Zion National Park

Zion National Park
August 4-5

While James and Heather were visiting we did a whirlwind trip to Zion.  It was a lot of driving for those two days, but we really wanted them to see the park.  James had only been to Arches so far, and Heather had never been to Utah, so we wanted them to see how beautiful it is.  We arrived on Saturday afternoon (our actual anniversary was spent in Zion!), and hiked to the Upper Emerald Pools.  We went to a nice dinner, and camped at Watchman Campground.  The next day we sent James and Heather off to hike Angel's Landing, it is one of those must experience hikes, but not pregnant, or with small children, plus we have both hiked it plenty in the past.  Our family packed up our camp, and then helped the girls pass off things to get their Jr. Ranger badges.  Matisyn did a great job, and was pretty into the whole process.  We were so proud of her answers when she talked with the ranger.  We went to a ranger program and then hiked the Lower Emerald Pool trail (they weren't connected to the upper pools because of construction).  I was grateful that I felt pretty good.  I've been feeling much more pregnant lately, so I was worried, but other than the heat, I did pretty well and was able to keep up, at least with the girls' pace!  When we met back up with James and Heather we took one last little hike up the Weeping Rock Trail after lunch.  It really was a great trip, even though it was short, we were able to see a lot of the park.

 Emilyn couldn't decide whether she liked the backpack or not.  She hiked some of the time in it, and some out of it.  Most of the time she just wanted me to carry her, which was not an option!

 Emilyn was entertaining all around her with her mud puddle jumping, going back and forth.  She was laughing and singing and so happy... until she fell into the puddle!