Zions

With graduation behind us and his birthday approaching, it seemed like perfect timing for a quick getaway.  I'm a firm believer in having both family vacations and just mom-and-dad vacations, but this trip was somewhere in between.  We left the big girls with grandma and grandpa while Husband and I took our AngelBaby for a few days of much needed relaxation in Zions.

We left on Sunday and arrived late at our hotel in Hurricane (having realized it was considerably more affordable than staying in Springdale, despite the extra 15 minutes of driving).  AngelBaby surprised us with an uncharacteristically fussy night (which unfortunately turned out to be her standard for the trip).  The cold bars of the crib provided by the hotel startled her in her sleep so she spent most the night cuddling me in our bed.  Then congestion and an upset stomach snuck up on her.  But despite her nighttime fussines, she did great during the days.  She was her happy go lucky self, with broad smiles and sparkling eyes for everyone we met.

On Monday, we took our time getting ready, having breakfast at the hotel, scouting out the town for the best slurpee flavors and making our way into Zions National Park.  (for the record, the best slurpee flavor is mountain dew, followed closely by blue raspberry and classic red.  however I did see an orange fanta and I'm excited to try that out sometime.)  We started at the Museum, wandering the brief displays and watching the introduction movie.  The view outside was fantastic and the weather was perfect.  We rode the park's shuttle, holding a wide eyed AngelBaby on my lap as we mulled over our hiking options. 

We decided on the Emerald Pools and settled AngelBaby into the kidpack.  Our "kidpack" is a Dueter comfort III hiking pack, bought on REI dividends years ago.  At the time, we suspected it was more than we needed; it's large and comes with all sorts of fancy features but it's proven itself to be a very worthwhile investment, especially since our kids get big so fast and can ride comfortably for much longer than they could in most packs.  This was AngelBaby's first time in the pack (I've always carried her in the sling) and after a few adjustments for her tiny size, she settled in and rode quite contentedly.  She loved hanging onto the thin straps that held her shade cover in place and she rewarded every other hiker on the trail with a broad, happy grin.  I loved it, her smile is contagious.  She smiled at them, they smiled at her and I smile because it's just so dang cute.  The Emerald Pools were fun, especially the cool misting of the waterfalls and the Snickers bar that we shared as we hiked.  We lounged at the upper pools for a picnic lunch, chatting with other hikers and letting AngelBaby take a short nap.  She slept surprisingly well in the pack, with her chubby cheek smushed against the padding of the pack in front of her.

We took the shuttle further up the canyon to the Sinawava Temple and hiked to the mouth of the Narrows.  We deemed it too cold to actually play in the water but the views were beautiful.  We found the squirrels to be especially aggressive and mean on this hike, pestering and begging hikers for food (who stupidly fed them or tried to pet them, despite warnings.  dare I admit my perverse satisfaction when these people get bit?) 

Having had our fill for the day, we drove back to Hurricane to search out some dinner and settled on the Sports Grill for some tasty burgers.  Then we relaxed at our hotel, watching a movie and cuddling our baby, relishing the one-on-one time with her.

Tuesday was spent in the park again and dedicated to Angel's Landing.  This is one of the more challenging hikes in the park but so rewarding.  The hike is only five miles round trip but covers a great deal of elevation, as demonstrated by the highly photographed "Walter's Wiggles" (a series of switchbacks) and the fact that the last half mile is guided by chains for hikers to use as they scramble and climb to the top.  We actually made good time, hiking rather quickly.  We chatted with other hikers occasionally, especially to AngelBaby's many admirers (many jokes were made about her having the best seat in the house).  AngelBaby did great until the last twenty minutes when she began to fuss and protest her captivity.  I was glad Husband carried her, the steep climb at the end would have made me nervous but Husband confidently carried her up.  The view at the top is stunningly beautiful and we lingered there enjoying the sunshine, having some snacks and playing with AngelBaby.  She slept most of the way down the trail and all the way to dinner (Lupita's Mexican restaurant which I would not recommend to anyone.  They lure people in with the promise of dollar tacos on tuesday and then tell you it's only a lunch special.  But instead of leaving, we ordered food that turned out to be disappointingly tasteless.  The service was good but the food was bland.)

After dinner, we visited the hotel pool, which turned out to be nearly bathtub temperature.  AngelBaby wore a solemn, wondering expression as we carried her into the water and took turns playing with her.  Slowly, she warmed to the task and eventually began slapping at the water, which caused her eager smile to return.  Then she grinned and giggled her way through a quick dip in the hot tub and all the way to bed that night.

This morning, we resigned ourselves to packing up our stuff and driving home.  Until then, I loved our conversations as we drove and hiked.  Our busy lives lately have left little time for us to just relax and enjoy each other's company so this trip really was fantastic for that.  We talked about our kids, his work, things we've been reading, philosophies, family, goals, etc.  We laughed and joked and it was wonderful.  As we drove home, I could feel the mood shift.  We drew closer to home and it was if the rainy cloud of reality crept upon us, bringing reminders of the stress and responsibilities that awaited us.  (mostly him.  for me, it's more just chaos and responsibilities.)  But as is life with the highs and lows and it simply makes those stolen moments that much sweeter.