Southern Utah!

As we do each year, we made our trek out west to visit family in Utah and Idaho. 

First we went to some special cousins' weddings, both on the same day.

 

 

Then we set out for southern Utah

for what turned out to be a family reunion of sorts. 

On the way we couldn't help but climb the first bit of elevation we could find.

 

We then traveled down to Blanding to bring back some childhood memories for Steven and his siblings.  From there we headed to Natural Bridges, a favorite spot to hike for them in years past.

There was plenty of hiking, camping, splashing, laughing and cousins and red mud everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just in case you're wondering, taking my own self hiking 5 miles a day in 105 degree mountainous canyons with thick red mud is hard enough.  But doing it with a big bunch of littles is not easier -- it took some serious water, apples and granola bars to get us through!

 We found amazing arches, huge cliffs, Indian ruins, and our own private swimming hole.

I was too slow on the draw on this one - cute cousin Sam WAS looking at the camera for a second. 

 Aunt Canon and Elle from South Africa even came and made everyone even more sad they live so far away!

 

  And there was one really tan brother, and one not-so-tan macho brother from Roseau.

Alex supervised from up above -- or maybe he's getting ready to throw that water bottle at someone?

 And though you might not guess it, Olivia is a big fan of creeping things. 

She was SO very happy to have Alex catch this lizard for her to hold.

More awesome cousins 

and the three amigos! 

After another night in Blanding with an impromptu supper at the park in the dark, using a pallet for firewood, chili hot dogs, watermelon and ice cream cones with a stray dog who cleaned up the table when we were done.  If only you could have seen the spectacle we made.  Blanding just isn't the same without the Ericksons living there.

Next we moved into Canyonlands, finding this really cool Indian hieroglyphics wall on the way.



 There's something about kids and holes in rocks...

 and crevices.

 Another 3 mile hike

 with all kinds of cute cousins

 and princesses.

 

And then we moved on to Arches

 This place never ceases to amaze me.  It was another 105 degree day, and we were pretty worn out from the week of hiking.  Olivia and I started out on the hike to Delicate Arch, but after 1/2 mile she was done.  So we turned back and went to the lookout instead. Secretly I wasn't too upset.

The kids and cousins had the 'best time ever' and want to do the exact same thing again next year.