Saturday morning, we woke up bright and early in order to beat the heat at Arches. We were treated to a spectacular treat as we grabbed some breakfast and assembled snacks for our day at the park.
Our little cabin had the best view of the sunrise through the Windows. So pretty!
Dave and the boys snuck in a few stories while we were getting ready to go.
We decided we wanted to hike to Delicate Arch first thing, in hopes that the boys would be energized and fresh and that it wouldn't be too hot. SJ slept in, so Hanna and Stephen waited and caught up with us right before we made it to the arch. They didn't even have to hurry--the boys took their sweet time on our hike!
Only a few steps down the trail. Hank had to stop every few yards and examine the rocks and rub his hands in the dirt. The WHOLE way. Unless he was being carried.
The boys did really well on the slickrock section of the trail. They take after Dave--they are little mountain goats. We sat down under a tree and had a snack when everyone got too whiny, and that gave us the energy we needed to push on to the top.
I haven't been to Delicate Arch in years, and I'd forgotten this other cool little arch that you see as you come around the corner leading up to Delicate.
When we were in Colorado, Jed got these two little frogs. They go EVERYWHERE with him now. He has gotten a bit better about holding on to his own stuff and using his pockets, but we still have to help him keep track of them. He was very proud that the frogs made it all the way to the top.
Braving the wind for an almost-decent family picture!
We had to document the froggies' arrival too.
We walked around the "bowl" at the base of Delicate Arch and the boys decided they needed a little rest.
Jed discovered that there was a tiny tunnel under the rock in the previous picture. He had a great time looking at us through the hole.
After we made it down the trail, we stopped to see the petroglyphs behind the Wolfe Cabin. I love to think about all the people who have lived in that area for so many years. They were so resilient!
There is a small stream at the beginning of the trail. We were delighted to find a couple of frogs in the water! They were so brightly colored. Jed and Auntie Hanna stayed a while and got a long look and Jed was thrilled to report that the frog hopped!
It took us way longer than I was anticipating to do the whole Delicate Arch hike. We got back to the truck right around noon. I was really proud of the boys though--they walked about 3/4 of the way, and Jed only complained a little. And we were able to be the source of amusement for many, and even inspiration for a small few. We ran into a couple of other families with small kids as we were coming down, and they all said "if you can do it so can we!" It is funny how trying to hike with small children makes you instantly bond with strangers.
After we got done at Delicate Arch, Hanna and my mom wanted to go to Landscape Arch. The boys were pretty much done, but I knew they would want to play in the big sand pit that is at the beginning of the trail.
I love this picture--when Hanna was little, this was her favorite place in the whole park. My grandma even bought her a little bucket and shovel, and we would come out here just to play in the sand. It was cute to see Hanna bring SJ. Another year and he'll be big enough to really enjoy it! Jed and Hank certainly did.
Hanna and Stephen were supposed to be taking a picture of us in the sand pit!
Oh, there we go. The boys didn't want to leave the sand pit, so Hanna, Stephen, SJ, and Nana went to see Landscape arch and we stayed and rolled around in the sand until some Asian tourists started taking pictures of us and Dave got mad. Then we went on a little hike to see Tunnel arch.
The boys were absolutely done by this point, even though Tunnel arch is only about 100 yards down the trail. We made them hold hands and Dave told them "walk like a mule train! Come on, mules!" They thought it was funny for a few minutes, and we all said "hee haw" like mules. Then we got to a small hill and Dave and I each had to carry one of the boys. We met everyone else back at the truck and drove back to the cabin for lunch.
After lunch and naps for everyone, we had a great time swimming in the (extremely cold) pool. Hanna and Stephen were too wimpy to get in, but Nana soaked her toes with us. SJ woke up and ate and then we went back to enjoy the evening at the Windows area of the Arches.
The froggies enjoying Double Arch
Double Arch will always be one of my very favorites. It's just so cool!
Dave climbed up to sit at the bottom of one of the arches. I was foolish and only wore my flipflops, so I didn't go with him.
Jed showing off his ninja turtle muscles
After we were done at Double arch, we walked up the trail and went over to the Windows formation.
Even though this is a really easy hike and a well-known area of the park, I don't know if I've ever actually hiked up and sat at the base of the arch. It was fun.
Tower arch was so pretty in the fading light
We were lucky that Dave, Stephen, and Nana all had their head-lamps with them so we could make the climb down. It was fun to stay in the park so late. We drove back to the cabin, fed the boys some sandwiches and put them to sleep. Then we made the most delicious chicken fajitas for dinner and sat around looking at the stars. It was such a great day!
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