AZ Monuments Trip

A couple weeks ago my parents came for a visit and I used that as an excuse to take a few days off work.  Since I didn’t really get a vacation over the Christmas season, I figured I could use some time off.  The week was even better than I imagined and the time off was much appreciated.

The best afternoon was one spent playing cards outside while enjoying the beautiful weather.  Sometimes the simplest moments are the best. 

I was in desperate need of some arts and crafts time so one afternoon my mom and I went to a local pottery place and painted some pieces.  I planned for more pics, but apparently we were so into our painting that it slipped my mind.  We had the whole place to ourselves which we both loved!  My mom made a couple cute little ice cream bowls for Mr. C. and I to be used when we enjoy our homemade ice cream (almost daily in the summer) and I made a big polka dot popcorn bowl for myself.

Later in the week the four of us drove up north for a little sightseeing.  We stopped at Montezuma’s Castle where Montezuma never really lived and isn’t really a castle.  The castle is a 20 room dwelling built by hand in the side of the mountain between 1100-1300.  Visitors aren’t allowed inside anymore, but the castle still stands and is doing pretty great for its age and being built by hand.  A very friendly guide took our picture and spent awhile telling us about the castle’s history and the everyday lives of the people who lived there.

We then arrived at the Grand Canyon and were welcomed by lots of wind and much cooler weather.  My dad told us it was going to be cold but we tend to not always listen to him.  Apparently he was right.  It was so windy that it was hard to get any pictures of us not looking crazy with our wind-blown hair.  The upside was that the unpredictable weather came with some beautiful clouds which made for beautiful pictures.

Although we didn't see any big wildlife this time, we did see 2 bluebirds.  They weren't very accommodating about posing together but I did manage to snap some photos of them separately.  

At one point we got out of the car and were welcomed with sleet.  A piece made it into my eye and that was about the time I decided I was over that lookout point and we headed to the tower.  

The tower is one of my favorite spots in the Grand Canyon because it offers so many vantage points from a bird's eye view. 

It was a great week off work spending some time relaxing with my parents and Mr. C. and we’ve been talking about taking my mom to the Grand Canyon for years so I’m glad we finally made it this time around!