Hiking the Subway in Zion
August 21st
{part of our Utah trip}

This was the most adventurous day I've had in a long time.
I've been to Zion National Park many times in my life since I grew up about 40 mins from the park, but I have never done or seen something quite like this hike.
We started on top of a plateau area and hiked down into the "Subway" and then back out. We had to be shuttled back to our cars where we started. I was an 11 hour hike and I believe just over 8 miles.
We were in water up to our heads at times and the water was numbing, in a good way. Felt wonderful on my tired sweaty body, especially my sore ankles. I had a perma-smile the whole 11 hours. AMAZING!
We had a group of 12 people, my parents and I and Emily, then Kelly and Dori Beaumont and some of their family and co workers.

 This rock formation is called a Cairn. They are on the trail throughout the whole hike to let you know you are headed the right way.

 We repelled 4-5 times and it was awesome. Some were more exhilarating than others, to say the least.

 My sweet mom is already my hero, but man she is a tough woman. She got nausea towards the first of the hike and threw up 3-4 times during the hike. She just kept going and did very well! And I thought I was in shape and it was a very tough hike without being sick. Superwoman!

These four pics below are in order, jump in, freeze, squeeze through a rock, then swim under a log while trying not to drown. It was awesome! Loved it.

 This was our lunch break, time to let me freezing numb toes see the sunshine. :)

 Here's the "subway" shape, hence the name of the hike.

 This was my only "nervous" time. We had to walk across a log that we wedged in between to rocks, tried to not look down at the raging water about 20 feet below us. Then we repelled down a pretty vertical cliff. Very excited, got my nerves going a little.

 The rocks were so slimy you were safer to crawl a little at a few points.

 This pic below is the part you hike straight up switchbacks up the trail the last 20 mins of the 11 hours. TOUGH! But amazing. The skies were so kind, got cloudy and even sprinkled a little.

 Ended with a perfect sunset, and a little rain.
Amazing! Exhilarating! Unforgettable!
I would do it again right this minute.
I LOVE YOU UTAH! You are absolutely stunning.  

the month of ST. GEORGE
 July 24th - August 23rd
 PART FOUR

Thee cutest cousins I know.
These five little ones had an absolute BLAST being together for a month. They became best little friends, and I think that was the hardest part about leaving - ripping my boys away from all the family they love so much.
MORE carousel and splash pad! We love it there.

Storytime with Grandma and Loni and Adyn!

SHARK WEEK!!!

My family went and saw Planes the movie. Loved it!

That afternoon we had so much fun at Los Palmas with Brock's family. We were little fishies the whole month we were there! After a swim, we spend the evening at Papa and Nana's and Grammy and Pop came over to visit as well. The boys got double spoiled!

Look at this cute little family!! ;)

I love Jade and Tiff, they remind me so much of Brock and I.

Wish we were still neighbors!!!! One day...

HAD to get at least one stop at Irmita's in while we were there.
BEST authentic Mexican good I've ever had.

The last Monday night we were there I wanted to take the boys to the temple and visitor center. It was wonderful. My parents came with us and Papa and Nana and Matt met us there.

Visiting Nana at work. She teaches at mine and Brock's old high school. Felt REALLY strange walking through those halls. Such great memories that doesn't seem too long ago. (9 years ago)

Our last day in St. George I asked the boys what they wanted to do and they said RED ROCKS! So once again, we hiked.

After hiking, we met Em and the kids at the one and only Cafe Rio just one last time. I crave it ALWAYS when I'm away.

After lunch we ran a few errands then stopped at Cold Stone, which I also wish was in TX. SO YUM!

GOODBYES! Oh how I hate goodbyes...

Once again, the boys did amazing on the flight! Not was thing went wrong or was stressful. My angel boys!

TOGETHER AGAIN!!!!
Never felt so good.
Longest month ever.
But wow, such a fantastic one.