The Glory that is Bryce Canyon

 I was a little obsessed with going somewhere that I could actually touch and walk around the amazing rock formations.  It sounded like there weren't any places to do that nearby.  My father in law mentioned that we could drive a bit over an hour to Bryce Canyon and hike the Navaho Loop to do what I wanted.  I was giddy with excitement!

The weather was suppose to deteriorate in the afternoon, so we headed out with the intention to make it a quick trip.  Callie was down with a sore throat and fever, so I planned to be back as soon as possible for her as well.

When we got to the park, there was no parking where the trail started.  Dan dropped us off with the plan to overtake us.  The kids and I headed out.  We hiked and hiked and hiked.  I became very confused as to how on earth we were going to loop back or even get to the bottom, after we'd hiked for almost an hour.  The Navaho Loop was less then a mile and a half and I was pretty sure we'd gone close to that.

Then we discovered that we were dumb.  We had NOT hiked the Navaho Loop.  We were on the trail that went around the top perimeter. We did enjoy Inspiration Point, but it was not what I really wanted to do.  I really wanted to be down below.  Sigh.  And we had to figure out how to meet up with Dan! I was debating the merits of splitting up vs just waiting.  Fortunately, Dan was smart enough to figure out what we had done.  Dan hiked the Navaho Loop, double-time.  Then he hiked to Inspiration Point, where he discovered us.

The weather was looking gloomy, but Dan insisted that I would regret it if I did not go back and hike the Navaho Loop.  But we will cover that next.

Here are the incredible, yet insufficient pictures of our glorious hike around the perimeter!

The kids kept getting all the way to the edge and I had to close my eyes so I wouldn't be screaming at them to get back.

Isn't it beautiful?! 

Me and Rylee, enjoying the majesty. 

Rylee wanted to pose.  She's adorable. 

He was a bit cranky and not thrilled that I was taking pictures.  But he was a pretty good sport.  Mostly.  

Delaney was not thrilled with all the walking.  But she did enjoy the view. 

"Take my picture, Mom!" 

Did I mention how much I hated it when they got to the edge?! There was some rock throwing over as well, which I also did not like. 

I sure do love this bunch! 

Sigh.  So lovely. 

And every time we got to the next place to look, it was even prettier!  How is that possible?! 

My awesome ladies. 

This guy really wanted some treats.  We stood firm and did not feed him.  Mostly because we didn't have anything! 

Yes, another view! 

And yes, I LOVED it!

Cedar Breaks... or... Be still my heart!

 On the way back from the lake I made us stop at all the look out points to gaze at Cedar Breaks.  It is so pretty!  I couldn't not stop and admire.

See, it is pretty.  Almost as pretty as Delaney.

My handsome boy. 

Me, in love with the majesty and glory there. 

Photos really can't do it any justice.  It is SO magnificent! 

Rylee needed a picture there too. 

 Oh be still my heart!  I love it so much!

Did the panoramic come out?   

One last selfie with my new favorite place.

A Day at the Lake

 Everyone went to the Lake on Thursday and it was lovely.

All the cousins.  (Jenny didn't make it so 6 cousins are missing.)

Marian and Dan, posing on a rock.

And if Marian got on the rock, the others must try as well!

And Josh... well... Josh just wanted to be a goofball.

A triumphant pose. 

Trying out the raft.   

A moist mustache. 

Proof that I was there. 

Piggyback ride for Marian.

Callie was trying to see how far she could get her feet to sink.

It really was a gorgeous day. 

I love these kids! 

Even when they are goobers!  Or, especially when they are being goobers!

Hanging out at the Cabin

 The cabin was wonderful and we very much enjoyed it.  Spending time with cousins was good fun.

The hot tub was a huge hit. The girls were in it multiple times, sometimes more than once a day. 

There was some painting.  Josh took it very seriously. 

Delaney also had a good time and produced a great picture. 

The ping pong table was a lot of fun. 

It was one of Marian's favorite things.

Selfies and Cedar City

 On Wednesday July 11, Callie and Marian went to the Cedar City Temple with their cousins.  Dan did a session as well. I tried to get Josh a driver's license while they were doing that.  They were successful, and we were not.

While waiting for Dan and his mom to exit the temple, we took some pictures.

Me and Rylee.

Me and Delaney.

 Hmmm... definitely a theme here!  My and my great girls.

My lovely ladies and the Cedar City Temple.

Ah ha!  We managed to get us and the top of the temple in the picture. 

(Why yes, It was windy that day.) 

 Two cuties at the Temple.