Santa Fe Week 2

We started out our week with a playdate with one of Morgan's friends who happened to be passing through on their way to Colorado. It was a short 2 hour visit, but great to see familiar faces and the kids had fun playing on the playground at Cowgirl BBQ while us adults kicked back and enjoyed a margarita. On Monday, we took a walk to Harrell's Museum of Oddities where the boys got their fill of exotic insects, lizards, spiders, and more. They even got to pet a tarantula, giant cockroach and millipede!

After many visits to the local skate park and Morgan's constant requests, we relented and got him his own board. Guess we'll need to find a park in Austin!

Ever since visiting the Railyard, Dean has been wanting to ride the train, so we took a round trip train ride on the double decker commuter train. We did 20 minutes in each direction with a 15 min break in between and enjoyed all the scenic views. Of course, the boys loved every minute of it.

On Wednesday, we hiked the Atlaya Mountain Trail at St. John's College. It was a nice trek with beautiful views and at the end of the hike, we were able to relax to the live music at Music on the Hill, which takes place every Wednesday Eve in the summertime. With the live music and green field, it reminded us a little of a music festival in Austin. Just a little.

Thursday, we woke up bright and early to make the 45 min drive to Kakawa-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Park. We heard it was breathtaking and wow, did it live up to all the talk. These photos can't even capture how unique and expansive the landscape was. Apparently, the "tent rocks" formed 6-7 million years ago after a volcano exploded and ash piled up in tent-like shapes and hardened. Despite the 3 mile hike, the boys were energized by the scenery and made it all the way to the top, through narrow passageways and steep rocky terrain. It was worth it - what a view! Morgan said it was his favorite hike EVER and I agree : ) Afterwards, we went to nearby Cochiti Pueblo for their Feast Day and watched the tribal Corn Dance. Unfortunately, they do not allow photography, so I have nothing to show here, but it was beautiful to see the Native Americans perform their rituals and wearing their native costumes of leather, moccasins, animal skins, beads, feathers, textiles, face & body paint.

Drive to Tent Rocks  

Kakawa-Katuwe Tent Rocks

almost to the top!

Finally at the summit

hello snake!