The Best Day EVER!!!

While the Great Reunion (see previous post) may have been the trip highlight for Callie and Adam, for Jason and I, the Fourth of July was undoubtedly the best day EVER!!!

In the wee hours of the morning on the fourth, we wound our way up Kolob canyon to the very north side of Zion National Park. With Callie and Adam as hiking companions, we then trekked the fifteen mile West Rim Trail across the park. Aren't these Wilhoits adorable?

Jason and I loved having some time together as well. (And just in case you are curious, no, we are NOT expecting. Looking at this picture, however, almost makes me forgive the stranger at church for asking.)

Happily on our journey with Adam in the lead.

Adam realizes that fifteen miles is a long way.

Which way from here?

Good thing Jason has his compass. Cowboy and navigator rolled in one--what more could a gal want?

Catching up with my sister--life doesn't get any better!

Rolling back the sands of time eight years to the lovely days of hand-holding.

Quoting my t-shirt: "Let's Hug it Out!" Special in meaning, the shirt features Peanut Butter and Jelly, the code words Jason and I inscribed on our wedding rings.

"We're so happy on our little piece of bread."

The views along the West Rim were absolutely incredible looking down into the canyons. Even though it was a busy holiday weekend, we saw only a handful of people during our entire journey. (At least until we joined up with the trail to Angel's Landing, at which point we were bombarded with tourists.)

Being familiar with the shuttle in Zion and its accompanying trails, it was easy to feel like we "knew" the park. Hiking this trail humbled me and helped me realize how very much more there is to explore.

When life seems rough, remember these trees. If they can hang on, so can we!

Kiwi Callie, acting quite chipper despite tweaking her ankle.

Adam looks ready to break into song. "The hills are alive!"

Good thing there are trail markers to show us where our feet should go!

Jason, Adam, and Callie take a very careful peek at what's on the other side.

Goodness gracious, we were sure glad to be hiking down the trail instead of up!

Just don't slip, it's a LONG fall!

After some serious switch-backing down Walter's Wiggles, we finally made it to the Grotto where we caught a shuttle back to Springdale. My Dad, who'd been watching our munchkins all day, met us there and drove us back to the trailhead to pick up our car.

Here are the hikers once more at Lava Point Overlook.

And another picture with our cute girls. We were delighted to see them again, and loved sharing the fireworks together later in the evening.

And last of all, a photo with Papa Kay. We will forever be indebted to this miracle man who made our hike possible by watching the little 'uns.

Thanks and Happy Fourth of July!