Late October

One Saturday last month we drove into the Jemez mountains west of Santa Fe determined to find the natural hot springs that we've heard so much about. The trail was not well marked and we were definitely lost at one point, but we eventually found the clear warm pools in a sunny clearing about 3 miles in. We stripped down to our suits and took a dip. Sasha was beside herself with joy both because we were swimming in the woods and because there were lots of minnows.

Our first snow came before Halloween this year, earlier than most years. It is magical to be out in the country now and wake up to snow covered mountains, pinon, and juniper. I love winter now!

As per tradition, Phil made me a cake from scratch of my choice on the 30th. This year I was in the mood for Black Forest. Sasha loved saying "Happy Birthday, Mommy!" and helping me unwrap presents.

Utah Continued

The steep switchbacks on the "Angels Landing' trail.

The Narrows is a slot canyon hike that is entirely in the river. The water was freezing and we had to walk with caution due to the slippery rocks so we only made it up to our high thighs a ways up before turning around.

Bryce Canyon at sunset was breathtaking. The unique spires that stick up in the canyon are called "hoo doos" which quickly became a favorite word of Sasha's.

Utah

We took a 5 day driving vacation to Zion and Bryce National Parks in October. The 11 hour trip straight through was made bearable by a newly purchased portable DVD player and Sasha's little potty which we whisked out on the side of the interstate countless times. Honestly diapers would have been a little bit easier on this occasion. Zion was one of those "wow" places that just takes your breath away. We went on several amazing hikes, Angels Landing being the best hike I have ever done. The last 1/2 mile up this huge red rock monolith required hanging onto chains with 1400 ft. dropoffs on either side. We took turns doing this as it was not recommended with a child on your back! I'll post a few more pictures from our travels on the next entry.

W

Sasha was a champion hiker as long as she had a lollipop in hand. Since Halloween when I ask her if she enjoyed eating a particular food she says "Yummy. Tastes kind of like candy." whether it's cold cereal, soup, vegetables, whatever. Is that bad?

At the end of a long hike in the hot sun.

Middle October

These are just a few random shots from this month around the house. These past few months have been so fun with Sasha. It is rewarding to hear her vocabulary expand every day and to see how she is getting more and more independent. No terrible 2's yet, but I'm sure they're just around the corner.

I decided to see if she could just wear her old costume from last year (is that sacreligious?) since she's still so small, but I guess she actually has grown a little. The old cow costume was way too tight to be comfortable. Pictures of this year's costume to follow...

We had a fun day at the pumpkin patch/petting zoo with the mom's group I'm in. Sasha loves pumpkins this year and pumpkin pie even more!