Spring Break 2018

The kids had school off the first week of April, so Mike and I decided it was a great time to take our newly purchased camping trailer out for its maiden voyage.  We selected Moab, Utah--it was fairly close and a little warmer than our current climate.  Mike's parents decided to join us in our adventure and Mike's Aunt Sherrill also got to jump in on the fun.

Saturday night we colored Easter eggs.  Sunday morning the Easter bunny came and hid the kid's eggs and baskets.  Sunday night we had a yummy Easter ham, casserole, rolls and other delicious dishes.

Easter dinner

Monday we hiked to Corona Arch.  It is a large arch that isn't a part of Arches National Park, but beautiful and unique but less crowded.  

At one point in the hike, there were all these cairn markers.  People just keep adding a rock to a pile as they pass.

Tuesday we hiked to the ever popular, breathtaking Delicate Arch.

The whole gang under Delicate Arch

At the end of the Delicate hike are these petroglyphs

Wednesday, Mike had to work, so he headed home and the rest of us stayed.  Mike's Dad took me and the boys mountain biking.  Wow, what an adventure!  Our legs were sure wobbly and our bums rather tender after our four hour ride.  But we couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces. 

Taking a break and eatin' lunch in the back of Tim's truck

Our favorite trail.  Not too easy but not too difficult.

 Caleb and I rode the paved downhill trail into Moab to finish our adventure. Jake joined us at Arches.  Tim dropped him off and picked us up at the Moab city entrance.  

The paved bike trail had a speed limit!

At Moab city entrance

While on our adventure, the girls stayed home with Grandma Kessel and Great Aunt Sherrill.  They put on makeup, did each other's hair and played games.  This was just what Michaela loves!  She loves pampering, she loves all things girly.  But I know both girls loved it.  That night I taught the kids how to play the card game, "I Doubt It" or also known as "B.S."  That provided us with plenty of laughter.

 Mike had to work through Thursday, too, so the boys, Grandpa Kessel and I stayed at camp while the rest of the gang went in to shop the town and have a bite to eat.

Tim and Jake playing wiffle ball at camp

 Friday, Mike drove back to Moab and we hiked to Mill Creek Waterfall.  We were able to bring both dogs.  At the waterfall I really enjoyed watching the dogs frolic in the water.  Another group showed up with their dog and all three romped and splashed.  Cap was particularly funny as he stole other dogs' sticks, hauled a 10 foot branch to shore and pounced on Chewy every chance he could get. 

We had to cross the creek two or three times.  Daddy always carried the girls so they wouldn't have to get wet.

Jake is trying to act like the water isn't cold.  Caleb didn't try to hide how cold it was.

Cap hauling a 10 foot stick to shore

Saturday we packed up and came home.  Our first camping trip in our trailer was a success!  We had a few kinks, like our water heater didn't work and will be fixed this week.  But the campground had showers and I just boiled water to wash the dishes.  I was able to figure out how to bake in the trailer oven--made a yummy coffee cake.  We slept well.  The dogs were able to stay with us and we didn't have to worry about finding someone to watch them or pay for boarding.  We got to camp right next to Mike's family so the kids were able to go visit Grandma and Grandpa whenever they chose and we got to eat all our dinners together.

In June, we are planning to take a trip back east for 3-4 weeks to see LDS church history sites, Washington D.C., New York and to stop and see friends.  After having a successful week long stay in our trailer gets us excited for our extended vacation.  We learned a lot of what works and what we may need to modify or add to the trailer to make things more comfortable.  I also drove with the trailer on for the first time--it was a little stressful.  But Mike was a great coach and very encouraging and patient.  He will probably still do a lot of the driving and I will be the co-pilot helping navigate us and keeping the kids happy.  But at least I can now give him a break.  He isn't every really good at relaxing and sleeping while in the passenger seat anyway so we make a great team.  I just feel so safe when he drives! Maybe with more experience I will feel more confident....

See my pursed concentrating stressed out lips?