ABQ Trip - Day 5

On Wednesday of our Albuquerque trip, our family visited Tent Rocks National Monument. What a uniquely beautiful destination!

The Walquist/Schleicher crew

Before our hiking expedition began, Jason and I were really unsure how our boys would do. We opted to bring just one hiking backpack since we figured Jaden and Cody could just take turns hiking and walking. Plus, I wasn't sure if I was strong enough to carry these boys while hiking anymore! Both boys wanted to walk and explore at the start of our journey.

The beginning part of our hike was sandy, uphill, and a bit warm. Jaden and Cody tired out fairly quickly.

After a short while, Jaden climbed in the hiking backpack and Cody got a piggy-back ride... (Aren't the Tent Rocks behind us just gorgeous?)

The best part of this initial leg of the hike was hunting for obsidian. Abby, Ian, and Uncle Andrew were probably the most excited about this real-life treasure hunt.

Stopping for snack was also a highlight. :)

Once we actually got to the Tent Rock formations, where you get to climb right among and between the rocks, Jaden and Cody became quite the stellar hikers! Our active little adventurers were so excited to walk and climb and explore. The hiking backpack was empty for much of the morning! We were so proud of our little guys and their stamina. The weather and the scenery were absolutely beautiful. Here, Jaden and Mommy enter the fun part of the hike...

These next few shots are some of Sarah's pics-- I love her perspectives and her awesome camera! :)

The nooks and crannies in the rocks plus the bizarre vegetation made the exploration possibilities for the little ones endless!

It was hard to believe some of these trees were even alive, with their crazy root systems. This particular tree made for a fun rest stop and photo op.

At some points along the way, the hiking was fairly narrow and not really all that easy. It was fun to see the little ones zip on ahead...

Speaking of "not really all that easy....." The parents carrying kids had the biggest challenge by far!

Shade was sometimes hard to find. Be sure to notice Ian, Abby, Cody and Ryan in the pic below.

One nice benefit of having Cody and Jaden be fairly independent on this hike was getting to enjoy our surroundings. 

Every time you'd pause to look up, you'd be treated with a magnificent view.

Eventually, we got to a point when we had to turn around and re-trace our steps back (the path was not a loop, unfortunately).

Surprisingly, the little ones still had some remaining energy for the return trip!

Once back at the trail head parking lot, we enjoyed a picnic lunch together.

All the kiddos slept well that afternoon! Once they awoke from their naps, Kim pulled out a few fun activities. First, the kids experimented with eyedroppers and colored vinegar.

Then, Kim brought out the baking soda which, of course, made some fun reactions when sprinkled with the vinegar.

The best part was at the end when the kids were allowed to dump their entire bowl of vinegar into their baking soda pile.

After that, Aunt Kim had the kids dig for "buried treasure" in the backyard.

I was helping with dinner that night, so I'm not exactly sure what the kiddos found... I think maybe vehicles and plastic necklace beads. I do know that they had a great adventure! :)

Since Papa's July birthday was just a few days away, we dedicated the dessert to him that night and sang a birthday blessing.

After dinner, someone brought out the sprinklers for the kids. It was a perfect way to end our hot and dusty day of hiking. Sarah's awesome pictures captured the pure joy of the moment. 

The sprinklers eventually became a car wash. :)

Another great day with the fam!