The red rocks of Sedona

The three of us spent a wonderful week in Sedona with Oma and Opi. The red rocks are a magnificent sight, and the whole atmosphere is quite centering. Sorin was a great traveller (even with a fever on the way there). Hiking was another story. He seemed to enjoy the back pack for most of the first day, but acted very "two-ish" on our second hike. Lots of sympathetic looks from fellow parents as we trekked down Faye Canyon with a screaming toddler. From then on we sort of staggered hike personnel, which meant leisurely walks in Red Rock Park and lots of swimming for Sorin. He loved throwing rocks and launching "boats" (sticks) into the river, drinking "blue juice" (gatorade), and jumping to Dada in the pool. It was a huge treat for all of us.

Here's a happy back pack moment:

Here are Mama and Dada on top of Cathedral Peak:

Here's Sorin saying "Shhhh" while listening for birds:

Here are Sorin and Dada in the pool:

Here is Sorin riding a javelina at Los Abrigados:

Boys at work

One of the great things about having a big kid in the house (in addition to our little guy:) is that they're wonderful playmates. Sorin and Thadeous have some, well, unique games, as well as more standard ones. Thadeous showed him that if you reach up high in the hallway you can ding the fire bell (lightly). Then there's "round and round," in which Sorin climbs into the basket and Thadeous spins him around. Or "jump Dada" (Hop on Pop?), in which Sorin bounces up and down (with some help) on Thadeous' lap. A recent (and more sedate) favorite is MegaBlocks. Both boys love to build (although sometimes Sorin likes knocking things down just as much), and I'll often find elaborate structures in our living room. It reminds me of Opi and Auntie Ali's construction marathons.