Walnut Canyon National Monument

This place was cool! I still can't believe the whole trail is paved with lots of stairs and handrails. I wonder what the ancients would have thought of that. You go down into the canyon quite a ways and then walk around "the island" while viewing no less than twenty-four cliff dwellings. The architecture blends right in with the canyon. What a community they must have had.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Volcanoes have been a big part of our lives this year: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Craters of the Moon, and now Sunset Crater Volcano. Plus, we happen to live in the caldera of a super volcano in Yellowstone. This place had TONS of cinder and a'a! We hiked a couple of the trails.

Wupatki National Monument

We went to see several ancient ruins that were about 900 years old! Within the Wupatki area, we visited several sub-areas such as Lomaki and Wukoki and the Citadel. We got to see a Ball Court where the natives played a ball and stick game similar to hockey. They said communities would travel to other communities for games, competitions, and tournaments. The sign said, "Every village had a ball court." Nothing's changed! Every town has that today!

Navajo Bridge at Glen Canyon NRA

We got into Arizona and stopped to walk across the Navajo Bridge. They have a very nice Visitor Center there and we began collecting our NPS Passport stamps/cancellations for Fall Break right away. We made it to eight parks in five days! Great weather in October!

My Sweetie, KTK

There is no other person I would rather bum around in the desert with than this guy. He hates posing for pictures, so I just sneak 'em when I can. Fall Break was magical for us--most needed. Who cares about Professional Development? We won't miss that money. We were paid in love and friendship and happy memories instead.

That Time We Went to Antelope Island (like two weeks ago?)

This was my first trip ever to Antelope Island. It was great! The tornado last month really had fun with the barn roof down at the ranch. We just loved getting out!

How I Choose My Students

I hate to burst everyone's happy little bubble, but I DON'T choose my students. In fact, I have come to believe that God does the class lists every year. And yet, students sometimes make comments that let me know they really believe their teacher chose them. A year or two ago a girl asked me if chose her because I had taught her older sister. I never thought my teachers chose me, but if kids are thinking that, then I'd really better come through for them, hadn't I? I love my kids! Yes, Sweetheart, if I would have had the chance to choose, I most certainly WOULD have chosen you! But I didn't have to worry about it because Heavenly Father arranged all that for me.