Escudilla (aka Marlboro Meadows)

Escudilla Mountain -- one of my favorite places. It's an old (as in very old & dead) volcano and absolutely beautiful. Back in the day when we first started going to Alpine one of my favorite things to do was take a picnic to Escudilla. On Wednesday we loaded up the grill & picnic and headed off. It was a beautiful day with delicious food (thanks to Uncle Devon's fabulous cooking). The kids had a great time playing in the meadow. We all meandered down eventually and there was just enough time for a bocce game before the rain started. We're not talking Oregon rain, this was an all out Arizona pouring rain and everyone was soaking wet (and most were smiling) by the we got to the cars. The rain was still coming down hard when I (Julie) got the kids loaded up and started looking for a seat for myself. It was a definite case of no room in the inn (turns out Gma Sue stole my spot). Luckily, I spotted an empty seat in Gpa Paul's truck so I got to ride home with him. It's not very often that it's just me and Dad any more. I couldn't have a better Dad! 

There were wildflowers galore and Trevor treated his mom to a few.

Karina & Kira.

Bryce (aka Grant Jr.)

The kids found an unidentified purple flower and Grandma Sue laments the lack of a wildflower book to look it up in.

Talk about room to roam. One of the great things about Escudilla is the old crater/meadow. The kids could run forever and we could see them the whole time. I need a back yard like this!

Carter explores in the meadow. There is something wonderful about being out in the wide open all by yourself with nothing to do but watch, walk and listen.

Preston, Julie, Lydia. We were looking for the 'elk pond'. It was really more of a puddle with a bunch of elk tracks around it.

Lydia & Callie had a wonderful time playing in the "tickly grass". One time I looked back and they were both walking through the grass, wildflowers in hand, singing songs.

Devon, Karina, Gpa Paul & Gma Sue try out a game of bocce. The only place flat enough was at the bottom of the meadow.

Devon & Karina. Them are some great moves!