The first week of summer we headed down to stay in the Miner's Zion home for our third year in a row... this trip was our best yet! Matt and I snuck out the first morning and did the Watchman trail by ourselves:
Our entire family biked from the house to the Zions Park Junction (almost 10 miles round trip, the first half was slightly uphill). We took our time, had a picnic, played in the Virgin river for about an hour, then headed home and stopped for ice cream on our route. The kids did great!! Lauren had a rough time until we hit about mile 4 and realized she wasn't using her gears. After a quick tutorial, she finished like a champ. Playing in the river was a highlight. Matt stayed with our bikes and did some work phone calls while we were down there. Bradley spent most of his time working out in the water and challenging everyone else to follow suit. Lauren wanted to slide down a small waterfall until she noticed something moving (slug?) on her leg, William explored the area like a champ and was pretty much lost in his own thoughts. Owen followed everyone's lead; the picture of him looking up at Bradley adoringly was par for the course on this trip. Love it!!
Matt, Bradley, and I hiked Overlook Canyon one morning... my favorite hike with my favorite men.
Canyon Overlook Hike with the boys followed by ice cream.
We spent a lot of time each day swimming in the Miner's pool. We had some great things happen, like Owen goot the confidence to swim unassisted!
We spent a great day in St. George... the morning scrambling on the rocks at Pioneer Park, the afternoon refreshing with ice cream and playing in the historic downtown area, and the evening riding our bikes around the Mayor's Loop.
We floated down the Virgin River on tubes again this year.
Went out for more ice cream!
And did the Lower Emerald Pools Hike:
One morning, Matt and Bradley went on a technical bike ride and while they were gone, the kids and I went on a bike ride into town. And we obviously have an addiction because we just had to stop again for ice cream!
On the last night we went to a Tuachan performance of "The Wizard of Oz." It was our first time going there and we loved it! We were impressed with the beautiful outdoor setting, the quality of the amphitheater, and the caliber of talent - great show!
What a wonderful tradition - we can't wait till next year!
Now, who's hungry for some ice cream?!?! ;-)
