Lake Powell: Part 4

The next morning we all woke up, cleaned up, and left. This time Buck let me stop at a couple places on the way home. First was this super random cave in a wall that is now a store and museum... it used to be a bar and dance club back in like, the 1800's. I just really like random road stops so this made me so happy.

Then we stopped at a store, in another town, that is shaped like a rock and sells rocks. Again, makes me so happy. Even if Rose threw a tantrum in there. Hey, you can't win them all.

Then we pulled off the side of the highway because there was THE MOST amazing field of bright red flowers! I had to be quick so I didn't even get to see most of the area, plus June was SO mad at me for making her get out too to take photos in the flowers. Haha But whatever, I have NO regrets.

Then we stopped and ate lunch with Buck's parents, who still had Johnny in their car. And then on the rest of the way home, just to keep things on theme, we were hit by a huge storm. Oy vey! But hey, at least some naps were taken.

Looking back over our little trip, here are the things that stand out to me:

I am very grateful for a wonderful in-law family. I say it a lot but I'll keep saying it- I totally lucked out with them.

Traveling with kids is hard work. Traveling with little babies and toddlers is extra hard work. And traveling with them when they are sick can drain all the life from the parents. I managed everything okay in the end but I was having feelings of “Buck is right, we need to wait many years before we ever travel again with our kids.” and “I'm so scared for our trip to Disneyland this September! It's going to be a nightmare!” So I know that I was having a hard time with it all.

But in the end when I look back I mostly just remember the good things. My kids getting to see cool rocks, blue waters, follow ants, pick flowers, feel the wind rush around them while sitting on a boat, and watch amber coals burn in the fire. Exploring a wildly beautiful slot canyon and how Hazel kept saying that she was taking pictures of it with her mind. Cuddling with Rose. Seeing Johnny in his shark hat. Letting June take photos with my camera. Laughing around the fire. Rose and Annika, thick as thieves, running away into the brush.

And so I come home with the same conclusion that I always do- it's always worth it. The hard and exhausting moments, no matter how large they may be, are somehow paid for by the kindness of wonder, bonding, and laughter.