National Park Fun

For Labor Day we decided to go on another one of our last minute adventures.  We headed to southern Utah and somehow managed to visit three national parks in three days.  We saw Capital Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches.  The weather was perfect, and we got to see a lot of amazing things.  Like I say every time I post about one of our vacations - taking three little boys on these trips is a lot of work.  At Capital Reef, we decided to go on a backcountry trail in between the narrow canyon,  and through the river.  We had to hike through the water.  Jason carried Blake on his back, and I held onto Chase as we marched through the river.  Wesley had a blast as usual; Blake was fussy as usual; and Chase was hesitant as usual.  :-) We made it to the first water fall, and enjoyed playing and splashing in the pool.  After heading back, Chase managed to fall into a cactus.  He had over a hundred cactus spikes all over his arm, leg, foot, and clothing.  He was screaming, and the park ranger legally wasn't allowed to help administer first aid.  We had two options - pull them out ourselves, or call 911.  Ya, the second option wasn't going to happen, so Jason and I slowly pulled all the spikes out.  Chase was screaming, and we were all exhausted before the first day was over.  Luckily, he was ok with no lasting wounds, and we continued on our journey.  Wesley, with all his energy and enthusiasm, made us pretty nervous on many occasions.  He would walk right up to the edge of many overlooks, and Jason and I had to be pretty firm with him for his own safety.  He was upset with us for half the trip because we didn't let him keep all the rocks he found, and didn't let him walk to the edge of the cliffs.  By the end of the last day, the boys were pretty tired.  We had hiked many long trails (mostly while carrying Blake), and Chase was done, and made sure everyone near us knew he was done. The boys have hiked many trails labeled as "strenuous" or "moderate" and I'm very proud of them for hanging on, and enduring these hard trails.  They often *loudly* let us know when they are tired.  However, even with the fits and tears and tantrums, we always have an amazing time.  I LOVE being in nature with my family.  We have seen so many amazing, beautiful, and awe inspiring national parks over the last year.  We have made so many memories, and I can't wait for our next adventure!!!!

Blake fell asleep on our hike out of the canyon