Stout Arches Trip

In September we went with Alan's family on a little trip to Arches National Park.  It was awesome. Alan and I and our little family had just gone last spring, but Jared was begging us to go back.  He loves it.  We camped for two nights at the campground in the park, and then the third night we stayed in a condo in Moab that Alan's parents rented out.

Maggie hiked a bit, too, on the way to Landscape Arch

Lizard

Alan and Maggie in front of Landscape Arch.  We have a picture of Alan and Jared at this same spot when Jared was Maggie's age, shown below.

Aunt Angela was Jared's special "hiking buddy" on the very long hike to Double O Arch.

The first view of Double O Arch. Jared was a pretty good hiker on this long and hard hike, but he did need Uncle Spencer to carry him back the last mile back to the car.

Dark Angel, as seen through the bottom arch of Double O

Jared and me in front of Double O.  You can also see Dark Angel in the back.

Our family in front of the petroglyphs on the Delicate Arch trail

This is as close as we got to Delicate Arch.  Jared is still too young for the hike.

Jared and Aunt Emma at the campground

 These next few pictures are at Sand Dune Arch, one of our favorites.  The kids loved playing in the sand and the grown-ups had a long jump competition.

On the way back to the car after Sand Dune Arch

In front of Double Arch (not to be confused with Double O Arch).  Maggie was so cute in the backpack.

 A lot of us went hiking in an awesome place in Arches called the Fiery Furnace.  You have to get a special hiking permit to go there, and they won't allow kids under 5.  Jared was really excited to go (although he had actually been in the Fiery Furnace when he was 2--before they made the rule about being 5.)

Everyone underneath Surprise Arch

Alan helping Jared on the slick rock down from Surprise Arch

Alan and I kissing underneath the Kissing Turtles arch.

Alan and Jared in the Kissing Turtles

Everyone at a natural bride-looking arch in the Fiery Furnace

Jared playing in a pothole in Raven Canyon by Skull Arch

Skull Arch in the Fiery Furnace--one of my favorite arches

We can't wait until our next Arches trip!!