Jeff and Mom take on the USA

Took our time getting out this morning.  We had a couple of very busy days so it was well deserved.  When we finally got ourselves out, we first went to the USS Midway Museum which was a retired aircraft carrier. On the way out of the ship, Jeff and Sara tried a flight simulator After our time at the museum, we spent the rest of the day at the San Diego Zoo.  Its huge there and took us hours to explore.  

Got up very early, had breakfast in the car, so that we could get to the Hoover Dam before the tour buses!  We did a great job and got there only to learn that there were no tours today because the elevator was broken.  We still went to the visitors center and learned about the dam. The rest of the day was spent driving to San Diego.  Once we got to the hotel, we went to dinner at a local restaurant and walked along a boardwalk that had rides.  By this time it was late and off to bed we went.

We were up and out of the hotel by 9am and head to Vegas.  When we got there, I dropped the kids off to explore the strip while I went to do the laundry.  I wanted to wait until Jim and Sara arrived do I  did not repeat things (not to mention Jeff and I need clothes)!  After laundry I drove to the hotel, found Jen, Joe and Jeff and waited for Sara and Jim to join us. We had an awesome view of the Bellagio fountains from our room, not to mention a weird window in  our shower that looked into the bedroom!  Luckily there was a shade!!  All 6 of us went to the Bellagio to look at the botanical garden that is inside the hotel. Then we walked to the mall to see the robot that mixes drinks and then to the MGM where Jen and Joe left us for the airport.  WAAAAAA  After they left, Jim, Jeff, Sara and I went to the NY NY hotel to see how it resembled the city inside and the kids went on the roller coaster.  We then went back to the hotel to wait to go to dinner and for it to get dark s

We decided to get up early and head to Zion.  The kids had a trail they really wanted to do so we were  hoping to get to the park before the big crowds.  Little did we know that it was the busiest day of the year! We arrived at Zion, had to park down the street and then walk in to the park.  We waited in line for 1 hour before getting into the park and while we were waiting, the ranger came by and announced that the trail the kids wanted to do had a 1.5 hour wait at the last 1/2 mile of the trail which was the biggest draw of going on that trail.  So instead they did the hidden canyon hike. While the kids were hiking, I went to the next stop and walked the river walk.  It was a nice walk, along the river to a spot where people continue hiking, but they have to walk through the river.  Since I did not have the appropriate footwear, I turned around and went back to wait for the kids.  On my walk, there were squirrels that were walking right at peoples feet and I saw so

Today we drove to Bryce Canyon.  One of my favorite places.  Its just so unique with its colors and rock formations.   The kids did the Navajo Loop Trail. After we left Bryce Canyon, we needed to head to the campground which was on the other side of Zion so we needed to drive through Zion.  It was a nice preview for the next day!  As we were driving, this guy decided to come onto the road! We had lunch in Circleville,  Jeff being a jokester.

Got up and headed to Canyonlands.  Once again the group was not disappointed.  Each of these National Parks is so beautiful and different from each other, it can be hard to pick a favorite. My favorite right now is that I am with my family, loving every second! Mesa Arch After we got done at Canyonlands, we headed to Dead Horse State Park for their view.  So pretty.  The bright blue in one of the pictures is showing where they actually farm for salt.  Ruins the view but was interesting to learn about.

To catch you all up: We arrived at the Durango Airport in time to get Jen and Joe off their flight!  Jeff and I were both so happy to see them!! Then off we headed towards Moab Utah, our base while visiting Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.  Along the way we came across a random arch called Wilson arch.  Naturally we stopped so the kids could climb up it! After we set up our camp, which was in the 92 degree sun, we decided it would be a good idea to go to Arches to get out of our sunny camp and to give us a chance to see more of the park since we were only there for one full day. Arches did not disappoint and we did a couple of hikes.  The kids did a few without me, but we had a great time. Jeff and Joe getting creative Tomorrow its off to Canyonland.

We made it Taos and stayed once again in a hotel.  This one was not up to our usual par, but we made the most of it given the weather. We woke up in the morning and went to the Taos Pueblo.  Our first real introduction to the native people of the area.  It was really interesting, our tour guide was great.  Hard to believe some people still live here without water and electricity.  After the Pueblo, we headed to Mesa Verde but along the way we crossed the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.  So beautiful! On the road again and my awesome driver, Jeff got us through an incredible storm:  Hail, Snow, flooded streets!  Luckily we had reserved a cabin for two nights at a campground right down the street from the National Park Our view from the campground.  I can't wait to go to Mesa Verde Tomorrow.