April 9, 2009

Charlie and I made our first bold attempt at a mini-vacation. We knew that we wouldn't make it home for Easter, but took advantage of the extra day that Charlie had off from work and drove across the state (about 10 hours) to Big Bend National Park. It's amazing to me that you can drive 10+ hours and still not leave the state! We borrowed hiking carriers for the boys and tried them out on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. It was beautiful, and the trail snaked alongside the Rio Grande River, which was smaller than I would have guessed. I suppose being a desert river, that makes sense. The trail started out across a field of sand, then we went up several switchbacks, then along the river and came out to another beach, which was inside the canyon. It was beautiful! Unfortunately, it was about 85 degrees and the boys had enough long before the hike was over. Eli is getting a bad cold too, which made him one unhappy hiker. Overall though, the hike was well worth it and Charlie and I are really enjoying experiencing the outdoors with our babies.