Cortez, Colorado and Arches trip....

Every year Karl has to work in Cortez, he takes dad with him to help with the work. So we all go for a fun little vacation. This year they were able to finish in one day, Tuesday. So we were able to spend the other three days just playing. We went to Mesa Verde, of course! We love that place. Then we drove down to four corners. That was alot of fun and the kids thought it was neat to be in four states at once. After this we had a LONG drive, (dad chose the wrong road!) but it was pretty none the less, back to Monticello, Utah and stayed up the canyon there for one night and a day before we left mom and dad (they didn't want to hike!) to go to the Arches.
We met our dear, close friends, Tammie and Ryan Nelson and their kids there and spent two nights at the Devil's Garden campground. The first day we took the kids to Sand Dune Arch. It is their very favorite place and we very rarely go to Arches that we don't stop there for a visit. Later that night, with our 8 children and three of my other friends children, who happened to be there also, we left for a hike in the dark under a nearly full moon to Delicate Arch. It was a memory maker! We had a great time on the way up and while we were there. The night was a cloudy one so we waited a while in hopes that it would clear up and the kids played games. On the way back we ran into some other people on their way up and one asked Jacee "Isn't it past your bed time?" I laughed. The kids were getting tired, but over all it was a great time!
The next day was WINDY but the kids and Karl and Ryan managed to have a good time none the less. Ryan bought his repelling gear and they had a great time repelling on the rocks at the campground. Kenzi was all about that! She has recently decided that she wants to be a rock climber when she grows up! Can you imagine!

Mesa Verde. Balcony house in the background.

Four Corners National Park.

Sand Dune Arch. The kids would race down the hill and then they would face plant or roll until they were covered in sand! YUCK

Resting on our way up to Delicate Arch!

The kids playing Down by the Banks.

Curtis, Luke, and Karl cuddling at Delicate Arch.

Kenzi is getting ready to repel. She did so good but the wind was blowing so hard that she didn't dare go down too far. She felt like she was loosing her balance. But they had done a smaller rock before and she loved it!