Canyon De Chelly

Our second stop on our way to Monument Valley was Canyon De Chelly.  I hadn't seen any pictures, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  It was breathtaking.  Not near as big as the Grand Canyon, but beautiful and worth the stop.  We almost decided not to stop, but we were so close and we might not get that way again anytime soon, so we went.  Because it's spring, the valley was full of lush green foliage, a beautiful contrast to the red rocks and blue skies.

Petrified Forest and Painted Desert

Our visit out west last week was awesome! I'm sure I'm incapable of describing the grandeur in my own words. There were so many incredible moments, I don't know if I'll be able to post all that I'd like. We started out at the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert area, around to Canyon De Chelly, to Monument Valley, and on down to Sedona. I could make several books with all the photos I've gotten on this trip.

Petrified Forest wasn't quite what I expected, however, it was neat to see. The ancient trees are turned to stone. There are stories, or rumors, that if you remove any piece of the forest, you will be cursed. I read a letter sent by a woman who was sending back her piece of wood to the forest claiming that nothing but bad had happened to her since she had removed that piece of wood. I am not superstitious, however, we did not take any wood with us. We touched it, sat on it, then left it behind for those who follow to enjoy. The Painted Desert was pretty cool to see.  We only had a few minutes the first night since we pulled into the park 45 minutes before closing.  So we went back first thing in the morning.

Spring

This spring has been unusually warm this year.  I haven't been able to get out to photograph as much as I'd like, but I was able to get out a few times and capture some of God's handiwork.  The trees have all been in full bloom making gorgeous photos to work with.

Prom 2012

Well, it was our very last prom...ever!!  I was a little emotional, sad because the day was going so fast and excited for Beki because it was her senior prom and she was going to be beautiful.  And she was!!  We did a little photo shoot mostly indoors because the weather looked threatening.  And just as they were trying to get ready to leave, the skies opened up with golf ball to baseball size hail all over the city. 

Coming to an End

High school is quickly coming to an end.  Beki's last day of school is May 9th with graduation following on May 19th.  We are definitely on countdown.  Today she turned in her final paper.  Prom is this weekend...so exciting!  She's going to be beautiful in her designer candy apple red gown.  She'll be heading downtown with some friends in limo-style.  We finished up her senior pics last week and will be getting announcements out soon...I hope!  College is around the corner.  She will be attending Missouri State University on scholarship!  She's planning on majoring in Bio-medical sciences.  If she sticks with it, she'll graduate and enter graduate school for a degree as a Physicians Assistant.  We went down this week to visit MSU, did the tour and visited with Ari and Anthony. 



Zoo Time

What is it about going to the zoo that makes you feel like a kid again?  Who can resist a grilled hamburger and Dippin' Dots?  Well, that's how Beki and I spent the afternoon.  The sun was shining and although a lot of the animals were hiding from the sun, we found several of them enjoying the day as we were.  I'm cherishing these moments with my girl as I count down the days 'til she leaves for college.  I can't even begin to explain the feeling it leaves me just thinking about it.  Even though I'm excited for her and proud of her, her leaving is going to leave an emptiness in our home and a huge hole in my heart.