Moab day 2

It was August in Moab, we knew it was going to be hot so we planned on waking up early to hike into the delicate arch.  We knew this was going to be the longest hike that we went on and we didn't want to do it in the heat of the day.  The girls did amazing....it was hot but they were determined.  The walked all the way in without much complaint.  Eric carried Brittlynn out because she was walking so slow, and then it was getting close to nap time.  We had plenty of water...but we could have used way more snacks, but we made it.  My mom stayed back and drove up to the look out so she could see the arch and then she met us down by the cars.  Emily was surprisingly excited about the adventure.  She was grateful for the opportunity to go.  This kind of trip is not really high on the single dad list.  It is one that is so worth taking.  

Of course we all had to take time and pose for the camera every once and awhile.  Savannah still gets so hot so fast.  I am so glad we don't live in such a hot climate anymore.  Right before we reached the arch then the cousins decide to climb up to a little cave with some other people.  Savannah decided she wanted to join them.  She was determined and let complete strangers help her reach her goal.  She didn't want to get down so daddy had to go rescue her and Brittlynn felt left out so he carried her up with him.  I am still amazed at what she did.  

This is her trying to climb up 

This is how far up they are from the ground where we were at

I went to help Eric get everyone down.  Its always scarier going down then up.

Then we made it to the arch.  What a site to see.  It doesn't matter how many times you have been there, it still takes your breath away.  It was a little scary at spots knowing how easy someone could fall, but the girls did great.

After we left the arch Brittlynn started making up a song and singing about how she did it.  She hike all the way to the arch.  It was so cute and she wasn't scared about singing as loud as she could.  Everyone that we passed on the way out admired her singing and was amazed that she made it in and was so happy.  Once one goes on Daddy shoulders the other has to follow.  Its a good think that daddy is such a good sport.  

It was a great morning.  We went back to our camp site to eat lunch, swim and rest a little before we headed back out to our next adventure.  We decided to go into to Moab to eat dinner.  I couldn't come up with something that easy to make so I thought it was a good idea...everyone else decided it was going to be my birthday dinner.  I am not one fore celebrating my birthday.  I was excited to be doing something that I love with my family.  That is the best way to celebrate.  

It was off to the double arches.  My mom was able to hike into all of these, she was slow but she did it. Its kinda crazy to think I was the only one that had ever gone to this beautiful place.  I was glad I could share it with my family.  Maybe they will continue to go on such great adventures.  My camera died so we ended up using my iphone for most of these pictures.  I am grateful for such a good phone on my camera.  I was even able to get a really good family picture for my sister.  

It was a great day followed by a great dinner at a local burger stop.  The craziest part of the evening is when my mom asked a bunch of kids there to sing happy birthday to me.  By the end of the song there was about 30 people singing to me.  We went back to the cabin, played games, and ate brownies.  It was a great end to a family vacation.  The next morning we woke up and drove home.  

Moab

I love Moab.  I have gone there a couple of times with my friends over spring break while I was in college.  Eric never went there when he lived in Utah.  He didn't do a lot of things while he was in Utah.  I was determined this had to change.  I wasn't sure when, but he had to see the Delicate Arch that Utah is known for.  So when my sisters decided that Colorado would be the last stop on the trip, I felt bad about her having to drive so long by herself.  I had an idea...lets go to Moab.  We could go with her and then she wouldn't have as far to drive home.  Then we realized we should invite the whole family.  I thought maybe they might come see me since it is only 4 hours from their houses.  No luck there, but I will keep trying.  

So I found a campsite that had a place for a tent, for my sister, and a cabin for my husband.  He wasn't about to sleep outside on the ground and he needed air conditioning.  My mom decided she would take the weekend off and drive up and Steve also decided that he was going to join his family.  It was kinda nice to go somewhere with everyone.  I originally got a basic cabin with a bed, small fridge, and air conditioning.  Eric said that would be just fine.  Then he started looking at what kind of cabin I got.  Sharing a bathroom was not his idea of fun.  Then right before we left we realized that my brother wasn't going to make it and we should just get a room large enough for my mom to stay with us. So we went from the basic to the deluxe cabin with a small kitchen and sitting area.  I was trying to save money....for my husband comfort is more important than a few dollars.  I love him and it turned out to be a great blessing to have a place to store all of our food. 

So the adventure began. We got there early enough to go swim for a little while, we ate dinner and then went exploring just before the sunset.  It was so much fun to climb and be a little adventurous.  It was fun to be with my family.  I wish more of them could have come.  I felt bad because my mom had surgery on her foot so she had to walk around in her boot the whole time.  She was a good sport about it.  

Brad Paisley

Eric in I bought tickets to see Brad Paisley back in the spring.  When my sister finalized her travel plans to come and visit we realized the show was while she was here.  My sister was more than willing to watch the girls so we could enjoy a night out together.  It was a great night, lots of people and a great show.  It was the first time that we had seen Brad, but he did an amazing job.  There was a surprise visit during the show by Carrie Underwood.  I love that we live so close and are able to do things like this together.  It makes for great memories.