Memphis- Visit with Dawkins

 We had a wonderful finale in Memphis of our trip!!!  We got to spend Friday night and all day Saturday with our amazing Seminary friends, the Dawkins!  We only see them every few years but are so thankful for such rich friendships that God gave that we can pick up so quickly.  Laura and I have prayed together almost every week for the last 15 years.  What a blessing and a rich friend.  We have seen God move in mighty ways and change our own hearts as we love our husbands, children and give us grace and help to reach out in ministry.  It has been so good to have a prayer partner outside our ministries.  I am so thankful for the faithfulness of this family to the gospel and their willingness to forsake all for the cause of Christ.  Until we meet again dear friends ...

They gave us a memorable day sailing on the lake and visiting Bass Pro downtown and walking the Memphis Riverwalk.  The kids spent hours playing four square and other games.  Davids parents let us stay at their lovely home.  Mrs. Dawkins had cereal for us and all kinds of games and prizes for the kids. They are such a hospitable family.  The kids love staying at the Dawkins home.  

Day 12- Canyonlands NP

 

Wednesday, we went to Canyonlands NP.  We did not realize how big this park is.  We only saw one section.  We could have used another day to explore the needles section.  We went to the Island in the Sky.  We hiked the Grand View Overlook Trail.  We hiked the Mesa Arch trail.  These hikes were much smaller and our kids were getting tired of hiking at the end.  Though Joel was still catching lizards.  We loved our stay in Moab.  We stayed in a great VRBO.  Josiah said this park was a good combination of all the parks, arches, canyons, buttes, good way to end.  

Day 11- Arches NP in Moab

Tuesday, we spent the day at Arches National Park.  We hiked the Delicate Arch hike, very hot and very open to the top.  Joel caught 3 lizards on the way.  We had pizza at Canyon Pizza Company and had ice cream and presents for Joel.  His theme was lizards.  He got lizard stuffed animals and lots of lizard things.  

 

Happy 8th Birthday Joel!!!

 

Happy 8th birthday to our fun loving Joel!  He loves people and critters!!!  He catches lizards like no other!!!  He loves to climb mountains, rocks, trees, any challenge!!!  He meets no stranger.  He loves people.  Happy 8th birthday Joel!  

Day 10- Capital Reef National Park

Monday, Memorial Day we drove to Capital Reef National Park and hiked Cassidy Arch, 4 miles round trip, a beautiful arch.  We saw people repelling down off the arch.  We spent the night at Quality Inn and ate at Black Bear Diner.  The kids loved this restaurant, free ice cream.  

The kids loved this meal!!!  Pancakes with whipped cream and ice cream, huckleberry ice cream!