Cross Country Chronicles - Part 1

Here's an overview of where we've been so far...


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We left San Diego dark and early on Tuesday morning, as planned.  It took Charlotte a while to fall back asleep as we made our way to Arizona.  While driving along Interstate 8, we saw the sun rise.

Day One.  Mile 173.  Yuma, Arizona.  We briefly stopped in Yuma for some breakfast and park time for Charlotte.  While at a gas station, I got this shot of Charlotte in the back of the car.  Let me just say that our SUV is fully loaded.

Day One Continued.  Mile 369.  Scottsdale, Arizona.  Despite being exhausted, we somehow rallied and made the 3 pm tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.

This was our first ever visit to any of the Wright homes and it was really interesting.  The home actually reminded me a lot of my old college dorm, Morse College, with the Arizona boulders tumbled in with concrete.

The structure of the home was built by combining boulders with concrete and other river rocks.

Wright called this "organic architecture."  We Morsels affectionately called it "peanut brittle architecture."  :)  Regardless, I think I was most shocked by how well behaved Charlotte was despite the 100 plus degree heat. 

Day Two.  Mile 465.  Sedona, Arizona.  One of our main stops for the day was Red Rock State Park.  It is a stunning area with some short hikes and breathtaking views of the Sedona landscape.

While the temperature was still close to unbearable, we were able to eek in a very short walk around the visitor center.  I think Charlotte was the cutest little hiker in the entire park.

We also briefly stopped at Oak Creek Canyon for some beautiful views.

Day Two Continued.  Mile 505.  Flagstaff, Arizona.  As many of you know, Charlotte was born in Flagstaff almost two years ago.  So a visit to this gorgeous town would not be complete without bringing some cookies and sweets to the amazing doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses at the Special Care Nursery.  They took such amazing care of Charlotte during her first two weeks of life and will always have an amazingly special place in our heart.  Thankfully, a number of people who actually took care of Charlotte were in the hospital today and remembered us as soon as we walked in the door.  Lots of love, hugs and laughs were exchanged.  Happy Day.

And in case you missed it, the Introduction to the Cross Country Chronicles can be found here. 

Tomorrow morning, we head to Albuquerque, New Mexico!!