This place was so cool! We had intended to get up early, and see the arches before it got too hot, but that didn't happen. It was 9:30 before any of us woke up! However, we managed to get dressed, eat breakfast, and check out in time to be at the park about 10:45. The temperature when we drove in was already 99 degrees! As far as National Parks go, this one isn't massive like some of the others we've been too, but what is here is really awesome to see. It's pretty desert like with only small bushes and cactus until you hit one of these MASSIVE rock formations. The one above is called "Three Gossips." I don't know who named them, but if you look at them for a minute you can see why they are named what they are. The one below is "Sheep Rock."
And the appropriately named "balancing rock." We drove in a little ways and came to a trail we thought was possible with kids. Some of the trails to the different arches are 2 or 3 miles long. The one we chose was .7 miles! As soon as we drove away from the entrance Thomas had announced, of course, that he needed a restroom. At the trail entrance there was, and I'm quoting from the park map, a "pit toilet." We explained to him what this was, and he still insisted he needed to go, so Scott took him. This is Thomas trying to decided whether or not it was worth it!
He was throughly grossed out. What he didn't get though was that this glorifed port-a-potty was as nice as they get. Very clean. He didn't mention needed a restroom again until well after we left the park! After the potty experience, we all hiked up to the North Window arch. 
This was the view of "Turret arch" from where we were sitting at the North "Window arch."
Gorgeous place. If you are into hiking and have kids, this is the place to come. It's way the heck out in the middle of nowhere, so it's either drive, or fly into Crescent Junction about 110 miles away and still drive! Although, I'd have to say it's probably worth it. You can see these in pictures, but nothing beats seeing it for yourself.
The walk down was a tad bit hot, so the kids decided to cool themselves off!
After all our hiking and rock climbing everyone was hot and tired so we loaded up and headed for Salt Lake City. We got here about 6:00 and came straight to the hotel. We checked in, went back out and picked up some dinner, had a picnic in the room and headed for the pool! The kids all enjoyed swimming after our long hot day hiking and riding in the car. While I bathed everyone, Scott did a couple of loads of laundry. To answer Kendall's question....we do have alot of luggage, but we only packed enough clothes to last us 5 or 6 days and we try to do laundry whenever we are in a hotel with washers and dryers! The luggage is a team effort. I pack it all up every morning and then Scott loads it in the car. When we are lucky enough to be at a hotel with valet service, he won't let them help load the car because it all goes in like a big puzzle!!! Thomas is a big help in carrying the bags to Scott to load every morning and Grace keeps and eye on Mandy and makes sure she doesn't wander out of the room while I'm packing and Scott and Thomas are loading. We all have our assigned jobs!
Thomas's Top Five for June 16, 2007:
1. "Seeing the arches."
2. "Going swimming."
3. "Rock climbing."
4. "Buying my T-Rex book."
5. "Watching Ice Age." After they're baths we watched Ice Age 2 on HBO!
Grace's Top Five for June 16,2007:
1. "Climbing to the arches."
2. "Going swimming."
3. "Buying souviners."
4. "Throwing rocks at the ant pile." They did this at the arch. They had HUGE ants and Thomas and Grace had the best time throwing rocks on the ant pile!
5. "Laughing our heads off at Ice Age!" They were so tired, they were just silly while watching the movie!
Tomorrow, we are going to check out Temple Square where the Mormon Tabernacle and Temple are. We can't tour the Temple because only members of the church are allowed inside. They do however let you see the Tabernacle and the big organ. Brigham Young's house is there, the world headquarters of the Latter Day Saints Church, and the family history geneology library. The girl here at the hotel said it's a must see. Scott swears he's never heard of this brand of church before, and I've tried unsuccessfully to explain it to him as I don't know all that much about it myself. He did however know that presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was Mormon and had heard of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He didn't mention the Osmonds. That's who I always think of! He also wanted to know if he could have another wife since we were in Utah. He thinks he's funny.
After the Tabernacle tour, we are going to the Great Salt Lake State Park to see about floating in the salt. I've been researching it and it sounds like a neat place to take the kids. After that we head to Laramie, Wyoming!
Here are few more cool pictures Scott took today:
Blessings,
Leslie
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