Goblin Valley...

We left St. George on Wednesday afternoon and were able to meet Shawn's sister Anna at Mcdonalds in Cedar City. We hung out there for a few hours and then began our journey home. If you truly know me, you know that I am a rigorous planner. I love to know every detail of every trip far in advance. But this trip home? Totally winging it. We knew we were headed East. We knew a fun place called Goblin Valley was going to be passed on the 70. Other than that, no idea what our trip would entail. We pulled into a tiny town around 8pm for dinner. We spontaneously decided to stay the night. It was forecasted to be cold the next day. Really cold. And we were 30 minutes east of that fun stomping ground. So we went to sleep. When we woke up the next morning we decided that though it was out of our way, we should trek backwards a little ways and try to play in Goblin Valley. Despite the frigid temperatures. And our lack of gloves, hats, or anything warm besides our winter coats. It was one of the best spur of the moment decisions we've ever made. (And quite possibly the very first spur of the moment decision ever made by us.)

Shawn visited this place with his family once upon a time and has mentioned a few times over the years. It's a state park filled with rocks that have eroded over time leaving what appears to be goblins in a huge dirt canyon. It's actually beautiful. And we had it completely to ourselves that day. Must have been too cold for tourists. Or something like that.

It was only about 20 degrees outside, but the wind made it painfully cold. The kids were so energized, they didn't notice the cold for the first 20 minutes or so.


Except poor Presley, who was freezing from the get go.

After a few minutes we put her in the backpack and stuffed a blanket around her. It helped a little.

While the kids climbed high onto the rocks, Landon found his enjoyment............in the dirt.

And of course. What is a vacation without the family photo.

The crazy one. To entertain the freezing children that weren't too thrilled about the family photo.

Freezing? Yes. Fun? Yes. We will definitely return to this area to explore one day. Spring or fall preferably.

I've made this trip to Idaho/Utah a few times. Just me and the kids. Honestly? I was kind of worried how it would turn out with Shawn joining us this time. I'm so used to calling all the shots and having every detail planned that I was afraid Shawn would somehow thwart my every intention. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is so. much. easier. to have 2 adults managing the troops than just one. Just to be able to pull up to a gas station to use the restroom without having to unload every child and tie every last shoe while trying to keep from losing bladder control was just one perk I found. Out of a whole slew of them. Thanks Shawn. For finally finishing up this whole schooling routine and coming back into the family fold. And for being willing to travel across country with us. And actually enjoying it.