Colorado Vacation [Days 6 & 7]

We were sad to leave Colorado, but our vacation was not over yet! We drove down through New Mexico on our way home, and, while very different from Colorado, we found that we were also stunned by New Mexico's unique beauty. I loved this drive. On our way to Santa Fe (our stop for the night), we crossed Rio Grande Gorge. Pictures don't do it justice. It's huge. And you don't even know it's there until you're right up on it. I was fascinated, but the rest of my crew did not like being up on that bridge. Once I got my picture, they ran to get their feet back on land.

Rio Grande Gorge

Posing for a photo before everyone runs back to the car. It's cold and scary up here!

Rio Grande Gorge

We arrived early evening to Santa Fe and had a little time to walk around historic Santa Fe. Very interesting and fun (but so cold)! Our hotel ended up not being the greatest, so we stayed out as late as we could.

Dinner in Santa Fe

The next morning, we got up early to head on back to Texas. We had one more destination to hit before we left New Mexico, though--Pecos National Historic Park. Much of our school year thus far has consisted of learning about the early Spanish explorers and missionaries who came to this part of the country and also about the Indians who lived here, so this was a great hands on experience that made history real for Abby and Carson (and for us too!).

Spanish Mission at Pecos NHP

In the ruins of a Spanish Mission at Pecos NHP

 Of course, while we were here, the kids wanted to earn their Junior Ranger badges. The Ranger was hugely impressed with their knowledge and insight and predicted incredible things for their futures! (He also insisted that they really deserve some ice cream.) They were very proud.

Kids being sworn in as Junior Rangers at Pecos NHP. Their insight into the painting behind them was what prompted the Ranger's amazement at them.

Finally, we said goodbye to New Mexico and made the long trek back to Texas feeling very full, incredibly blessed, and utterly in awe of God and his creation and love for us.