Zion National Park

(The Skinner Clan: Emma, Parker, Spencer, Reed and Mason, Rachel, Quinn, and Conner)

We started our day ready for some great hiking. Reed had planned out our trek, and we were all raring to go. The Skinner kids all had new hiking hats, and Reed was so nice to get our kids matching hats, as well.

The Valdivieso Familia Our trek began at the Court of the Patriarchs. From there we were going to hike up to the Emerald Pools area. We made the mistake of following the kids on what looked to be a short cut to the trail, but what ended up being a horse trail. It was really quite the adventure. I guess we should have known we were on the wrong track when we were the only ones on the trail, in Zion National Park, over Memorial Day weekend. Ah well. All these things build character, right?? We did stop at one point and get the map out and realize we should have been on the other side of the river.
Court of the Patriarchs: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob

A glimpse at part of the trail we were forging.

Josh didn't want to take a picture, he wanted to keep hiking.

Rachel affectionately named our path The Trail of Tears. Several of the kids were having a hard time with the sandy, uneven trail we were walking on. Poor Conner was done. We stopped a couple times to empty the sand out of their shoes and were surprised at the amount that poured out...ah the memories.

This is the end of our trail...right up to the horse corral.

After barely surviving the first part of our hike, we stopped at Zion's lodge to have lunch. Everyone felt much better after a little rest and some food. We went from there to Emerald Pools, and hiked to the lower pools. I was contracting the whole way, and so it was a little slow going for me. We got up there, and the wind started gusting. Carly's and Parker's hats flew off their heads, and down toward the pools. Reed came to the rescue and broke a couple rules to retrieve them.

The scenery was beautiful.

On the way back down Reed was staying close to me to make sure I could make it, and was having plenty of water. We stopped with Quinn and Jack to take a picture on this cool wall that was just off the main trail. Cute boys. They are about four months apart in age. My kids are lucky to have cousins so close to their age on both sides of our family.

When we caught up to the rest of the group, Josh presented me with this flower that he'd picked for me. He's such a sweet boy.

From there we took the tram up to the Weeping Rock trail. We were told that it was short, but very steep...boy was it!! It was totally worth the short trek. The view was breathtaking, and the seeping water made it cool and refreshing.

The cousins minus Mason who was strapped to someone's back.

Our final stop of the day was the Temple of Sinawava. It was nice to take a break and enjoy the cool breeze off the river. Carly was such a trooper. On our Trail of Tears, she was at the head of the group marching along and setting a fast pace. We had to call her back a few times to share the water she carried in her camelback.

Of course, Josh and the other boys enjoyed finding walking sticks on the trails, and at the end finding sticks and rocks to throw in the water.

It was such a perfect day. The weather was nice, and the scenery made us appreciate the beautiful earth that has been created for us.

When we finally made it home, we kept our promise to the kids and took them swimming after dinner. They thought we were the coolest, most fun parents around. I think we were all just too tired to say no at 10 pm. I'm sure they'll remember our 'night swim' fondly, though.