A Weekend Away

It's cold and chilly these days and I am tired. I took a nap already today, taking my chances that Eden might be taking a longer nap. Thankfully she did. She has been grumpy because of traveling and vaccines yesterday. I can't blame her, I imagine her little chunky thighs hurt and she is so tired from taking in life around her.

Today is Davis's 29th birthday. We met when we were 19 and here we are celebrated ten years later with birthdays, a child, moves, jobs, a house, a puppy, travels, and great friends and family. I love him so very much. My heart overflows with joy walking by his side in life.

We are between two weekends of travel. This past weekend we went to Moab with our great friends and neighbors. We both have little girls and are in very similar life phases. Plus, we just really enjoy time with them. The trip was extremely enjoyable and relaxing. We love traveling around Utah, it is a gorgeous state with so much to offer. Next weekend we will take Davis's mom to Zion National Park.

So, let me photo drop now. Since the little one is stirring and I am about to be on duty again.

Third time to Arches National Park and we finally made it to Delicate Arch.
It was worth it.

Happy Family. Beautiful World.

This piece of rock is mysterious, delicate, and lovely. And very popular. We waited our turn for this shot.

Phil and Harper

The next day we went to Canyonlands National Park after a nice, long slow morning.

I love my little Eden

Kassi and Harper

Life is more fun and more challenging with children. But we all can't imagine anything better.

Her cheeks!

It's just so far.

Kassi demonstrating the safe approach to canyon viewing.
We appreciate their weirdness.

Group shot taken by a guy who almost dropped Kassi's phone. close call.

this was just a pretty little scene

Mesa Arch

Father daughter time. They are they best.

So there you go! Have a lovely day. Happy Birthday Davis!

Into the desert

We planned several months ago to meet up in Moab with some of our dearest Colorado friends. Well, the time arrived last weekend for some quality camping and desert exploration.

The Newell and Ware (or 818 family) second annual camping trip overall was a huge success. Lovely time with lovely people. You should check out Libby's blog for a much better recap of the trip. Her pictures are way better, she is a professional after all.

After a nights rest in our tents, we shared breakfast before checking out Canyonlands National Park. Of course, bacon was involved. A great start to a great day. We have been to the Moab area a couple of times now but had never check out Canyonlands. It doesn't get the attention it deserves. It was breathtaking. We wandered all around the park, taking short hikes to vistas. Often stopping at the view for a good conversation. I've yet to go to the Grand Canyon but this canyon area of Utah surely was a pleasure to explore.

Davis taking it all in

simply breathtaking (scenery and husband)

After a long day in the hot sun, we stopped for appetizers and beverages at a local Mexican joint before heading back to our campsites for the night. We enjoyed a bit of star gazing before the moon came out and cast shadows due to its brightness. Davis showed us the Andromeda galaxy through his fancier binoculars.

Sunday we were treated to a delicious breakfast made by Libby before heading into Arches National Park. Our day had to be shorter to due traveling back home but we saw much of Arches while still leaving reasons to come back.

landscape arch

another arch ... maybe it has a  name

We forgot our camera (again) and I only took a few pictures with the i-phone. But it was a fun, hot day of exploring. We were all tuckered out at the end, so unanimously it was decided milkshakes were a must. On the way out of town, we shared a meal of burgers, milkshakes and way too many fries. Such a great, quick trip. We are very blessed to have friends travel so far to spent a few days with us.