Needed
Special
Trying to describe our recent vacation is difficult. We adventured into the desert with deep red rocks, prickly multi-colored cactus, heavy heat, and clear blue skies as far as the eye could see. The element we most enjoyed was the heaving and huffing of hot wind racing across an otherwise peaceful terrain. Noise pollution was basically non-existent, unless you count the occasional scurrying of lizards over sand and rock, the soft thump of jackrabbits bounding through the brush, or the rare call of desert birds searching for lunch. When we weren't taking in spectacular views of Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow, or Diamond Valley we were sampling local cuisine and slurping down far too many fruit slushies and unique lemonades.
It was hot, dusty, sweaty, and wonderful.
In every imaginable way.
The last 2 1/2 years have been quite a journey for Cristian and I. Having a child right after tying the knot has had it's own unique set of challenges. We have had to work extremely hard to get where we are today. We've sacrificed a lot, and have met and battled through many ups and downs. This trip was a wonderful opportunity to get out of the valley, no phones (besides for taking photos and little videos here and there) and being entirely present for each other.
We learned so much about each other on this first of many family holidays, and Cristian (who does not have the privilege of spending as much time with Violet as I do) experiencing Violet's full and blooming personality throughout the week was quite amusing for many different reasons.
We sat on the balcony of the condo where we were lodging each evening, laughing, telling stories and planning for the future deep into the night while Violet slept soundly in our kind size bed. Those moments are the one I find myself replaying with fondness. We decided to carry this routine home and it's been so nice to have quality one on one time though we are tired by the end of each day and it would be much easier to read a book, play video games, or simply go to bed.
We hiked a volcano, went exploring for desert tortoises, took Violet swimming and taught her to blow bubbles and dunk herself like a "dopheen". We visited the Dinosaur Museum and I tried my skills at an origami Pteradactyl (it turned out quite splendidly to be honest), Violet and Cristian worked on a play car at the Children's museum, and I beat Cristian in the arcade at a RACING GAME! We explored lava tubes, ended up having to spent $400 getting the alternator on the car fixed while down there (bummer). We ordered the most amazing dessert at "George's Corner", and because of how delicious it was we had to order another one (chocolate caramel custard with hazelnut brittle). Cristian found his new favorite ale, Violet and I each got temporary tattoos. We lost our bottle of sunblock the first day, I spilled a slushie not once but FOUR times in the car on the way home. We tried eggs benedict for the first time- and did not enjoy it, we ran into Sand Hollow with our clothes and shoes on (Cristian watched), we barely got any sleep because Violet is a bed hog. We meditated during a sunrise and took loads of cheesy selfies. Cristian thoroughly enjoyed the slot canyons. We saw The Biggest Loser van in the state park, managed to carry home tons of red sand, and on the way home managed to get stuck in standstill traffic for 2 hours.
Certainly it was an earmark in our book, and we can't wait to go on another adventure!
No comments:
Post a Comment