missed my usual breakfast of waffles. I had cereal instead. After breakfast, we went out into the snow to the car. We drove to different starting points for hiking and biking. However, most of the trails were closed so we went to a Mexican village. In the U.S. When we got out we started to walk around and look at the shops. Once in a while someone would throw a snowball at someone and a snowball fight would erupt in a state known for warm weather. We split up, Mom and me going our own way while Dad took care of the other kids. Some of the shops were neat, like the music box shop and the candle shop. Some, such as "Just Us Girls," I'd prefer to skip. We went to the toy shop and then to a jewelry shop were we met Dad and Ellis. Elliott and Elijah had run off. We learned that Elijah, in attempting to reach a Hot Wheels package, toppled a display. However, I wanted to show Dad some things at the toy store. We went back and then Ellis toppled the display trying to reach a set. Next, we stopped at a candy shop. We bought some cactus candy which the two smallest wanted; the two oldest wanted something else. Not finding anything (cheap enough), our penny pinching Dad led us outside. We discovered my youngest siblings upset. They didn't like the look of their candy. However, I took it and found the candy delicious. We went home and my Mom went mountain biking in the snow with Elliott. Returning tired and exhausted she went for a run with me. We took a bunch of photos but there's a catch (we staged the photos)...
By Ethan.
31.10.10
1.10.10
This Ditch is a Deep One
March 20th, 2012 (Tuesday)
I didn't lose anyone over the cliff edge. That is always a good sign. The Grand Canyon had been blanketed in snow so the Rim Trail was covered with ice and snow patches. The wiggle child was told clearly he must not run and hop on the boulders on the edge of the precipice. The ditch is a deep one. These instructions were repeated in many variations, numerous times. We rode the bus (cars aren't allowed) out to the far end of the trail and worked our way back both on foot and by bus. Walk, walk and more walking. Full sun, blue on blue sky, shining white snow and the great expansive Colorado divide--the first view is always the most inspiring. I'm not sure if the boys were as significantly impressed. The novelty of the slow bus ride wore off pretty fast. We arrived back at the van at 5 pm. We scrambled into the car and headed west. We almost chose north: Paige? Then we couldn't decide: south or west? Palm Springs or Vegas? I drove, the regular chauffeur sat in the front seat to read maps and guidebooks. Some days are just like that...the decisions are spontaneous. We were in pursuit of warmer weather. Finally, at 8 pm at night we decided to travel as far as Lake Havasu. We arrived late and finally found a motel with a room after our seventh try. This is the spring break season of college madness. Although it was after 10 pm, I made the 16 year old go running in the dark with me. He was a good sport about it. Meanwhile the chauffeur carried the sleeping kids into the motel room. We were grateful to get a room given the last-minute spontaneity of our decision. I know this: the forecast for tomorrow is 29 degrees.
By Mom.
I didn't lose anyone over the cliff edge. That is always a good sign. The Grand Canyon had been blanketed in snow so the Rim Trail was covered with ice and snow patches. The wiggle child was told clearly he must not run and hop on the boulders on the edge of the precipice. The ditch is a deep one. These instructions were repeated in many variations, numerous times. We rode the bus (cars aren't allowed) out to the far end of the trail and worked our way back both on foot and by bus. Walk, walk and more walking. Full sun, blue on blue sky, shining white snow and the great expansive Colorado divide--the first view is always the most inspiring. I'm not sure if the boys were as significantly impressed. The novelty of the slow bus ride wore off pretty fast. We arrived back at the van at 5 pm. We scrambled into the car and headed west. We almost chose north: Paige? Then we couldn't decide: south or west? Palm Springs or Vegas? I drove, the regular chauffeur sat in the front seat to read maps and guidebooks. Some days are just like that...the decisions are spontaneous. We were in pursuit of warmer weather. Finally, at 8 pm at night we decided to travel as far as Lake Havasu. We arrived late and finally found a motel with a room after our seventh try. This is the spring break season of college madness. Although it was after 10 pm, I made the 16 year old go running in the dark with me. He was a good sport about it. Meanwhile the chauffeur carried the sleeping kids into the motel room. We were grateful to get a room given the last-minute spontaneity of our decision. I know this: the forecast for tomorrow is 29 degrees.
By Mom.
30.9.10
A Burro?
Tuesday, March 20th.
Today, we left Sedona driving in the snow for the way home driving. For breakfast we had cereal. Again. My Dad then decided that instead of going home right away we would go to the Grand Canyon. We went out to look and even though there was snow on the ground my Dad insisted we put on suntan lotion. We walked for a while looking at the Grand Canyon. Even though I didn't see anything so grand about it... We took the free bus along the Grand Canyon here, there and everywhere. After we admired the scenery we went to our next hotel. On our way, after the two youngest kids fell asleep, we went to a Pilot Travel Center and my brother and I had a Wendy's Froster. As we left we noticed a flashing neon sign stating "Caution. Burro Crossing." We drove on and a while later Elliott stated, "Wow, that guy is watching out for gophers." My Mom, Dad and me laughed. I tell them I thought he had said "golfers." We laugh some more. Dad asks if we know what a burro is. I tell him yes. Dad says it's a donkey. Mom adds it's a "xxx" [insert inappropriate word]. Way to set an example!
Today, we left Sedona driving in the snow for the way home driving. For breakfast we had cereal. Again. My Dad then decided that instead of going home right away we would go to the Grand Canyon. We went out to look and even though there was snow on the ground my Dad insisted we put on suntan lotion. We walked for a while looking at the Grand Canyon. Even though I didn't see anything so grand about it... We took the free bus along the Grand Canyon here, there and everywhere. After we admired the scenery we went to our next hotel. On our way, after the two youngest kids fell asleep, we went to a Pilot Travel Center and my brother and I had a Wendy's Froster. As we left we noticed a flashing neon sign stating "Caution. Burro Crossing." We drove on and a while later Elliott stated, "Wow, that guy is watching out for gophers." My Mom, Dad and me laughed. I tell them I thought he had said "golfers." We laugh some more. Dad asks if we know what a burro is. I tell him yes. Dad says it's a donkey. Mom adds it's a "xxx" [insert inappropriate word]. Way to set an example!
31.8.10
Bliss: Chained to Digital Devices
The pool, a really good book (The Connected Educator), pistachio nuts and water--that's how I started my morning. Oh, the kids? They were imprisoned in the motel room and chained to digital devices. That worked for me. I had two hours of uninterrupted bliss and, actually, so did they.
Then we strolled along the paved walk around the canal at Lake Havasu. The walkway was crowded with scantily clad spring break college kids. There were folks giving away free frisbees, Monster and SoBe drinks to anyone walking passed them. Our children don't get specialty drinks at home (we thrive on mostly milk, water and juice) so they enjoyed the opportunity to sample extensively. After bottling up, we left for the semi-private beach at the State Park. We enjoyed alfresco lunch without the crowds. The smaller children began building with stones, dumping water, moving rocks, and engaging in free play at the edge of the water. For them, this was much more fun than the Grand Canyon.
As the sun was setting, we went to Sara Park to go mountain biking. Unfortunately, it became too dark, too fast. The oldest zipped around and jumped over rocks. He had fun. I watched and kept my mouth shut. I can not ride like him. I walked the bike more than I wanted. The ride was short. The oldest loaded the the bikes back on the rack at the back of the van and I finished the workout with a run. The blogging child was forced to run with me as we were in a deserted area of a desert park in the dark. I was thankful I could run. I have arthroscopic knee surgery in less then a week and I hope to show up on the operating table in decent shape.
By Mom.
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| Waves washing over them |
As the sun was setting, we went to Sara Park to go mountain biking. Unfortunately, it became too dark, too fast. The oldest zipped around and jumped over rocks. He had fun. I watched and kept my mouth shut. I can not ride like him. I walked the bike more than I wanted. The ride was short. The oldest loaded the the bikes back on the rack at the back of the van and I finished the workout with a run. The blogging child was forced to run with me as we were in a deserted area of a desert park in the dark. I was thankful I could run. I have arthroscopic knee surgery in less then a week and I hope to show up on the operating table in decent shape.
By Mom.
Walking Our Dogs
Wednesday, March 21st.
Fortunately, our motel had a continental breakfast. Unfortunately, there wasn't a waffle maker. Fortunately, there was some nice chocolate goodies. Unfortunately, they were disgusting. Fortunately, there was white bread which Dad says is a big 'no-no' in our house. We left the hotel just in time so we wouldn't have to pay an additional $100 for late checkout. We then went to a beach where companies were passing out free drinks; Monster, SoBe... We picked up a few and then went to a less crowded beach. We had some sandwiches and then some raspberry chocolate chunk ice cream. Mmmm... Good. We went to our new hotel, Island Suites. It's a nice hotel with a TV that can be changed to view from each of the two rooms and this really cool chair which is a cross bethween a rocking chair, armchair and a swivel chair. It's a much sought after place to sit in our family. After this we went to walk our bikes in the dark. Some people walk their dogs. Other people walk their bikes.
By Ethan.
Fortunately, our motel had a continental breakfast. Unfortunately, there wasn't a waffle maker. Fortunately, there was some nice chocolate goodies. Unfortunately, they were disgusting. Fortunately, there was white bread which Dad says is a big 'no-no' in our house. We left the hotel just in time so we wouldn't have to pay an additional $100 for late checkout. We then went to a beach where companies were passing out free drinks; Monster, SoBe... We picked up a few and then went to a less crowded beach. We had some sandwiches and then some raspberry chocolate chunk ice cream. Mmmm... Good. We went to our new hotel, Island Suites. It's a nice hotel with a TV that can be changed to view from each of the two rooms and this really cool chair which is a cross bethween a rocking chair, armchair and a swivel chair. It's a much sought after place to sit in our family. After this we went to walk our bikes in the dark. Some people walk their dogs. Other people walk their bikes.
By Ethan.
2.7.10
This day is a gift
March 22nd, 2012 (Thursday)
If it is good, then one should repeat it. Hence, the children read, played lego or went on computers while I read two chapters of my book, undisturbed, poolside. Then the oldest and youngest came down to join me. Why does my five year old, in a wet bathing suit, climb on top of my warm and dry body? Why does the five year old eat pretzels while balanced on top of my stomach? And, he is oblivious to it all because he is so busy talking. This is a good thing. Then more kids arrived. I would like to say that due to my exemplary parenting skills we had a lovely time splashing, playing and enjoying the pool. Ha! This is no fantasy vacation. There was a tug-o-war over the kick board, fighting over the 5 year old ("No, I get to play with him"), dunking, splashing, and lots of whining. I threatened, cajoled and finally was grateful when the beloved husband showed up. It takes both of us to manage these boys. And it is moments like this that I wonder what the true definition of a holiday really is!
We dashed off for lunch, took a walk down the crazy boardwalk loaded with spring break revellers, and a quick trip to the second hand bookstore looking for something to help pass the time on the long drive home. That begins tomorrow.
Last chance for crazy bootcamp today. We head out to Sara Park earlier so we don't get trapped in the dark. We have no plans and we left the trail map at the room. The two boys and I ride across the ridges, down through the washes, and arrive at a slot canyon glowing pink in the fading dusk. The colours are magnificent. We drop the bikes. We don't have much time. We run then jump and hop over smooth pink boulders as the canyon wall curves and narrows to an eight foot slide. Feet first, butts down, we slide it. Whoosh. We climb walls. We get as far as we can until we are blocked by a pool of stagnant lime green water. I am not for wading in it. The light is gone and we must get back. We reverse our climb, our run, and hop on the bikes to ride out from the murky purpled desert. This is the way to celebrate the end the vacation. This day is a gift. I am blessed.
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| Heading out on the desert trail |
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| Butt first then oldest jumps down 8 ft slide |
Last chance for crazy bootcamp today. We head out to Sara Park earlier so we don't get trapped in the dark. We have no plans and we left the trail map at the room. The two boys and I ride across the ridges, down through the washes, and arrive at a slot canyon glowing pink in the fading dusk. The colours are magnificent. We drop the bikes. We don't have much time. We run then jump and hop over smooth pink boulders as the canyon wall curves and narrows to an eight foot slide. Feet first, butts down, we slide it. Whoosh. We climb walls. We get as far as we can until we are blocked by a pool of stagnant lime green water. I am not for wading in it. The light is gone and we must get back. We reverse our climb, our run, and hop on the bikes to ride out from the murky purpled desert. This is the way to celebrate the end the vacation. This day is a gift. I am blessed.
1.7.10
Walking Our Bikes Again
Thursday, March 22th.
I woke up really early and went down to the continental breakfast. Why do almost all the hotels/motels we go to have continental breakfasts? Not that I'm complaining... I met a couple down there which lives in Langley. Hey! That's where we live!
Mom went to the pool and I did some homework. After we went to a used bookstore and got some books. We had chocolate chip ice cream. Mom was at the pool and I was her new pool boy.
Mom had a lot of fun walking her bike yesterday so she decided to walk her bike again. After about a mile Mom got tired and put the bike down. It was also a little rough so Elliott and me both left them too. We went pretty far till the path was covered in water. Then we had to turn back.
For our last night, we went to a Mexican food restaurant where the menu and food looked a lot like the one in Sedona. The food was excellent.
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| Blogger boy hikes the slot canyon |
Mom went to the pool and I did some homework. After we went to a used bookstore and got some books. We had chocolate chip ice cream. Mom was at the pool and I was her new pool boy.
Mom had a lot of fun walking her bike yesterday so she decided to walk her bike again. After about a mile Mom got tired and put the bike down. It was also a little rough so Elliott and me both left them too. We went pretty far till the path was covered in water. Then we had to turn back.
For our last night, we went to a Mexican food restaurant where the menu and food looked a lot like the one in Sedona. The food was excellent.
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