State #17!! UTAH!! Zion National Park

 The colors of autumn have reached Utah, our 17th state to visit.  It is just so gorgeous here.  I am constantly amazed at how beautiful this country is, whether it is the plains, oceans, or mountains, I am amazed.
It really causes me to be thankful.  I am giving thanks to the Lord for this experience everywhere we go, and it doesn't seem like there is an end in sight!  Just when I think, 'well, surely this is it.....' I am struck by something else; sometimes simple, sometimes complex.  But all of it causes me to be more and more thankful each day.  :)

 We went to Zion National Park and took a couple of hikes.  The first one took us up to an overlook that was really simple, but gave quite a view.

 Up, up, up!  The kids LOVE hiking.


Todd HAD to do this, while my hand was shaking, trying to take the picture.  HA!

 Zion is a magnificent place.  The weather is perfect.  The views are so beautiful.  It is so quiet and peaceful too.

These little guys were everywhere.  The kids kept trying to catch one, but that is literally impossible.  They are SO fast.  Way faster than any lizard in Texas!

After our short hike, we had a nice picnic lunch, and then went to a more difficult, 2 mile hike.  :)
During one of our breaks, we were sitting by a natural spring, cooling out feet, and Tanner noticed this little guy!  GOODNESS!  This is actually the first snake we have seen so far on our trip!

By the time we finished this hike, Parker was just, plain ole' pooped.  :)
Tanner and Todd took turns carrying him.  :)

 

 Yeah Golden Gang!  Another badge!!

We had such a great time at Zion.  There were so many sights and wildlife to explore.

Blessings,
Steph