fall break in southern utah

 We managed to coordinate schedules with Alan, Heidi, & kids and head to southern Utah during the fall school break.  Our first stop was a hike at Taylor Creek inside Kolob Canyon outside Cedar City.  It was perfect hiking weather -- cool, but not cold.  The fall scenery was amazing!  Along the way we found some great crevices and a couple old cabins.

 Matthew always seems to find a big rock to climb or a crevice to crawl into.

 The colors in the canyon are just beautiful.

The hike ends at a big arch/cave.  Jared and Matthew both showing victory!

 Matthew was a super-great hiker.  I think the hike was around 5 or so miles round trip and he did it all himself.  The trail crosses over the creek too many times to count, so that's another thing that kept the kids going on their own power!

 Another scenery shot.  Someday maybe I'll own a really great camera, and my quest will be to take awesome scenery photos.

 Like I said, lots of fun places to explore on the trail, which keeps the kids attention and keeps them going!

The next day we ventured out around Silver Creek and after traversing some crazy dirt roads with our non-off road vehicle, managed to find this old kiln.  Kinda fun.

 

 After the kiln, we headed south to St. George.  We visited the Jacob Hamblin home and then headed out to another off-the-road type adventure to find these incredible petroglyphs.  They are amazing!  There is a million of them all over these lava rocks and you can climb all over and get up close and personal with the petroglyphs.

 Lots of fun!  And of course a few of us (Alan, Jared, and Matthew for 30 seconds) had to bask in the sunshine and take a nap!

These next two pictures are from Kobob Canyon again.  That's Katie, Jacob, & Matthew perched on the rock.

 Part of our St. George day included a round of mini-golf.  It was Matthew's first time.  We all ignored the rules and did whatever it took to get the ball in the hole.  Fun!

 A ride on the go-karts was a favorite with all the kids.  This is Jacob & Ethan, and Matthew & Ryan on the track.

 Here comes Jared & Rachel on a lap.

 We took the long way home through Cedar Breaks to end our vacation.  Incredible views. Also very cold.  We had a great time and were glad to have Ethan, Katie, Rachel, Heidi, and Alan join us.