Zion for the weekend.

Last weekend we were supposed to go to Colorado and meet up with Derek's parents, sister and her family, to celebrate Harv's 70th birthday.  The weather had a different plan for them.  They all were snowed in....

....we were all packed with no where to go.....so, we took the kids to Zion National Park for a little sunshine.  Grace described this as the best family trip ever!!!!!  As we entered the red rock area she said,  "This place is beautiful.  I want to ride on my horse through the canyons and the desert."  Well, she doesn't have a horse, but we did take her on a couple of hikes.

Derek was feeling over-worked from a string of travels and the kids and I had a little cabin fever, so this was perfect.  The weather, the scenery and our little hotel were beautiful!  We made ourselves right at home for the weekend.

The first order of business was swimming!  Grace was really looking forward to that, so we got in the water asap.  The pool was freezing, but the hot tub was great!

Then it was off to dinner at the Spotted Dog Restaurant!  Great food!  Ryann ordered the spaghetti!  Yes, she is wearing a white shirt, but I let her have it anyway (and I was able to was it all out).

Saturday morning we decided to walk down the main street of Springdale to find our breakfast.  They have a domestic elk ranch with buffalo and all kinds of animals.  Kinda neat (even though we have them in West Jordan too)  we don't get to see them as close.

Ryann and Grace loved the cactus, but I had to warn them about the cactus and how sharp they can be!

We heard Springdale was having their St. Patrick's Day parade that afternoon.  We had time for a quick hike before it started.

We found a nice hike up the hill above the town where we could see the red rock.  The girls saw a few lizards for the first time in their natural setting.  Ewwww!  But, no snakes.

Then it was off to the parade!

After the parade the girls enjoyed the bouncy houses and Grace was brave enough to try the climbing wall.

Springdale has a 25 year running Jello sculpture contest.  Featuring GREEN jello!  

And Grace decided to enter the Jello eating contest.

She tied for 3rd place!

 We had a fun and exhausting afternoon, so back to our home away from home for more swimming and dinner.  

We really enjoyed the little yard outside our back door.  I felt like we were a million miles from home, just our little family....having so much fun!!!

I made dinner in our room that night and we were in bed by 8:30.  Weird!

Sunday we decided to drive to Snow Canyon, just outside of St. George, and go for a quick hike before we headed home.  I had never been there before.  MORE BEAUTIFUL RED ROCK!  WOW!  Breathtaking.  

I have to agree with Grace...it was a fabulous family weekend.  One of our best trips ever!