Grand Spring Break, pt 2

I had originally planned a second day at the Grand Canyon for Monday, but another 3+ hours (there and back, plus extra driving in the park) in the car didn't sound very appealing after our long car trip to get there. So, we altered plans for a low-key day in Flagstaff, starting with the hotel pool and hot tub.

The bowling alley down the street was celebrating their 60th anniversary with 60-cent games and free kids' bowling. Can't beat that!

Then we found a large city park in short walking distance to the hotel. It was a little snowy, but had a lot of variety in playgrounds, sport courts, and even a dog agility course that the kids tried out. It felt good to get some fresh air and sunshine.

We ended the night by stargazing at Lowell Observatory. I wish we'd gotten there a little earlier to see some of the things before nightfall, but Owen did enjoy a presentation on unmanned spacecraft before we stood in long, cold lines in the dark to view Betelgeuse and a nebula through massive telescopes. It was probably in the mid-30s and our gloves and hats were in the car; the kids acted like they'd never been so cold!

By the next day, we were ready for some heat in Phoenix, but I opted for the scenic route through Sedona. It was a beautiful drive through a piney canyon that opened up to the famous red rocks of Sedona. I found a free hike and parking lot (yes, most charge $!) and we stretched our legs for a bit in search of Snoopy Rock. The kids were excited to see cactus and go jacket-less.

See Snoopy directly over Owen? It's three smaller rocks resembling him sleeping on his doghouse. We tried to get a little closer, but ultimately decided we were ready for lunch back at the car.

The beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross was closed unfortunately.

We rolled into our hotel in Phoenix in the early afternoon, and the pool was too inviting to turn down. It was perfect! Warmth finally!

The next day was set aside for Wildlife World, which is a combination zoo/aquarium/ safari park and right up the kids' alley. It is huge and they were so excited to see everything! There were lots of interactive feedings and shows, but I think their favorite was probably feeding these parrots apple slices out of their hands.

Other favorites were the baby animal nursery (2-week old baby mountain lions!), meerkats, otters and the ocelot (I couldn't get a good picture of them).

We also fed the giraffes, but unfortunately it wasn't set up for the kids' arms to reach far enough. So I got to be slobbered on. Yay!

These flamingos were next to our lunch patio where Owen downed some ribs.

And Thursday we spent at a friend's house in the pool, soaking up the warmth before our trip home the next day. The kids all play well together and these girls (Hadley and Ella) are such cute little friends.

The kids wanted to stay in Arizona another day, but it was time to get back to reality. And reality hit right at the Idaho border where it snowed on us. Sigh...