When I was growing up I don't think that Spring Break really even existed, and if it did, I didn't know anyone who used it as an excuse for a vacation. Fast forward to today and as soon as my kids hear the words "spring break", they start asking where we are going. This year we had talked about a few options for a little getaway, but because of work schedules, didn't plan anything definite. A few weeks before we decided that we could make something work and tried to figure out a place to go on short notice. Enter Kanab! Jarin and Jami have been there several times and loved it...after looking at some of the things to see and do, we decided to give it a try. Tim and I had only ever driven through and were excited to spend a few days to exploring the area. Turns out, picking Kanab was a great decision. The town itself is relatively small, but there is so much to see and do within a short drive and we all had a fantastic time.
Day 1
All packed up and ready to rock and roll. Luke and Ruby were really proud of themselves that they could help pack their own bags and I love that they have become so helpful.
Coral Sand Dunes State Park
After a quick stop for lunch, we made it to Coral Sand Dunes State Park. As soon as we stopped the car the kids jumped out and were ready to go play. The sand was really amazing, it had a pinkish tint and was super fine and the dunes went on for as far as we could see.
Ruby went down by herself and screamed that she couldn't steer and ran over a lizard. Sure enough, we found him under the sled, stunned, and with a shortened tail, but after a minute he seemed to revive and ran off into the desert.
The worst part about sledding was the hike back up the hill.
Ruby somehow convinced Brycen for a ride.
The sand was also perfect for burying.
Did I mention how pretty it was
After doing our best to clean out all of the sand, we made it to our hotel, got checked in and headed out to dinner at Escobars. It was a tasty ending to a fabulous day
Day 2
Best Friends Animal Society
So, the Best Friends Animal Society literally shows up on nearly every list of things to do with kids in Kanab. It is a no kill animal shelter and they have thousands of animals of all different types. We signed up for the wild friends tour which was an interesting mix of turkeys, a seagull, some peacocks, and a few other random animals. Our our guide had obviously been with the organization and was very passionate about telling us the full history of each animal. She definitely kept us organized and "how about that", we all had fun learning more about the animals.
Luke made the best art project from objects he found in nature.
Moqui Cave
Next stop was Moqui Cave, part museum, part store, and a complete adventure. The girl who showed us around and answered our questions was the granddaughter of the man who originally bought the cave and turned it into a saloon and dance hall. He used the money he earned to eventually create a museum to house all of the items he had discovered and collected - there were lots of dinosaur fossils and indian artifacts, and plenty of cool rocks. The cave was not very big, but there was still plenty to see and learn about. While at the shop Luke bought his favorite souvenir, a necklace with a scorpion in it, and Ruby got her favorite - a beaded necklace meant to keep away the bad dreams.
The girl's dog might have been their favorite part
Toadstool Hoodoos Hiking Trail
Over the last few years we have spent more time exploring this amazing state we live in and I am constantly amazed at all there is to see and experience. The Toadstool Hoodoos trail might have been my favorite part of the trip. The weather was perfect, sunny and cool, and the trail was easy enough for Luke and Ruby, but still fun for Brycen. We had seen pictures of the enormous hoodoos, but seeing them in person was really amazing. The kids had all kinds of theories of how they were formed and where the giant boulders came from. I know that technically there is plenty of science to explain all of it...but seriously, I think we are all convinced that it must have been aliens.
There were a few sections that made Ruby a little nervous.
But overall the kids did great hiking
Pool Time
The pool was perfect to rest and recharge
Rocking V Cafe
We really wanted to try the Rocking V Cafe but were a little anxious because it is not necessarily the type of place we normally take Luke and Ruby. We talked to them a lot about manners and how to behave and decided to give them the chance. Wow, they were so polite and well mannered and we all had such an enjoyable night out together. And the food....well that was delicious.
Moqui Cavern
Not to be confused with the Moqui Cave, the Moqui Caverns are what I would call wind caves that are at the top of some cliffs, just off the side of the road. Friday morning we packed up and wanted to stop and hike up to these caves before leaving town. Once again the kids all amazed me at how much better they have become at hiking - Ruby started calling herself my little mountain goat.
The caves are made of sandstone and are apparently man made - a long time ago they mined the sand to make glass. No matter the origin, they were awesome to explore.
Bryce Canyon
We stopped at Bryce Canyon last year on our way home from Spring Break and completely fell in love. It seemed like and obvious choice when we were so close to the park. This year it was still quite cold and there was a lot of snow, but honestly, that just made everything look even prettier.
Our hiking was limited because most of the trails were still snow covered. Since we couldn't hike, we spent all of our time making sure we got some great pictures.
I bought Luke some binoculars and he was obsessed.
Enough snow for a teeny tiny snowman
Kanab, you were good to us...we will be back.
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