Family Vacation Part 1-Zion's

I rode to Zion's in style this year!  My dad invited me to ride with him on the motorcycle while Randy and mom took the kids in the cars.  How could I resist an opportunity to have some one on one time with my dad, and also a peaceful drive without kids?  We had such a great time together.  I wish I could say the same for Randy and the kids.  Sam screamed pretty much the entire way to Zion's.

We took the scenic route and passed by some sentimental landmarks.  First we stopped by Nephi to the home my Grandma Yvonna grew up in.  My dad loved sharing memories of his childhood as we drove through town.  Next we headed to Levan to the home you see in this picture.  This is where my Grandpa Sherm was raised.  My dad told me stories about my him and his grandpa I'd never heard before.

There's just nothing like traveling on a motorcycle.  The 360 degree views, the wind blowing through your hair and the rumble of the pipes is pretty awesome.  My dad took me to an awesome art gallery and bought us matching hats before we had lunch at a diner.  Nothing says a daddy daughter date like a tuna melt and fries for lunch!

The weather was really mild and enjoyable until we entered the park.  The instant we started driving through the canyon the heat hit us like a ton of bricks.  We ended up arriving at the Desert Pearl the same time Randy and mom did.  Randy looked frazzled to say the least.  I felt kinda bad but I had so much fun with my pops!  We all jumped in the pool and felt refreshed for dinner at the Spotted Dog.

We kidnapped Izzy for the trip and she was such an awesome addition to our family.  We loved having her around.  The kids were surprisingly well behaved during our long dinner.  I'm sure having adorable Izzy helped that situation.

I think she fits in with our family rather well.

This is most of the Tucker/Eliason clan.  What an awesome family to be a part of.  Joyce is always so generous to take all of us out to such a nice dinner.  

We woke up the next day ready to hike Emerald Pools.  Unfortunately Grandma Jackie wasn't feeling well enough to join us.  

Sam had a love/hate relationship with his backpack.  He couldn't decide if he wanted to walk or ride pretty much the entire hike.  

I loved pretending I was a mother of 4!  Hank, Max and Isabel were great little hikers.  Most of my energy was dedicated to making Prince Sam happy.

At the top of the hike, Sam fell in one of the emerald pools.  His shoes and pants were soaked but he insisted on hiking down by himself.  Obviously we couldn't have him hiking down the treacherous terrain with no shoes or pants so you can imagine the screaming which ensued.  With a mile to go, we decided to let him down and he ran the entire way back to the tram, happy as a clam.  Go figure.  Freaking 2 year olds!

After some naps and swimming the kids enjoyed playing in a massive rainstorm. 

Max worked on his baseball skills with Randy while the rest of us visited and ate pizza.

Izzy was pretty proud of her ninja turtle balloon scrunchy. 

After dinner a stroll down main street for ice cream was in order.

Max was going to town on his ice cream!

Yummy!

What would a gift shop in a small town be without a coon skin hat?

This gave all of us a chuckle.

My little twins!

Most of the family was packing up and leaving the following day and the remaining people wanted to take it easy.  Hank knew how bad I wanted to hike Angel's Landing so he said he would go with me.  Randy and my dad also joined our crew and it was awesome!  I know I can always count on these guys to support me.

We got up early and caught the tram heading for Angel's Landing.  Check out these two!  They are sitting exactly the same way and not on purpose!

I was so impressed with Hank's hiking skills. He never complained and that is not an easy hike.  I was also extremely impressed with my dad.  He has recently dropped 50 lbs and feeling better than he has in a long time.  He climbed that mountain with so much energy and stamina.  It was so great to see.

We had such a fun morning together.  That hike brings back so many memories from high school with my friends.  It was fun for me to share it with Hank.

Max and Sam held down the fort at the pool while we were hiking our butts off.

Hank was dying to get in the pool after our hot, sweaty hike.

It felt like heaven to just relax by the pool all afternoon.

We ate dinner at the coolest restaurant just outside the park called The Buffalo Grill.  They have a small grassy area designated for baby farm animals.

Sam was in heaven.

Hank took him around to all the baby horses and chickens.

He couldn't believe he could walk right up to the little horses.  The food was really good too.  We will definitely go back next time we are in Zion's.  It was a hit.

Our final morning in Zion's was spent hiking to the Watchman.  I can't get over what little hikers I have.  They blazed the trail for us.

Here is the formation called the Watchman.

It was good to get my mom out and hiking with us.  The weather was perfect and the kids did great.  

Fab sisters

Cutest cousins

I'm so happy we were able to take Isabel with us this year.  She is such a happy addition to any outing.

It was the perfect hike.  We even saw this scorpion on the trail!  

We were in Zion's an extra day this year but it somehow felt like a shorter trip than usual.  People were coming and leaving at strange times this year so maybe that's why.  That park just never gets old to me.  It's beauty always takes my breath away.  I love sharing my love of the outdoors with my boys.  After our hike, we met Randy and Sam for breakfast and packed up.  Next stop...Sand Hollow Reservoir!!