Family Vacation

This is the second year that we accepted an invite to vacation with family - my brothers, their families, my dad & step-mom. This years trip was absolutely marvelous. Dad had some shirts made for us that listed all the locations we visited. Wherever we went we made quite an impression on folks--and we were easy to find and identify as a group. Linda also got the kids awesome little backpacks and brought refill treats daily, to give the kids snack for the hike. Here is a very brief recap of events:

1. Left Austin with Bob & family. Flew to Vegas, then drove to Virgin, UT. Met with Dad & Linda at campground, then drove to Springdale - entry of Zion Canyon National Park and checked into the Desert Pearl (gorgeous hotel).

2. Took the entire shuttle route through Zion Canyon, scoping out where we would hike the next day after Butch arrived from Portland. Took the kids swimming, too.

3. Took the shuttle through Zion, stopping to do a couple of hiking trails. Then ate at the Lodge and returned to the hotel.

4. Drove to Bryce Canyon and hiked there. Loved the HooDoos.

5. Took a day off to sleep in then sloth around the pool.

6. Drove to the Grand Canyon. Hiked a bit, then drove to the different spots to view it from different perspectives. Truly amazing.

7. Drove to Vegas. Spent the day walking around and did a tour of the strip on the Deuce.

8. Flew home.

Here are 22 pics from Mt. Zion:

Here are 28 Pics from Bryce:

Here are 30 pics from the Grand Canyon: