Moab

We spent the weekend a my Grandparent's condo in Moab. 97 sunny degrees welcomed us into town and almost immediately upon arrival, we were in the condo pool. Julia enjoyed floating in her baby tube. (Some ladies at the pool were intrigued by the floatie, as if they had never seen one before!?) She even made some friends who were thrilled to push her around the pool, leaving Mommy and Daddy to chill pool-side. Not a bad start to a relaxing weekend.

Okay, it wasn't all that relaxing the next day. But it was perfect, nevertheless. The next morning, we were up and driving through Arches National Park by 8:30. We figured we'd better hike Delicate Arch, it being Julia's first time at Arches and all. I've lost count of how many times I've hiked this one, but I never tire of it. There's just something magnificent about that arch. Sometimes I even feel a little at home there. Anyway, Jonny set a great pace and we were rounding the corner to the arch in a short thirty minutes.

Next we hiked to Double-0 Arch. This was a 4.2 mile hike (round trip) that is worth it just for the getting there. Yes, the arch is awesome, but the ups and downs of the trail make this one really fun. (Plus you pass two or three arches en route.) Julia/Jonny carrying her attracted quite a lot of attention. Nearly every hiker we passed (and there were lots) commented along the lines of, "now that's the way to hike." An Asian woman even asked to take a picture of her in the pack. (Is it really that unusual???) Julia did have the right idea though. I mean, she didn't even break a sweat under her fancy shade hood. And although she must have been heavy on Jonny's shoulders, back, and hips, he never once complained. Hiking in the hot sun, he was in his element. With her alertness and nearly-constant humming/babbling, I guess Julia just may have been too.

After hiking we went back to relaxing. We swam, ate out, put Julia down, and crashed on the couches in front of the TV - going back and forth between the US Open and Monsters Inc. (I haven't seen that one for years. I was laughing out loud.) The next day Julia and I gave Jonny a few Father's Day gifts, we attended church, and we left around noon. It was a lovely weekend, but we were very ready to be back home after Julia was a little fussy in the car. (I had to entertain her for two of the three hours. An hour nap seemed to be all she had planned. Phew! It was good to be home!)


P.S. We left sunny Moab with healthy color but NO sunburns. I am amazed at the screening power of sunscreen. That stuff is awesome.

P.P.S. When we couldn't find a RedBox anywhere in Moab Friday night, we ended up renting a movie at a local place. Quite archaic. (And kind of funny after Jonny just posted that Onion clip.)

P.P.P.S. A quick tribute to my Love, and Julia's amazing Dad. We love you, Jonny! Thanks for making us laugh every day. Oh, and thanks for the delicious dinner on Father's Day. You are more than we could ever ask for. Now go get that business done in Minnesota and come back home to kiss your girls. We miss you already.

P.P.P.P.S. And one more quick tribute to my Dad. I love and admire him for a million reasons. See my siblings' blogs for a few of those!