Kasha-Katuwe

This past weekend we drove out to the Cochiti Pueblo to explore the insane geology around the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. The cone-shaped formations were formed over 6 million years ago from volcanic eruptions.












The three of us rambled up through a really cool arroyo canyon apparently cut by wind and water...

















Ollie took advantage of the time out of the backpack by sprinting up the canyon towards his mom. He's way too fast these days!












There have been a lot of intense rain and thunder storms lately, which isn't ordinary for this time of the year. There were several wild flowers and cactus in full bloom along the hike. I think this is an Engelman Prickly Pear.












At some point there was a wildfire that probably swept through the area leaving behind some really gnarly dead Pinon Juniper trees.




























We think you the reader should come visit us so that you can experience this place!

The new New Mexicans

We packed up the wagons and headed Southeast for a fresh start in a new town. Ollie was excited for the adventure and he strapped on his hat for life on the road...

Santa Fe was our destination and we rambled through the pouring rain for two days through beautiful areas such as Arches, Canyonlands, Manti La Sal, Mesa Verde, Durango, and the San Juan National Forest... They were almost all buried in the clouds and it was REALLY tough passing through without a stop, especially with Ollie "the anxious one". When the rain finally did subside, we found ourselves just over an hour from Santa Fe near Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O'Keeffe spent 50 years of her life painting... what views!

Once in Santa Fe, we took a few of days to explore the sites and absorb the sunshine...

Museum of Fine Arts

Santurario de Guadalupe, built in 1781

Cathedral Basillica of St Francis

The Plaza downtown

The Inn at Loretto













On Mother's Day, the three of us had a great time at the Cowgirl BBQ. Ollie was given a balloon hat, Tracie had a much needed margarita and we all sat around enjoying live music and great company.

A few random pics of the boy...

This past weekend, we drove West towards the Jemez Mountains to check out some Native American (Anasazi) Pueblos at Bandelier National Monument. These amazing cliff dwelling in Frijoles Canyon date back almost a thousand years.

The remnants of the Village of Tyuonyi.












Tracie peering out the kitchen window.

Several of the dwellings were accessed by ladders,

while the Long House, an 800 foot stretch of adjoining homes was accessed by navigating up through several stories.














Well, I suppose this blog is now caught up... Good night!

Spring is here!

Walking and Tooth Brushing!

Testing his feet in the grass at the Warm Springs Park

Taking care of those teeth

Watching the fish at the Aquarium

Sporting the new cap from Aunt Trinna

Oliver has been walking all over the place! He is into everything these days and loves it! We can't wait for Summer to get here so that he can explore outdoors.

Is summer here yet?

Ollie's first birthday party week in no sequential order!

We celebrated Oliver's first birthday party this past week! Grammie Trish made him a healthy little cake and surprisingly all he wanted was the blue frosting...

Great Grandma Shorty made him this really cool red sweater with little train buttons.

He sized it up for a few seconds...

... and then decided that his mouth was big enough.

He was so excited to get his own chair!

Grammie Trish distracting the wiggle worm
at the Sundance Ski Resort.

He love's the little dinosaur toy from Aunt Cory and Uncle Dan.

Chomping on a lemon at Squatters Pub.

Grandpa Bob and Ollie strolling around the neighborhood.

The crown stayed on his head for maybe a second. The photographer was very fast!

Learning the buttons on his own cookie monster remote.
Thank you Grandpa Ernie and Grandma Sue.

Ollie also had his one year doctor's appointment on Tuesday. He got a clean bill of health and was 30.5 inches and 21.4 lbs. He also started walking much more this past week and his record at the house is 15 steps in a row!