Zion's Vacation Day 2 (Emerald Pools)

Second day of our vacation and we were so excited to go on our first hike.  We were making our way to Emerald Pools when we encountered two wild turkeys trying to hold their ground in the middle of the road.  It was kind of cool at first, but they were just not moving.  They caused quite the traffic jam since everyone wanted to take pictures of them.  Yes, obviously we took a few too, but we had nothing better to do while waiting for everyone else to move on. 

This was the beginning of our hike to Emerald Pools.  Karissa loved being in the backpack, of course I would too if someone was carrying me around too.This was the longest hike we were planning on taking on our trip and we thought we should probably do it first with the kids, not knowing how well they would do.

Beautiful scenery!!!!

This was the first "pool" we got to.  There wasn't really a pool but a beautiful waterfall.  The trail took us underneath it which was quite muddy.  Tyson was SO worried about getting mud on his shoes.  Ben had to carry him part of the way so he wouldn't freak out about it.  Here he is trying to avoid the muddiest section of the trail.

This was the second pool.  It wasn't much really, but the third pool was definitely worth the hike.  The third pool had the big water fall flowing into it.  When we arrived to it there were only a few people there admiring it, but by the time we left, there was no where to take a picture without getting someone in it.

Ben's turn to carry Karissa.

On our way back, we stopped to have a little picnic lunch.  Tyson wanted to rest and Karissa wanted out so she could run a little.  Karissa was so excited to be FREEEEE!  She was happy the entire time in the backpack, but she did enjoy running around when we let her.

She's FREEEEE!!!

Love that smile!

Tyson was pretty tired by the time we got back to the car.  He was such a trooper though.  He hiked the whole thing all by himself and only complained the last 10 minutes or so of the hike. Afterward we went back to the room so that Karissa could have a nap and Tyson could rest.  Tyson and I ended up at the hot tub for a little while, then it was video game time with daddy while mommy tried to take a nap.  I didn't sleep much but it was nice to just relax and have nothing I had to do! 

Zion's Vacation Day 1

Well, this is the only picture I have of our first day at Zion's.  After the car ride down, we were pretty tired, so we just got settled in our hotel room and relaxed.  Our hotel was literally right next to the entrance into the park and it was so nice.  We decided to get a room with a kitchen so that we could make our own breakfasts and pack lunches, it was GREAT!

After we got ourselves situated, we found an awesome pizza place for dinner.  We got it to go and enjoyed it while lounging in our room.  Once dinner had a chance to digest a little it was time to head over to the pool to swim a bit.  It was in the 70's  and the pool was somewhat heated but still a little cool for us.  Tyson just wanted to swim in the "little pool" (hot tub) so we let him splash around for a few minutes before making him get out.  Karissa wanted to join in the fun too but we only allowed her to put her feet in.  Believe me she would have jumped right in if we would have let her.  

After swimming it was bath time, as you can see.  They were having a great time!   

Valentine's Day 2011

Valentine's Day was so much fun!   I made heart cutouts and other decorations ahead of time so that I could decorate the night before and surprise the kids when they got up that morning.  Tyson made special Valentines for Daddy and Karissa and even wrote his own sweet messages on each one.  He could hardly wait to give them to them.

We waited to exchange our valentines until Daddy got home from work, but I gave them each a special balloon that morning.  It was fun to see their excitement as they each received their surprises.  It was a fun day. 

The kids bedroom door.

Tyson with his valentine and the one he made for Daddy.

Karissa was pretty excited to get her own valentine!

The valentines I made for each of the kids.  They pulled the candy out before I could get the picture.

     

Visit with Uncle Nigel

 
We had the opportunity to have my brother Nigel come out for a visit and we really enjoyed having him!  The kids loved him, Tyson was Nigel's little shadow from the moment he got here and Karissa loved him as well.  He arrived Christmas day and stayed until New Years day.  While he was here the kids and I took him to Temple Square where we went on a tour of the Conference Center and the temple visitors center.  Nigel had never been in the Conference Center and it was the first time I had taken the kids inside.

Due to the snow storm that we got just before New Years, Nigel had to stay a few days longer than planned. That allowed some extra time to play in the snow with Tyson...a total of 15 minutes, it was WAY too cold to spend much time outside.  I did get a few pictures though before I ran back inside!

Waiting for the right moment to pelt Nigel with the snowball.

GOT HIM!!!

Making a snow angel on the hood of the car...Nigel's car.

Tyson sure loves his uncle Nigel!

On New Years Eve Ben had the day off so we took Nigel and the Family to Incredible Pizza.  I have to say that it was the nicest family fun center I had ever been too.  I'm sure the fact that the place is less than one year old is why it's in such good shape and CLEAN! Aside from its cleanliness there were lots of things to do from laser tag, mini bowling, bumper cars, go carts, miniature golf and lots of arcade type games.  We got there right when it opened so we were one of two families there. We played mini bowling first then the boys played laser tag. They were the only ones playing which made for a good experience for Tyson, no older kids mowing him over.
 
Karissa loved the toddler play area, especially the little merry-go-round.  Tyson's favorites for the day were laser tag and go carts.  We all had a great time!  The only thing we didn't enjoy too much was the buffet that was included in the entrance fee.  Then again, buffets generally aren't good anyway.  Regardless of the the food though, we will visit again in the future...fun times!!!

Tyson doing his "happy dance".  He got excited anytime he knocked a pin down.