4th of July in Zion's

Every time I have the chance to go to Zion's, I am amazed at the breathtaking beauty. It is such a perfect location to have some quality family time. I enjoyed hanging out with my aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and of course my little family. It's so great to reconnect with everyone. I have the most incredible family ever. Grandma Joanne was sorely missed this year. I thought about my grandparents so much. They would've been so touched by the efforts made by everyone to be together. I wish we could have stayed longer. The amount of crap we packed could have lasted us a week!  We really tried to make the most out of every moment there.  Once we arrived the kids were itching to get in the pool.

Their adorable grandparents were more than willing to play.

Hank spent as much time as possible in the pool.  He was so entertained playing catch with everyone.  I noticed out of the corner of my eye that he was diving through a tube in the pool.  How amazing...he just tried once and can dive now.  I'm pretty sure I spent an entire summer trying to learn how to dive.

Max swam for a few hours but decided he need a nap before dinner.

Later that night we enjoyed delicious food and spent hours catching up. Sam and Tom made an undeniable connection.  Once Tom gave him some bread , they were instant buddies and remained inseparable the rest of the vacation.  Too bad his new best friend couldn't spare me off during the night.  Sam had a bit of a rough one as evident by his awesome bed-head.  

The next day we enjoyed a home town parade.  It's by far the most pleasant parade experience I've ever had.  I've never shown up to a parade 5 minutes before it started and had a front row seat.

Hank, Max, Gabe, Chloe, and Dylan

I think I saw my dad dive for a tootsie roll during the parade, all while holding Sam.

Our group quickly dominated the parade route.

Besides perfect seating in the shade, a good parade requires LOTS of candy and my kids weren't disappointed.  Max frantically collected every morsel he could see.

My little diabetic with his hat full of candy.

After the parade which lasted approximately 10 minutes (another plus), we decided to tube the river.  The river guide warned us that the water was pretty shallow and it may require more work that last year.  Max and Randy decided to sit it out and Grandpa Curt graciously babysat Sam.  

Hank, my mom, and I forged onward, excited for the adventure.  I've kinda always wanted to be a river guide...little known fact.

Here are the brave rafters.  From the left Dylan, Chloe, Zoe, Jill, Jessie, Polly, mom, Annie, Hank, Shellie, Jeff, Riley, Gabe, Jil, Phil, and Larry.  

It took close to three hours and lots of maneuvering around rocks but we made it.  Hank handled it like a champ and my mom was quite a trooper.  Despite the effort it took to get down, it was worth it.  Anytime I can be in water, looking at the beautiful surroundings, I'm down.  I'm always up for an adventure.  It makes for great memories.

Hank jumped on grandpa's motorcycle when we returned and we headed off for some delicious Mexican food.  I swear Hank is the energizer bunny.  He never stopped the entire day.  The second we got back, he was in the pool until it was time for dinner.  Max and Sam needed to rest up a bit before our next adventure.

We had some delicious appetizers before dinner courtesy of Phil and my mom.  As long as there are carrots (Sam), teddy grahams (Max), and diet coke (Hank) my kids are happy.

Hey mom!

My dad kept Sam occupied with ice cubes and his crazy facial expressions!

Larry and Becky provided a fantastic BBQ at a near by park later that evening.

Sam was more interested in studying faces than smiling for pictures.

He is admiring his grandma's beauty here.  Such a darling picture of of my mom.

Hank and Gabe were pretty much inseparable.  They had such a great time together.

We even managed to take a decent family picture.  Man I love my boys.

We couldn't watch fireworks but Keith entertained us with some tunes.  Gabe, Monet, Riley and Hank had front row seats.  

Sam and his buddy Tom, danced along.  Tom even offered to watch Sam while the rest of us went on a hike the next morning.  Sam almost jumped into his arms when I dropped him off that morning.  Tom might be a better mom than I am!  I didn't worry one second, I knew he was well taken care of.

We did a small hike, actually the perfect distance with little kids.  It was overcast which felt awesome.  Randy, Max, mom, and I brought up the rear.  Max likes to dilly dally.  Hank on the other hand, blazed the trail with Gabe and Zoe.

Max called this the bear cave.

Everywhere I looked, was incredible beauty.

Max managed to drink his chocolate milk as he walked.

He climbed up to join the trail bosses when we finally reached the top.

It wouldn't be an outing if Randy didn't do his famous pose.

Love this pic!  My little boy is growing up.

Gabe and mom

Here is our early morning hiking crew minus Michael, Shellie and I.

Thankfully we didn't attempt a longer hike since Max made Randy carry him the entire way back to the car.  Sam had a blast with his new friend and was ready to nap the second we returned.  

Unfortunately, we had to check out by noon and interrupt his heavenly nap.  The kids continued to play in the pool for a few more hours and then we made the trip back home.  We had such a fantastic time, I didn't want to leave!  Next year, we are staying at least one day longer. This was a summer highlight for all of us.