Update 5/26/26: Bitter-sweet Memories and Utah

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart…”

Five months. I cannot believe that today marks five months since losing Wayne here on earth. We just spent a week with his family in Washington and Oregon. It was a bitter-sweet time. I cried more this week because there were reminders everywhere of Wayne…in photos, in memories made there, and mannerisms in his parents and brother. But it was also such a gift to get this precious time to make memories with them and the kids (that post will be coming later). Tears are healing, so I know each time is good for me, but in the moment, it stinks. We move forward one day at a time and I think Wayne would be proud of how many memories we’ve made this trip. 

Arches: On May 8th, we arrived in Moab and met up with friends from Inheritance of Hope. Early Saturday morning, we headed to Arches National Park. 

Saturday afternoon, we headed to Canyonlands. After spending some time there, we headed back to the hotel to enjoy the pool and hot tub. 

Beautiful views from the pool.

Capital Reef: The next day we drove west through Utah. We briefly visited Capital Reef National Park and then continued on to Bryce National Park. 

We are fresh pies that are sold at Capital Reef park.

Some more photos from Arches (blogger put them in the wrong order)

We visited a fun gas station!

Bryce Canyon: Our favorite Utah park! We are writing a post covering our thoughts on the National parks we visited, so we will keep you posted.  

Intense 0.6 mile switchback. So beautiful!!

Dinner out to celebrate Shan and Sophia’s graduation from high school (and BCTC with their associates). They chose to come on this trip instead of walking. We had to do something g special to celebrate them. Micaela got good at making cones for everyone.

Monday we headed to Zion. Our first stop was an overlook hike. We then headed to town to park and catch a bus to the park. The kids completed their 7th junior ranger badge from this trip. We then took a ride through the park and visited the creek and weeping rock. 

Tuesday morning we were able to get limited tickets to hike Kanarra Falls. It was a gorgeous hike. We ran into some issues with Shan and his leg, since it can’t get wet. At one point, Sophia helped carry him and then he also used poles and hopped with one leg. He is amazing and doesn’t allow anything to slow him down. 

When you are friends with us, you never know when you may have to carry a leg 🤣

We have been enjoying In’n’out on our trip. I think the kids ate there six times this trip. The prices aren’t bad at all, so my wallet hasn’t minded.

Wayne would have loved all the things we’ve done…especially In’n’out. 🩷 In a few days I will share the next portion of our trip.