Looking for a replacement, we thought of Flagstaff, Arizona.  David and I had driven through Flagstaff last December while it was actually snowing, so we figured we had a chance.  We made reservations at a hotel that turned out to be nicer than we expected.  The fireplace was always on, breakfast was included every morning, computers were hooked up to the internet at all times [for a laptop-less person like me this is a plus!], all for under $200 for three nights.  Not a bad deal eh!

Turns out it didn't snow, but it was cool enough to need two layers and keep the heaters going.  And for purposes of sightseeing, we had the perfect weather.

Our first adventure was Meteor Crater, about 50 miles east of Flagstaff.  It is believed that a meteor hit that spot many years ago [supposedly about 50,000] and left an impressive hole in the ground that is now being protected, for our appreciation, and for ongoing geological studies.  The crater is a natural attraction, but of course a structure was built around it with a gift shop, a museum, a theater, and a Subway [the sandwich kind, not a train], and access to all of them and the crater is $8 per person.  Well worth it though. 

You know those white lines planes paint behind them on the sky as they fly?  They don't seem the same after a visit to Meteor Crater.  "Is it a plane or is it a meteor? Please let it be Superman!"

<-- [this is Meteor Crater]

Our second adventure was to the Grand Canyon.  It had been over 15 years since I was there last, and my kids had never been.  Of course the one word that comes out first is "WOW!", whether one has seen the Canyon before or not.  That the Colorado River could have done such a big crack in the ground is pretty amazing.  That it turned out to be so gorgeous is mighty lucky for us.

Partly because I recently read 'Vanishing Acts' by Jodi Picoult, I was curious about the surface of the canyon. In her book she talks about the Hopi Indians, how they'd lived in the crevices of the mountains in this area, and painted about their livelihood on their walls.  Her novel is fiction, but as it is often the case, details are based on actual research.  Call me silly but it was really cool to stand at 'Hopi Point' and take in the scenery, as well as to listen to Ranger Russell [one of the Park Rangers], talk about the presence of the Hopi Indians in the Canyon in the past, and of their descendants today.

[I just love this picture! (it's me) ]  -->

And why were we listening to Ranger Russell?  because Chelsea, my daughter, is a Junior Park Ranger, sworn in and certificated at eight Parks so far. But for her to get her badge, she must first listen to a Park Ranger's talk and answer a few questions, and well, along with her, so does the rest of the family.

The Grand Canyon is an awesome place.  It is about one hour north of Flagstaff.  $20 per car and the entire family is in. 

<-- This is my Junior Ranger, Chelsea

Our third adventure happened thanks to Chelsea.  She asked if we would be going to Sedona, and to Sliding Rock Park.  She had read about both in a book, and she knew they weren't too far from Flagstaff. 

[Here's when the computers at the hotel came into play.]  Sure enough, I found out Sedona is only about 40 minutes south of Flagstaff.  Rather than driving back home on Interstate 40, we decided to head down to Phoenix and take the Interstate 10 back to L.A., with a stop in Sedona.  Boy was it ever worth it! 

Sedona, and the rocky mountains that surround it, are beautiful.  I felt in Narnia I'm serious.  Look at this picture!  Sedona is described at an artsy town, home to writers and painters, full of galleries and shops.  It is small, stretched with the road perhaps for a mile and a half only, but the perfect place for lunch or coffee while taking in the breathtaking view.  [I didn't have a chance to verify this, but something tells me it would also be the most perfect place to read a book.]

Sliding Rock Park is pretty with a stream that runs through it.  $8 per car, could be the perfect place for a picnic.  People are allowed to bathe in the stream but the water this time of the year is freezing!

Four days later we're back home, we didn't see snow but we're not crying.  We had a fantastic Christmas holiday filling our eyes with gorgeous sights.

As we have done for years, we hauled all the Christmas presents with us and opened them on Christmas morning.  I now have the record player I so wanted, and the sound of my first record "Bongos performances by Los Admiradores" was the only 'Salsa-ish' sound of my Christmas weekend.  Curious thing this is... there is always some of this music I love included in  mi Vida Salsera, one way or the other, even when what I'm doing has nothing to do with dancing. 

Curious and cool thing this is!  :)

                                                 -- dena

The rest of our pictures...

In the hotel		Meteor Crater
The Grand Canyon National Park
Ranger Russell	Sworn in Junior Ranger	Sedona