{this moment}

A time in our lives that I don't want to forget...

Hike to Landscape Arch, 

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

:: a weekend in moab ::

This weekend we ventured out to Moab, a little town that is a stepping stone for loads of hiking, biking, climbing, rafting & general outdoorsy pursuits. We made the 4 hour drive on Friday afternoon in a very full car with two cranky boys, who would rather be outside playing than strapped in their car seats. We gave into the convenience of a stop at the indoor playground, otherwise known as McDonalds, for the boys to burn off some steam. If they don't know the name of the business does that mean that they won't succumb to its evils? 

We finally made out way into town at about 6 o'clock & after a few wrong turns found 3 dogs & a moose, our accommodation for the weekend. It wasn't cheap but we weren't willing to take the risk of towing the caravan & then getting stuck in a snowstorm. And I must say that I made the most of the beautiful cottage. A positive about having the boys is that we were forced to stick around the cottage a bit more so they could have sleeps & rest time. 

On Saturday morning we headed out to Arches National Park & were overwhelmed by the beauty of the rock formations. We attempted some of the easier hikes & still ended up carrying both boys, thankfully between the four of us. We are in that tricky phase of parenthood where they are too little to walk by themselves but just a bit heavy to carry. The extra load was still worth carrying as we got to see Delicate Arch, the most famous of the arches in the park & the state of Utah.

Hiking back from the upper viewpoint giving Jamin a piggyback ride. His little legs need to grow a bit because he can't even grip around the waist. I had a lot of time to ponder this over the weekend :) You can spot the Delicate Arch in the background. 

One of the beautiful views from the 45 minute drive through the park. It actually reminded us a little of the area around Kununurra and the Kimberley's. Something about the great blue sky & the red rock formations. So overwhelmingly beautiful. 

This morning we spent some time playing in the front yard of the cottage. Jamin is showing off his new mittens that Oma made for him. Thanks Oma!

Kael, not quite so happily, showing off his new beanie from Oma. It was originally meant for Jamin but his head was too big.

This morning we drove out to the Landscape Arch hike. It was a little longer than the Delicate Arch hike  but we hoped that going first thing in the morning would mean that they would be a little fresher. Unfortunately that was not the case but thankfully the scenery made it worthwhile. This arch is unbelievable & so amazing. It won't be around forever so we were glad that we made the hike to see it. 

You can see the arch in the background. Kael had spent the last few minutes wailing while being carried by Gran. He has just spotted me & is making his way down the track as quick as he can. 

Jamin spent most of hike wanting to stop to make birthday cakes in the sand. We finally gave in & they had a proper play in the sand while we took turns hiking up to the arch. You can take them all around the world but kids really just want to stop and play in the sand. Is there something to learn from this?

The awe inspiring Landscape Arch.

After a long drive home we happily let the boys loose for some play in the yard before stumbling inside for some delicious pumpkin soup whipped up in the Thermomix. It was so great to get out and see some more of Utah with our visitors but I always love coming home too.