Arches 2012

This year for my Mom's 60th Birthday she decided she wanted to take all the family to Arches. I am not going to lie I have been silently dreading this trip. I knew we were going to stay in a hotel and stuff but still the whole thought of it and everything just gave me non stop anxiety. I pretty much just didn't think about it and assumed we wouldn't go and that helped. Well of course the time came and it was time for us to head out of town. Can you imagine how much anxiety set in? I didn't know what to expect. I had been to arches when I was little but I thought you just drove around and saw arches everywhere. Little to my surprise oh no you have to hike to see whats cool about arches. I am glad that I have been so dilligent about going to the gym this year and being in shape. If not I doubt I would have made it. WOW what an amazing experience it was. I am so glad I went on this trip!

First we stopped at Dead Horse State Park. Basically you drive all the way to the top of the mountain an get to look down at the views below. As my sister in law put it, its like Utah's Grand Canyon.I wasn't too thrilled about this stop first but it was so awesome to see. Definitely glad I made the trip there too! Lucky for me we stayed in a hotel! That night we went out to a yummy dinner at the Moab Brewery, shopped in town, (yes Hailey and Geerta got a new stuffed animal)and then went swimming with all my family. Before we headed back to the pool I went with my sister to the store. When we got back we found a note on Brian and Kate's door that said, "Gone swimmin'" Soooooo funny!!

The next morning we awoke super early and geared up for the hike to Delicate Arch. I was dreading this most. The hike definitely was worse than I though. Like climbing up rocks a lot of the way...however when you got to the top and saw the amazing sight and were breath taken it was worth it. I am sooooo glad I didn't chicken out on this. Afterward we stopped to see the fiery furnace, the sand dunes arch....and let the kids play in the messy sand, and then went to hike Landscape Arch. On the side of the trail to Landscape Arch we made a detour to see Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. They were definately worth the sidetracking. Also at Pine Tree Arch there was a cool echo and Hailey thought that was quite enjoyable! I still am amazed that Landscape arch is honestly the length of a football field. Its just so amazing to see in real life. After the hike back the kids were pretty tired but we did a quick drive by the Parade of Elephants and headed to town for dinner. Of course after dinner we had to take advantage again of the pool and go for a swim...or as I'd say sit in the hot tub!

The last day of our trip we went back into the Arches park and went to hike a few more smaller arches. We choose to do the Turret Arch along with the Windows Arches. It was a short walk basically but fun to see. This was a more laid back day but very enjoyable. Hailey also brought Geerta along this day so she didn't feel left out. After we finished up in the park we made the trek back home.

IT was a very quick trip but well worth it. I am so glad that we went and grateful to my Mom and Ben for making the trip happen. Thanks to them for sharing this exciting place with our family and for "forcing" us to go enjoy it. I know we made memories that will last a lifetime. I love hearing Hailey share things about our trip with others. I am anxious to go back again. There are still a few things we would have loved to see that we missed out on. I hope you enjoy my millions of pictures!

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