Zion's Vacation Day 2 (Sand)

After our hike to Emerald pools we relaxed at our hotel.  Flowing next to the hotel was a river with lots of sandy beach area to play in, so that's where the kids wanted to be.  That was probably their most favorite place to be on our trip actually.  They LOVED it!

Ben trying to skip a boulder.

Teaching Karissa how to throw sand...as if she needs lessons.

Mmmmmmmm, sand!

Karissa decided she didn't like the taste of sand.

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!