Montezuma

We had a most awesome and busy weekend. John took Friday off from work and we cruised north to Camp Verde.  We took the kids to Montezuma Well and hiked around it and down to it.  It's a large "pond" where warm water flows in from underground stream and then flows out through a swallet (an opening through which a stream passes underground).  The water is 74 degrees all year long.  The ancient Sinagua Indians used the water to irrigate their crops.  They were also cliff dwellers and built their houses in the cliffs next to the well.

Cliff house.

Montezuma Well

William and his bow sized stick.  He's looking down into the well

Maren and I descending to the well.

At the bottom near the well.  Next to what's left of ancient house.

Walking down from the well to where the water exits the well and follows irrigation canal.

Irrigation canal where water exits the well.

Picnic at Montezuma Well.

William playing in well water

 After lunch we went to Montezuma Castle.  It was hotter here (no water close).  It was neat to see the houses built way up in the side of the cliff.  After our walk around this area we checked into our hotel and we all went swimming.  It was Maren's first time in the pool and she enjoyed it.  Then we showered, made mini pizzas for dinner and then walked over to the DQ for some ice cream.  John slept with William and I slept with Ashley (who ended up taking over the whole bed and wrapping up in all the covers.  Maren slept in the pac n play like an angel!

Montezuma Castle

 The next day we breakfasted at the hotel.  The hotel had a neat waffle maker and since we were in the breakfast room for at least an hour (we have one child with a hollow leg and one that eats very slowly) John helped everyone use the waffle maker.  After Maren's nap and some Saturday morning cartoons we checked out of the hotel.  We went to visit my Grandparents Hatch.  They wanted to take us to see the Tuzigoot ruins.  All National Parks are free this next week starting Saturday so we got to go for free.  Tuzigoot was neato cuz we got to go inside the ruins and up on on top of a room as well.  The museum had lots of pottery and other artifacts.    

Great Grandpa Hatch and William walking up to the top to Tuzigoot.

The view from the top floor of the ruins.

Inside a room at the ruins.

Grandparents Hatch treated us to McDs.  The kids were thrilled for nuggets and a play place.

Grandpa reading a book to the kids

After the lunch and ruins we hung out at Grandpa's house and ate popsicles. It was nice to chat and relax on the porch.  The kids played outside in the mud and ran around.  We even got to see Aunt Renee for a little bit and chat with her.  It was such a great visit.  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa.  We love you and are so glad we could spend the day with you.