What I did on my summer vacation: Arizona!

The last week of June was a propitious time for me and all four of my sisters and our families to enjoy reunion and Grace's birthday celebration in Northern Arizona. Bethany and Poppy joined Ralph, John, and me, and we had lots of adventures!
First of all, many thanks to Drs. J and B for letting us stay in their cabin in Oak Creek Canyon, and at their home in Flagstaff. The cabin is right on the creek, and we loved the noises of hummingbirds and water and breezes in the trees... and nothing else. Dark, dark at night, filtered sunlight in the day, and room to spread out. What a treat! Here's a photo of Poppy exploring a "fairy trail" (a trail that leads nowhere) near the cabin; the rest of the time we were too focused on fun and family to take pictures!

You'll have to ask John or Bethany about the Hopi Red Hawk Katsina dance they were privileged to attend; their stories are amazing! Ralph and I took Mom and Jack and Poppy to Mormon Lake, where Poppy rode a horse and we ate lunch at the lodge. It's so beautiful driving out there through the woods! The pony ride went too quickly, and Poppy was a little scared up there on that big horse! She relaxed a little as she went on, but did not want to go for another ride!

As my sisters arrived in Flagstaff, there were more adventures to be shared. We hiked Red Mountain, a beautifully eroded cinder cone. Lots of wildflowers, and a snake!

When Aunt Pamela told the kids the snake was harmless, they were ready to cozy right up to it, and to make it a pet. Wildlife, folks! 

No photos of Slide Rock or West Fork in Oak Creek Canyon, but lots of fun was had there!

Walnut Canyon is ruins of Indian dwellings built into the canyon walls, and a great family hike!

After a picnic lunch at the top of the canyon, we drove past Sunset Crater and amazing lava flows, enjoyed a vista of the Painted Desert, and walked to Wupatki, an Indian ruins made of red rocks.

Of course, there were domestic pleasures, as well.

The pool at the hotel, for instance. There were also a couple of great barbecue dinners around the pool, thanks to Alex and Chris!

Meeting and making new friends; Hi Hornbecks!

The obligatory stop at Baskin-Robbins for ice cream. All five of us sisters have fond memories of working at B-R while we were in high school.

Must. Eat. Mexican food.

Here is Grace during her birthday dinner, appreciating our mom. Love. Love. Love.

I loved being with my family, and in my home town.
Next on the tour, Pittsburgh, PA!