Bandelier National Monument

Mi' Boy!

On September 24, we took a trip up to Bandelier National Monument for a picnic. I'm sure this will be the first of many visits to Bandelier for you.  I have many, many fond memories of picnicking here throughout my childhood, as I hope will you.

It was me, you, daddy, Papa Bruce, and Grandma (Grandpa Art was hiking in the Grand Canyon with the men's group at church).

After a pleasant repast of Curry Chicken Salad, we took a leisurely stroll around the Main Loop Trail all the way to the Ceremonial Cave

You and Dad are ready for the hike!
	Along the trail are many Ponderosa Pine trees.  If you get a good whiff, you'll discover that they smell like vanilla.
You didn't have to spend the entire hike in the Baby Bjorn.  We all took turns carrying you along the trail. Besides, there were so many new things for you to see, you often needed a closer look. Like at all the flowers along the trail...
The trail included many stairs...

... and ladders leading up to ancient Indian cliff dwellings.

Even such a beautiful vista as this couldn't distract you from yanking on Papa Bruce's beard and trying to make away with his glasses!

And even with all these fabulous new sights to see, you ended up falling asleep when Grandma was carrying you. You must of been tired, or maybe Grandmas know how to cuddle grandsons just right!

You had a tight grip on Grandma's necklace the entire time you were asleep. It was very cute.

We made it back to the picnic ground just fine after a very pleasant little walk.  Next time we come to Bandelier, you'll probably be big enough to play in the stream and do a little bit if hiking yourself!

Love,
Mom

The sky really was that blue!

Along the trail

Bandelier was "awash" in yellow and
purple flowers

An ancient "Indian Village" layout

The Bandelier Valley