Waking up in Utah

Last night we got settled in our hotel room around 2:45 in the morning but that's really 3:45am here in Utah. We always like to get an early start when we're here because we want as much time as we can have to enjoy the beauty. When I woke up the first thing I did was run out to the balcony to get a good whiff of the cold fresh air. I stood outside with my cup of coffee watching the sun rise up over the mountain ridge making the grass glisten and the goats and ducks come to life.

We started our morning off with breakfast at the Pioneer and we all gorged on the best breakfasts ever. While we stuffed our faces our daughter drew her first picture of a person. Oh how I've been waiting to see her draw a giant head with stick legs and arms coming out of it. I almost burst into tears because it was just one of those things I've been so excited to see her do. Of course I asked her to draw lots more so she drew sad faces, happy faces and a picture of her and daddy with his "little hairs". As we waddled back to our rooms (feeling 5 pounds heavier) to pack the backpacks for the day we all laughed wondering how we were going to hike after our feast. Luckily we all managed to digest it quickly.

We entered Zion National Park and drove along the scenic drive and Mount Carmel Highway so Erin and Kevin could get a chance to see the entire park. I think they both stared out the windows with their mouths open saying WOW the entire drive. Jason and I still marvel at the beauty in the park and I think we always will.

After our drive we went for a quick hike to the Weeping Rock. Listening to the trickling streams while taking in the scenery is unbelievable. There are things in Zion that we just don't see here in Southern California. Ashley had fun finding fishies in the creek and watching the rock "cry".







Our next hike was the Riverside walk which is breathtaking because you're walking along the river and surrounded by beautiful trees and mountains that go straight up for what seems like miles. It was fun to watch Ashley stare up at the cliffs in awe while she rode around on Jason's back. When we reached the end of the trail we ate our lunches along the edge of the river. While we sat there I was so happy because there were no cell phones, no emails, no tv shows it was just the five of us and our PBJ's and it was heavenly. (I've never thought of myself as a crazy nature loving person but I'm finding out that I kind of am which is fine with me as long as I don't start braiding pants from hemp)




After lunch we had hiked back to the car and it started to get really cold so we decided to call it a day and head home.




Once we were in our room I had a Birthday surprise for Jason so I sent him and Kevin to the maid's closet to sneak another pillow. When he came back in the room there was a lap top with a big red bow waiting for him. I was so happy to see his face light up and he had the BIGGEST smile ever. Now he can't wait for next Sunday so he can watch football on the couch and monitor his stats and the games from his laptop without having to get up and check it in the kitchen (a whole 9 feet away).