Capitol Reef - Memorial Day 2022

 

Capitol Reef has been on our list of parks to visit and over the Memorial Day weekend, we finally made it happen.  I had done a little bit of reading about the area, but not as much research as I normally do.  I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, but we were blown away with this incredible part of the state.  After spending a few hours in the car, we arrived in Torrey and were so impressed by the views that we decided to start exploring immediately.  It was super windy and dusty, but we all found hats and sunglasses and set out to see the sights.

We stayed at the Capitol Reef Resort and had the cutest little cabin.  Their pool was so fun, and the views were just incredible.  

Cassidy Arch was one of the hikes that we had read about and were excited to climb.  The drive out was a bit of an adventure, and we wondered for a bit if the dirt road was actually taking us anywhere, but eventually we found a parking lot and sign and headed out on the hike.  This one had a lot of steep sections and plenty of switchbacks which meant there were awesome views.  I was so proud of the kids and how well they hiked.  Luke is a little mountain goat and had Tim hustling to keep up.  Ruby and I prefer a slower pace so that we have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.  By the time we made it back, the kids were feeling pretty accomplished and proud of their hiking skills.

After a rest and some lunch, and of course a stop at the visitor's center, we rallied the kids and headed out on another hike, Hickman Bridge.  This is one of the most famous areas of the park, and the trail was relatively easy.  One of the best parts was the lack of crowds - it was so nice to have this bridge to ourselves.

It feels like there were so many other things that we saw - parks and orchards full of deer, petroglyphs, rivers, etc., but we were too busy adventuring to think of taking pictures.  The older the kids get, the more fun they are to take on trips like this.  We loved Capitol Reef so much - in fact, we have all decided this might be one of our very favorite parks in the state.  But if anyone asks, we might just tell them that this park is one to miss, and try to preserve all of the beauty for ourselves.  

May Miscellaneous, 2022 - Starring Ruby McKena

 Ruby had an extra busy May and we loved having a front row seat for all of it.  She has played soccer with the same girls for the past few years and they have the best time together.  Sometimes they are super serious about their playing - sometimes they are more serious about their chatting, but they are always the most supportive cheerleaders.  It was sad to see this season come to an end.

The second grade program was amazing - Ruby had a speaking part and was so excited to share what she has learned about being a Lakeview Lion.  The kids' songs were adorable and most were so funny - there is really nothing better than watching your kid shine on stage.

Speaking of school, this year all three of Ruby's former teachers retired:  Kindergarten, Mrs. Arney; 1st Grade, Mrs. Heaton; and 2nd Grade, Mrs. Anderson.  She has completely loved all three teachers and will be sad not to still have them at her school.  We feel lucky that she has had such amazing influences and woman who have loved and taught her so much.

Jive weekend is one of our very favorite weekends and this one was especially awesome.  It was so great to be back at the Covey, the girls loved being on the big stage with the high end lights and music.  We are lucky to have so much support, and Ruby was so excited to know that someone would be in the audience watching. Ruby and the rest of the Dazzle girls worked so hard all year and it definitely showed in their dances.   I love watching her light up the stage with her moves and personality.

One last visit to the ENT, tubes are both out, and she is free!

The change from the beginning to the end of the year always surprises me and makes me a little bit sad.  By the end of third grade Ruby had grown up so much.  With a lot of hard work, her reading really took off and has been fun to see her become such a confident reader.  Second grade has been good for this little love and she was sad to see it end.

By the end of the month, after all of the fun, this is definitely how we all felt.