(I really apologize in advance for how long this post is and the number of pictures. But I'm telling you this was one of the best trips EVER.)
We've been wanting to get out of town for some solitude. Originally, I was trying to plan a trip later in the spring. But as we looked at the calendar we decided sooner was better - so we threw caution to the wind, pulled the kids out of school for the last couple of days of the quarter and ran as fast as we could to Goblin Valley. (Literally. Mike got a speeding ticket on the way there.)
When I looked at reservations I discovered that Goblin Valley has a couple of new yurts. We pounced on that. And we will definitely do that again. As Mike put it - "the best $60 hotel he's ever stayed in". Totally comfortable. The heater (more like a mini fireplace) was wonderful with the nights still chilly.
The weather was PERFECTION. 70 degrees. Sun. Unbeatable hiking weather.
Which was great,
because we went for a new record with the kids. The full 8-mile Bell / Little Wild Horse Canyon loop.
Not only was this the longest hike with the kids to date - but also the most technical. There were plenty of boulder falls, and cracks to scale. There was a lot of hoisting one another up or down the tricky parts, taking the baby packer off and passing it carefully, and keeping a tight grip on Sully. I admit I got a little nervous a few times. But I have to say that Mike and I were speechless watching our kids rise to the challenge. 5 1/2 hours of pretty difficult hiking/climbing & they not only managed the tough parts, but looked forward to them. 
Noble was our unofficial route scout. He went ahead and found the easiest way around or through. Jessie was so helpful with the little boys, and made sure everyone made it. Grace and Tillman were an unstoppable team. I just couldn't believe how they got along and worked together. No one got discouraged by the length of the trail. Never bummed to find yet ANOTHER giant boulder or drop-off blocking the route. Other than some saddle soreness from riding on Mike's shoulders and trail fatigue, Sully was a trooper. And Abner! Holy smokes, that kid was amazing. He didn't fuss the entire time. He sat in his packer, making cute sounds, playing with my hair or sleeping. He finally started to cry a little about 200 yards from the car as we came off the trail.
I think this will live as one of those watershed family experiences when everyone felt bonded. Even if the next day the kids couldn't stand to breathe the same air in the car - we could always remember those 5 1/2 hours of blissful togetherness.
Go family!
In the narrows...
We were totally beat after our epic trek. So to come back to a yurt instead of a tent that night was heaven.
Kickin' it in the Adirondack chairs at the yurt.
The next day we spent among the hoodoos in the Valley of the Goblins - one of our favorite places in the world.
My brother, Casey, and his family happened to be coming to Goblin Valley with friends the day we were leaving. So we had lunch with them before heading home. About 10 miles up the road we came across one of Casey's old friends (Steve Wilson - my sibs will recognize the name) and his family broke down. Long story short: after a lot of back and forth, a quick visit to Hanksville and extending Noble's G - Valley vacation by a day - problem solved.
I'd go back tomorrow.
