I love that Arches is only about 20 minutes away. It is really just on the other side of town from us. I have never been, although Lance has. We decided to take a short trip Saturday. We drove in and got out a few times. We only made it as far as Balanced rock, which is a little less than halfway through the park. The kids were hot and ready for a nap. Ryan fell asleep about 5 minutes after we got into the car. Just wait until we do some actual hiking!
Our first stop, Ryan was trying to explore on his own. The sidewalk sloped down and of course he wanted to go that way instead of the way we were going.
Leah was deciding she didn't want to look at the camera or smile for pictures most of the day. She just couldn't quite hold in the smile on this one though. I love how Ryan is holding on to his sister's leg. Leah had high pigtails under her hat, that is why the hat looks so wonky.
Ryan sure does love those rocks!
Who cares about the amazing rock formations in back of him, give him some small rocks he can pick up and he is in heaven. He would have stayed here all day if we would have let him.
Climbing up the stairs to Balanced Rock.
At the base of Balanced Rock. Notice how Ryan is trying really hard to get away. That would be quite the drop down though.
Balanced Rock. I realize now that we didn't actually get a picture further away to show how impressive it really is. From some angles it looks like a thumb in the middle of two upright hands, at least the fingers of those hands.
Leah found a cave, ok, so I found the cave and pointed it out but she wanted to climb in it. She had a little difficulty getting out of it, especially since her sandal fell off. We really need to get her some tennis shoes.
Our first stop, Ryan was trying to explore on his own. The sidewalk sloped down and of course he wanted to go that way instead of the way we were going.
Leah was deciding she didn't want to look at the camera or smile for pictures most of the day. She just couldn't quite hold in the smile on this one though. I love how Ryan is holding on to his sister's leg. Leah had high pigtails under her hat, that is why the hat looks so wonky. 
Ryan sure does love those rocks!
Who cares about the amazing rock formations in back of him, give him some small rocks he can pick up and he is in heaven. He would have stayed here all day if we would have let him.
Climbing up the stairs to Balanced Rock.
At the base of Balanced Rock. Notice how Ryan is trying really hard to get away. That would be quite the drop down though.
Balanced Rock. I realize now that we didn't actually get a picture further away to show how impressive it really is. From some angles it looks like a thumb in the middle of two upright hands, at least the fingers of those hands.
Leah found a cave, ok, so I found the cave and pointed it out but she wanted to climb in it. She had a little difficulty getting out of it, especially since her sandal fell off. We really need to get her some tennis shoes.
