Hiking in the Mountains

After breakfast, we got dressed and decided to head into the mountains for a hike, hoping to see a little snow. We've done a hike on a particular trail every year we've been in Santa Fe and in 2008 there was easily a foot of snow. This year we weren't sure we'd see any. Uncle Steve decided to stay back with Aunt Shirl, who really felt bad still. So, the four of us loaded up and headed up the winding road to "our" trail. There was actually a bit of snow on the trail in the shaded areas and Sofia was beside herself! She was SO excited to be able to "play in the snow," even though there was hardly enough to play in. She'd brought two of her horses and immediately got down on her knees and was narrating a story about the horses living in snow....

Meanwhile, Olivia was very happy to walk and charged up the trail, but when it came time to touch snow she wasn't that into the idea. She much preferred being held by CK or me and watching her sister play. It turned out to be comfortably cool, especially in the sun and I was surprised we didn't see other hikers as we've always run into every other time we've been there. We finally found a great patch of snow that Sofia could really play in and we hung out there for a while so she could enjoy it. We were also able to introduce Olivia to snow without a huge objection. However, once she's felt it a time or two, she'd had enough.

We continued to hike up the trial, but once it became clear that the rest of the walk would be in the sun with no hope of snow we decided to turn back toward the car (plus, there was something about a Florida football game starting soon). Sofia would run ahead and play in patches of snow as we headed back toward the car while Olivia was perfectly happy enjoying the walk and snow while being carried and sucking her thumb.

After our walk we were hungry so we were able to visit Bumblebee for burritos before heading to Aunt and Uncle's casita to watch the football game while Olivia napped.

Olivia and Papa are ready for the hike!

Sofia finds her first patch of snow and is in heaven!

Having fun

Olivia and me walking up the trail....

Our view as we walked

In search of more snow

Olivia was happy to ride on my back for a while

Sofia finds the biggest patch of snow yet!

Making up horse stories

Olivia and Papa take in the view

Olivia's first snow

Touching it...

Papa and Sofia "hike" down the hill to play

At the end of a fun hike!