We took our kids to visit the last two National Parks in Utah that we hadn't been to yet: Canyonlands and Arches. As you can see, they were pretty spectacular.
Then we came home to spend the weekend with family visiting from out of state, watch the LDS General Conference, and celebrate this guy's 7th birthday. He fell asleep in my lap Sunday afternoon and I tried to soak it up as much as possible, because those moments are only going to get more rare... *sniff* Also I took advantage of the chance to take his picture without him making weird faces at me or running away altogether.
I did get some sewing done during our drive - I finally finished this paper piecing project that I started in Katy's class at the Sewing Summit. It only took me a few long-distance road trips to complete. It's called Spring Carnival and you can find the tutorial and pattern on Katy's tutorial page. I love it - now I need to decide it's destiny.
And now, I'm off to try and catch-up on all things computer related and to stop eating leftover Easter candy. Wish me luck.
LynCC
oooo I have to go see Dead Horse Point! Looks like a really wonderful time.
Amanda Shih
Beautiful!
natalia
Fabulous canyonlands! Very cute boy! and I liked such cheer block!
Joyful
Fantastic scenery. I've never been there so I love to dream 😉
Sonia
Such lovely pictures from your road trip - we managed to visit Kings Canyon & Grand Canyon a couple of years back so can only imagine how stunning the canyonlands are!!!! And I love your Spring Carnival, look forward to seeing what you make it in to x
Mischelle
I always love to see other peoples pictures of Arches and Canyonlands. When I see them I think of home and how much I miss all the midnight hikes we took as kids to Delicate Arch. Thanks for sharing.
amy smart
No way! A midnight hike to Delicate Arch would be amazing!
Karen - Quilts...etc.
it looks like it did almost 1 1/2 years ago when we were there - it looks like we went to all the same places! we love the national parks in Utah and go there about every other year or so and take the same hikes no matter how many times we have seen them! We still have yet to see Zion National Park, can't go this year - maybe next year?
amy smart
Yes! I think if forced to choose a favorite we might say Zion. It's so fantastic. I hope you get to go someday (fall is spectacular!)But I really like all of them for their own personalities.
Melissa Corry
Fun, you were in our neck of the woods 🙂 Looks like a blast was had by all. Conference was fantastic, we all in Cedar City are pretty excited!! Hope your Monday picks up for you and you get back in the swing of things 🙂
Tiff
I love your paper pieced project! Do you think you might ever do a tutorial on paper piecing? I tried to do it following several other tutorials, and I just can't get it. I always understand yours, so thought I'd ask lol 🙂
amy smart
Thanks for the suggestion Tiff! I know I probably won't be able to do it in the near future, but I will try and do one in the next few months.
Acorn to Oak
What beautiful scenery! Sounds like you had a great time too. I LOVE Utah! There are so many amazing places to see. We recently got back from another trip to Zion. We want to visit the parks you went to and others someday but can't seem to stop going to Zion because it's so amazing. Your sewing/quilt project looks really good! Have a wonderful week!
amy smart
I hear you! Zion is our favorite. It's so pretty. But Arches was really cool. It might be a close second! 😉 Actually - I don't know if I could choose. I like each one for it's own personality.
Alisa
Gorgeous! It is our dream to do a road trip through Utah one day. Looks like a great time.
Nedra
your pictures capture Southern Utah so beautifully. Makes me miss those red red rocks against the blue blue skies. Love your colors and paper piecing block!
Kar
What wonderful pictures! We visited those places of few years ago and were totally blown away by it all. Hard not to have a great time there. 🙂
barbara woods
love your pictures
Michele
The photos are just gorgeous. I'm glad you enjoyed your trips.
Rebecca Grace
Wow -- those pictures are just breathtaking! I had no idea we had parks like that in the US. I hope I can see them someday!<br /><br />Your paper piecing project fascinates me, not only because it's so pretty, but because you mentioned that you were working on it while you were DRIVING? I know about paper piecing with the sewing machine, but I can't imagine sewing through two layers of
amy smart
LOL! I guess I should clarify that I was RIDING while my husband did the actual driving. 🙂 I don't have the skills to drive AND sew at the same time. Yet.<br /><br />There are some great tutorials online for English Paper Piecing. You use paper/cardstock templates to create the shape by basting around the template, but you don't actually sew through the paper. I really like these two
diane
I want to go to these parks so much. We never plan it in time. I really want to make it a priority.<br />Your paper piecing project will be wonderful no matter what it's final outcome. The colors are great
Janessa
Amy, your Spring Break pictures look just like ours! We did the same trip last week with our kids. Too bad we didn't bump into each other out on the trails!
Siobhán
Your spring break pictures are amazing! I've never been further west than Colorado, but my brother that lives in CO often goes to the UT state parks with his family for various outdoor activities--camping, hiking, biking, etc. I always think to myself that people can't deny God's existence when they see such natural beauty.<br /><br />Happy birthday to your little guy!
Thimbleanna
Beautiful pictures Amy! It looks like you all had a wonderful time. Isn't it funny -- you can be in Utah your whole life and not go to those parks? I've still never been to Canyonlands and it took me 50 years to get to Arches. Time is always so limited and we always seem to end up back at Zion and Bryce. I took grown kids to Arches -- I don't know how you did it with younger kids
PamKittyMorning
I love all the travel photos! They're so beautiful, looks like you guys are happy and having fun!
Katy Cameron
Oh, those look familiar :o) Glad you had fun there, there wasn't anywhere near that much water when we were there!<br /><br />Good luck catching up!
Funky Kim
My grandson turns 7 this coming Friday. I'm hoping for a hug. Sometimes he does snuggle, but not nearly as often as he used to!
Mindy
I think we took the same Spring Break vacation! We also went to Arches and Dead Horse Point. I actually looked for us in your picture of Delicate Arch. I have never been there before (I've lived in Utah my whole life, shame on me) and was blown away. What a beautiful state we live in! I'm glad your had a good break. <br />Also thanks for the link on paper piecing. It is something I've
Jenny Faasavalu
We went to Moab over spring break too! We stayed in Arches the whole time, though, didn't venture out to Canyonlands. Did you happen to listen to the "Off Kilter Quilt" latest podcast? I recommended your blog and she talks about it. 🙂
amy smart
That is so funny! It appears Moab was a very popular spot last week. And thanks so much for the shout out! I'm off to listen to the podcast!
Valerie
Love Arches and Canyonlands! My husband and I traveled thru back in 2007 so it's been a while... The salsa at La Hacienda in Moab is quite delicious, if you've got time to stop over. {grin}