The Grand Canyon

We decided to leave Albuquerque a day sooner than planned, the things we wanted to see there just didn't work out. So we called the Grand Canyon, and they actually had an available room! We went by way of the Hubbell Trading Post on the Navajo (Dine) Nation. The ranger there worked with the kids showing them how to weave on a traditional loom.

We entered the Grand Canyon National Park from the east, so we stopped at the Desert View Watchtower there. I don't remember ever going inside it before, but now, I won't miss it whenever we go. It was beautiful. It was designed by the architect Mary Colter, who designed several of the structures at the Grand Canyon.

Our stay was short and sweet. A storm hit the north rim, but we were lucky at the south rim.

I loved the way they decked out El Tovar hotel on the rim. Mary Colter designed this one as well, built in 1905.

The kids even worked on their Jr. Ranger badges while we were there.

I love the Hopi House, too. This is another of Mary Colter's buildings, built in 1905. All kinds of fine Native-American artwork.

At the Kolb Studio, they have various art shows. This one was about botony at the Grand Canyon. I loved everything about it.

Frost on leaves, I just loved this!

Santa Fe and Albuquerque

After Taos Peublo, we drove one more hour to get to Santa Fe. We went to our regular hotel there, but no one was at the desk. So, we went to the historic El Rey Inn, just to see. We really didn't think the price would be right. But they had many vacancies and offered us a great deal. I loved staying there. Such a beautiful hotel, full of Santa Fe charm. I was so happy that they even put up luminarias for Christmas!



I loved these star lights. I want one!

 

Mission San Miguel in Santa Fe is one of the oldest Catholic Spanish missions.

The Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase is very touristy, but not to be missed. I love the story of the staircase and St. Joseph.

We had never come across the Basilica, the current Catholic parish in the square in Santa Fe. It was so full of rich history and beautiful. I want to go to mass there sometime.

Blessed Kateri stands outside the Basilica.

This is the outside of the Loretto chapel.

The Basilica at night. Very pretty.

Since we did our tour at the California State Capital, we have developed an interest in capitol buildings. Here's New Mexico's Capitol Building in Santa Fe.

This cool bison art was made entirely from recycled parts. There were paint brushes, news paper and even camera film.

Visiting with relatives in Albuquerque is always a blessing.

Taos Pueblo

Durango

Getting ready for the Polar Express.

The next day we went to Purgatory for the kids and my husband to learn how to ski. They did great for their first time. We hired a tutor for two hours rather than paying the same price for all day ski school. I would say, that's the way to go. We got to go down the slope six times with the tutor in two hours where it took the kids' ski school all day to get down three times.It snowed all day, but we didn't care. We also lucked out and got to borrow goggles from the lost and found rather than buy new ones.



Christmas in Durango - Getting There

Here we are all in four different states at Four Corners.

Monument Valley was windy and beautiful. A storm was moving in.

Art imitating nature.

Dinosaur tracks in the Navajo Nation off of Highway 264 near Highway 89.

Yummy diner in Kingman, AZ. Not quite as good as Watson's Drugs, but they serve sweet potato fries.