On Saturday we spent the day at Canyonlands National Park. We planned on just getting our Junior Ranger books and driving around to scope out where we wanted to visit in the evenings….. but it was 10 degrees cooler than down in Moab so we were able to hike and explore all over!

We were amazed by this park!!! I guess I say that about every national park 😂. But this one was special!

Look at the first view you get right in front of the visitor center:

People with 4 wheel drive can go down that road – pretty crazy looking huh?

We drove to the end of the park and started our exploring at Grandview Point Overlook Trail.

The views went forever on all sides!

And here’s the end of the Island in the Sky. The Colorado and Green Rivers converge straight ahead and you’re surrounded by 3 mountain ranges – the La Sals, Abajos, and Henrys. Such a sight!

Don’t worry about AB’s face. 2 seconds later she was like this:

They loved finding little holes to sit in so they could comfortably enjoy the view and breeze:

It was hot but not make-you-pass-out-type hot.

We stopped at many overlooks along the way:

And Betty enjoyed the views too 😊

Next we stopped at Whale Rock which is a super fun place for kids to scramble and climb. We love nature’s playgrounds! The kids’ shoulders were definitely more slumpy and they weren’t sprinting like usual… but they stuck it out with us!

On top of the whale:

We sure have fallen in love with wide open spaces! We are so thankful for all these views with nothing man-made in sight…just simple creation on all sides as far as the eyes can see!

Next we were at the Upheaval Dome. There are different theories on what happened here (maybe a meteor strike?)…

but most importantly to me…. what happened here was Mommy had peaceful rest with a beautiful breeze and complete quiet for 15 minutes. 😊 Mommy friends (especially you Ms Becky!) … this 15 minutes was for you. You may not get a relaxing 15 minutes like this anytime soon lol! …. but before you know it your kiddos will be old enough to be climbing mountains with you. 💕

Then finally Mesa Arch. AB acted like an arch-connoisseur at this point and was all, “it’s just a small arch. Not as good as the others. Why did we have to hike to this one too?” 😊 Somebody gets feisty when she is hot and tired.

But after some grace, AB agreed that each arch is unique with its own unique shape and view! The view out through this one didn’t even look real to me. It looks like it’s just a backdrop!

It was a beautiful Saturday and an unexpected FULL day at another gorgeous park.

While I’m thinking about feisty children… here’s a parenting tip:

Focus on the positive moments with your kiddos!

If I wanted to, I could think of a negative attitude or action that at least one of them had at every single place we’ve been! I could look back with anger or remorse at any location or any park or any day really haha …. and I could dwell on the fact that it wasn’t totally perfect and I could remember the imperfections and really start to have a negative disposition toward the kiddos

OR

I could choose to focus on the positive moments, knowing that a) nobody is perfect! b) it’s not a fair expectation to think my children should be as mature, appreciative or content as I am at 36 years of age! c) The LORD is trustworthy! And He is doing a great work in each of us so I can have hope and peace because I have faith that our daily practices in grace and godly discipline and correction but most importantly LOVE … will definitely reap a harvest!

I have to say that my 3 kiddos truly are so amazing and so special. I LOVE them so much!!!!!! And I thank God for this adventure and the time together and that the kids truly seem to love it! They are happy and peaceful and FUN the far majority of the time! We are getting closer and closer as a family unit, and it really has just been amazing to see the bonds grow tighter.

My next post is our 6 month anniversary post! Let me know any questions you have for the kiddos or me and B as we reflect on our 6 months on the road and look ahead to what’s next!

Thanks so much for journeying with us! Peace to you all.