Stay-cation

Something extremely wonderful happened in my life last month, yet somehow I haven't been able to blog about it. After Jason got back from Puerto Rico, my parents came to watch the kids for a week while Jason and I went on a five-day "stay-cation." Instead of spending all the money on a second plane flight to San Juan, we rented a car locally and sampled some Southwestern splendor.

I feel so spoiled by the luxury of these precious days together that it seems almost prideful to blog about it. If someone else had a similar experience, I'm sure I'd be bitterly jealous. So how to record our lovely moments without boasting? A definite conundrum. Even more, this stay-cation is challenging to write about because, well, it was almost too lovely. After soaring for a week with my very best friend, the descent back to reality has felt pretty gritty. Imagine: a whole week of replenishment--hiking through Zion, biking in the Vermillion Cliffs, stargazing in Arches. Five full days without chauffeuring children, picking up messes, stressing over meals, or changing a diaper. Small wonder reality feels a bit depressing in comparison.

As nice as it was to "get away," perhaps I need to focus on finding greater happiness and fulfillment in the life's little moments. Ultimately, everyday life should be beautiful--something to embrace, not escape. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these pictures. The trip wasn't quite as good as it looks--it was better. :)

We began by darting off to Kanab, Utah to try and get a permit for The Wave in the Coyote Buttes. I saw this natural wonder featured in National Geographic several months ago and thought, Hurrah! That's right in our back yard. (Not our picture, btw. If only!)

Unfortunately for us, the rest of the world must have thought it was pretty neat, too. BLM only allows twenty permits per day, ten of which are walk-in. At 9:00 am each morning, they hold a lottery where the lucky hikers will be chosen. Eleven, eleven, eleven, I chanted as the cage bingo machine rolled around. And wonder of wonder, it was chosen! Sadly, that was on the second day when Jason and I were group number 24. Ah well. At least we live close enough to try again. Many of the other "competitors" were international, and probably will not be so fortunate.

As we drove back to Zion National Park, the road looked rather foreboding.

Even so, Jason insisted that our stay-cation was much cooler than Puerto Rico. Hardy har har.

Really, it was neat to enjoy a bit of the winter we missed living in St. George.

And here's the first of many "point-n-pose" self-portraits. When Jason and I first started dating seriously, I remember thinking how awkward it is that God made us with noses that stick out. After all, where are they supposed to go when you kiss? After nearly nine years of marriage, I guess we've just gotten used to having them squished.

So, these point-n-shoot photos are admittedly obnxious, but they crack me up. After all, how close can you get in bike helmets? Anyway, I offer this picture as proof that we biked. A lot.

Plus, we got to see some pretty old tractors. Classic.

Back in Zion National Park, we bundled up to hike Angel's Landing, since that isn't a trek we dare attempt with small children. Only a short way up the path, we decided to turn back after learning that the trail was so icy we might plummet off the side. Definitely un-cool... Fortunately, all of the frozen plants really were.

We changed course and booked our way up to Observation Point. It's quite a climb, especially when you have limited time.

But the views were phenomenal!

Getting my honey back.

The trail led us through a marvelous little slot canyon where we meandered across a little stream. I'm sure it's refreshing in the heat of summer, but brrr!

As gorgeous as the trail was, we didn't linger at the top because clouds were quickly moving in. This is how the same section of trail looked on the way back.

Even so, I was delighted when the snow started to fall. The huge flakes floated so softly, creating a magical winter wonderland. While I hope we get the chance to hike Observation Point again someday, it's unlikely that the experience will ever be the same.

On the way down.

Mysteriously beautiful.

Yup, when it comes to Zion Canyon, I think God merits a solid A+. I'm so grateful to be able to share a piece.

That night we enjoyed a romantic dinner for two at the Spotted Dog, crashed a friend's cabin in Springdale, and left early the next morning to try the Wave lottery once more. When our number wasn't chosen, we crossed the border into Arizona, strapped on our helmets, and biked to the Wire Pass Trailhead where the Wave begins and hiked around a bit--until we reached the "Permit Required" section. Tantalizing...

But since the Wave was not to be, we hopped in the car and drove to Page. It's not often that I wish for a boat...that is until I reach Lake Powell. By this time we were bored with classic poses.

Hey, that's pretty cool.

Maybe I could do that!

My cheerleading alter-ego.

Nacho Libre reincarnate. Now that's groovy.

Of course, all of this jumping led to more leaping in less-advisable places. Jason really wanted to try this one again so that his feet would clear, but I thought it best to stick with solid ground.

Of course, my own feet perhaps should have been a bit more firmly planted. Here we are at Horseshoe bend.

It was safer than it looks...or at least so I claim.

At any rate, Jason certainly did not want to be shown up and joined me for the prime view.

Then it was time dinner at the Dam Grille, a redbox, and a comfy bed for our only night spent in a hotel.

And yes, in case you must know, those things dangling from my ears are 'smores. A gift from my darling. Love knows many forms.