Four Corners & Hovenweep

We took a day to explore the surrounding area of Mesa Verde. We left the park and drove a couple hours to the middle of no where until we got to the Four Corners!!

I don't know why I've always wanted to see this place! I just think being able to be in 4 states at one time is awesome!

The kids were less then thrilled about driving all that way to stand in a box and get their pictures taken! Maybe if they understood geography a little bit they would be more excited! We let them pick out a souvenir and that seemed to make them happy!

I thought four-corners was in the middle of no-where! But Hovenweep National Monument was also way out there! It was better than we anticipated!

Although it was a very windy day at Hovenweep it was nice to have the breeze and cool us down as we hiked a 2-mile loop to see all the ancient Indian Ruins.

Here Ty is doing his 'strong hold' imitation!

There Ty is by his "Unit Ty House!"

I think we've got ourselves another great Lewis Hiker! Caleb did a pretty good job on this 2 mile hike! He had a couple rides, but mostly wanted to hike on his own! If only his little legs could keep up with ours!

The Indian ruins here at Hovenweep were a little different than the ones we saw at Mesa Verde. Less cliff dwelling but still pretty spectacular.

What strong kid, holding up the boulder!

Speaking of strong...I felt pretty buff this trip carrying Caleb on my back! Nate carried him part of the way and then Caleb decided it was Mama's turn!

What a cool dude! He is one happy-chill-camper!! Love this boy!

Little sweetie was a little sweaty this hike!

I wonder if the Indian kids liked hiding in this cave as much as my kids did!?

The hike back up was kind of steep and rocky, but it was a great hike altogether!

We saw quite a few little creatures on our trip. According to Ty's book of animals and reptiles this is a Collared Lizard. We also saw a few snakes, and a horny toad!

It was turquoise green on one side with a collar around it's neck and a yellow head! It was too fast for us to catch! Otherwise we might have just adopted a pet!

We probably wouldn't have made the extra drive to this Ancient Ruin--except that it just so happened to be "Lowry" Pueblo!! Wonder if there is a family relation?!

As soon as we got out of the car we found a friend--a cute little horny toad! Nate caught it and the kids all took a turn petting it!

What kind of face is that?! We made Ty hold it for a picture--he didn't really want to but he did!

We let the little guy go, it will be a lot happier here than at our house!

So here is the famous Lowry Pueblo. It was quite large, and interesting to see.

When we arrived back at camp it was dinner time and "s'more" time!! Yum! Nothing says camping like yummy-gooey-sticky s'mores!!!

We had a relaxing night playing games like uno and go fish! And then we sat around the fire and told fun stories! Fun, fun times! Let's here if for camping!