All is Well in Zions

Okay, get ready this post is way too long. What can you do? On the weekend of May 30-June 1 we took a quick weekend vacation down to Zion's National park with Greg & Wendy, Annie and Mike (and Mike's nephew Levi), and Bruce and Joe. The ten of us crammed into two cars (gas is expensive!) and took the trip.

This was Sammy's first big road trip and of course his first trip to Zion's. We were excited. There were going to be a few firsts on this trip and we were anxious to see how the Super Sam would do. It turns out that he is quite the trooper, and lets us be at ease a bit for going to Nauvoo in a few weeks.

Uncle Joseph was a great help on the way down. Whenever I got sick of sitting in my seat, Joe was there to give me snacks and feed me and all sorts of things. He is my hero!


Here is my first big hike! I was so excited to be in Zions! Dad got this cool backpack carrier that made the hike a ton of fun. I even had big red handles to hold on to and chew on. I loved being taller than everyone! As long as Dad was moving I was happy as a peach. It was only when we stopped that I got a bit ornery. I'd yell to motivate Dad until he finally got moving. I don't see what the problem is, I'm only 25 pounds, and the trail wasn't that steep. It was the Watchman's tower hike.

We finally made it. It took us a couple hours, and then it was photoshoot time of course!




One of the big questions for the hike was what would happen if the little guy got tired. Would he sleep or just be a pill. Apparently the answer is sleep. The whole hike down Sammy took a little nap.
It was so hot that we all stopped by the river. I wasn't excited about getting in the river. My baths are never cold, so I have no idea why I would be interested in standing in freshly-melted-snow-water. I have no problem being held by Mom while she stands in the icewater though!

I'm having a great time, let's do another hike! Dad said his shoulders were pretty sore after the 5 hours of hiking. I thought for sure that he would be ready to go after a break at the river and a shuttle ride up to the trailhead for the Emerald Pools. Afterall, I had a nap and was ready to go!

Turns out, Dad is weak, so uncle Greg helped out. He is cool and huge. Look a tree!

Oh sure Dad, act like you can handle it just for a photo.
Here I am with uncle Greg and aunt Wendy
This hike was real nice. It was in the shade almost the whole time. It was great because that meant I didn't have to wear that annoying hat that Mom and Dad keep putting on me.

Well, after a full day I was hammered. So was Bruce and Joe.
We really had a great time. Mike's mom and dad were so nice to let us all stay over (as well as another family who were in town for a baptism!) and Blaine gave a nice sunday school lesson. Christina (Mike's mom) has a cool tradition. Whenever someone comes to stay the night, they sign a little traveler's log. It is neat for them to look back at those who have come through and to read their comments about the great food and fun that was had. What a great idea!

Anyway, Sunday came quick and it was time to come home. Halfway home we stopped at Fillmore for a break. They had a little play place at the Maverick outside and we had Sammy try a slide for the first time. At first he wasn't exactly sure what was going on but caught on quick and actually quite enjoyed himself.


The Tiger Woods' fist pump sums up the whole little trip. We had a great time and it was a total success. Sammy was awesome, the weather was awesome, and it was awesome to have a good time with the family.