Arizona

Lee recently spent several days in Arizona with his brother and his family in Arizona. They hiked the Seven Falls Trail of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. The landscape was spectacular, even if the temps (a dry 85 for a New England guy used to low 30s) were a bit warm. The hike was about 9 miles and they narrowly avoided a mishap with a rattle snake. They also spent some time in Tombstone and Bisbee.

Colorado

For their final fall break as students, Elizabeth and her friend Sophia decided to travel to Colorado. They spent five days in Denver and the surrounding area, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, touring the hotel from The Shining, visiting the state capital and taking in a Colorado Avalanche game. They took the train from New Haven to LaGuardia, which was impressive from my perspective, as they had to take a few different trains. Elizabeth really loved Rocky Mountain National Park and all of its glory. 

The State Capitol

The Bruins happened to be playing the Avalanche and the girls were more than happy to take in the game.

Outside the house from The Shining.

Carlsbad Caverns

While she was living in Albuquerque, Elizabeth made a quick day trip to Carlsbad Caverns, checking this incredible national park off of her list. 

New Mexico - Odds and Ends

Some odds and ends from our family time in New Mexico: 

It was 43 degrees when Emily and I left Hartford and 96 degrees when we landed in Albuquerque.

I love O'Hare

Really wish they had these on the East Coast.

Lee and I stayed at a really cool, historic hotel in downtown Albuquerque.

White Sands National Park

New Mexico has two national parks and with both of them about the same distance from Albuquerque, we could only choose one to visit while we were there because of our limited time. White Sands won, of course! We got up super early on Sunday morning and made the three hour drive there, getting there early enough to beat most of the crowds and so that it was not too hot to enjoy. We hiked a few different trails (unfortunately, the Boardwalk was closed for repairs) and took in all the beauty, checking another national park off of our list.

6am Starbucks trip!