Bryce Canyon National Park! Awww!!!

First. Why did the turkey cross the road? To get to the other side.  And that is exactly what these turkeys did!

Look at this bird. These birds are wild turkeys.  No turkey was not on the menu at the hotel. 

Sunrise!  

Okay I'm going to preface right now this entry has lots of pictures.  If you want just scan over the commentary and just look at the beautiful country God has given us to go explore. 

 Frozen river.

Awww the open road!

Yes we made it to Bryce Canyon!  The low on the drive up was 6.  The high for the day which was closer to Zion was 45 degree.

Just breath taking, and not because it was so cold. 

On our rim hike. Take a break to catch our breath. 

I think this was the only picture taken of us together this whole trip.  

This picture reminded me of Thunder Mountain at Disneyland.  

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Happy Anniversary! 10th to be exact.  So we thought it would be fun to take a trip just the two of us.  We were able to have Nani and Papa watch Monkey and Wiggles for a week while we went on a trip.  We packed up and after our last Christmas celebration the kids would start their vacation with Nani and Papa and we would start are vacation. We went through 4 states in one week.  We went to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Las Vegas.  We spent most our time in Zion.  What a beautiful park.  I'd love to see it one day with out the snow too.

On one of our gas stops we pulled up behind this truck and I couldn't resist taking the picture.

I wonder how they transport the caskets, upright? Or do they stack them one on top of the other? Hmmm...

This picture is just on the inside of the visitor center at Zion National Park.  Isn't the backdrop beautiful?

The bridge connecting the shops to Zion National Park, also the pedestrian bridge.  Not sure what the price is but for a car with one family it's $25.00.  

Just some pictures of the beauty in Zion.  I love the red rocks.

Another picture of the shops just outside the entrance to Zion. I just loved the Mountains behind the shops. 

This is a terrible picture but the only one I have right now.  This is where we stayed. We stayed in one of their cabins.  

A picture of the room sorta.  It was a one room cabin with a bathroom.  Loved the wool blanket but wouldn't dare pay the price they asked for it.  I'd rather get a few outfits for that price.  Whoa!

Merry Christmas: Take 4 Papa's side

I think this is our last Christmas post.  So the day after Christmas we went to Pap's side of the family get together.  I think we see this side about twice maybe three times as well.

Daddy and his Monkey and Wiggles. 

Grandpa with Cousin M

The girls. 

Monkey giving his cousin MK a kiss or maybe he's telling her a secret. 

Auntie opening up her present. I think she liked it. 

Hanging out after all the presents were opened. 

Merry Christmas: Take 3 Christmas at Home

Merry Christmas!  Unlike me as a kid my kids don't wake up just as my parents were going to bed. Yes my parents waited until Christmas Eve to wrap presents.  Don't worry we don't do that and we couldn't it just wouldn't get done by the time we get home. We are all tired and ready for bed if we haven't already been sleeping on the way home. 

To some this might come as a shock.  But we don't do Santa, so the presents are wrapped and under the tree before Christmas.  The kids look at them and wonder whats in them; it's almost a form of torture.  Don't worry the kids know not to tell other kids Santa's not real.  They know Mom and Dad buy the presents, unless it's from an Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, or Nani and Papa.  

We spent the day at home for the first time since um Ever for Christmas.  So we leisurely opened presents and then dined on Star Wars Pancakes Villains and Vehicles. Thanks Williams and Sonoma.    

Then later that day. The kids got a special surprise guest for dinner! 

AUNTIE GLITTERBUG!  Came to join us for a candle lit dinner.  Here she is reading with Wiggles.

Merry Christmas: Take 2 Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve we traveled north this year to get together with Nani's side of the family.  We see this side of the family about twice a year.  Once in the summer and then again Christmas Eve.

Most of the cousins getting ready to listen to a story. 

The adults checking out the appetizers, and catching up with each other. 

The kids totally involved in the story. 

 The older cousins are able to sit at their own table this year, though some who could choose to eat with the grown ups. See. 

Monkey showing that he really is eating. Even if it's only bread....

Uncle Ry playing Angry Birds for Monkey. 

The kids playing around. 

Mark playing the piano during our Christmas Eve Service. 

I have to put this picture in at the end, I love this picture.  Isn't he a cutie!!

He was in the middle of a tantrum but oh so CUTE!