Chasing the Sun

This winter has been a really wet winter in the PNW.  We have endured endless days of rain and only seen 4 or 5 full days of sun since October.  We've had a years worth of rain in 5 months.  In February we made the record books for being the 2nd wettest and grayest since Seattle began recording weather.  It has been a crazy winter with snow totals as well.  One day in February saw hail, lightening and snow all in a matter of minutes.  Needless to say, we needed to find the sun or we were all going to lose our minds.  There were stand-by flights to Hawaii and Las Vegas.  Hawaii's forecast looked wet so Las Vegas it was.  We ended up renting a car and driving to Utah.  Of course we drove the Vegas strip first.  The kids were in awe of the giant sphinx, and other larger than life statues and bright neon signs.  Our intention was to go camping near Bryce Canyon but the temperatures at night were in the low 30's.  No problem, we found a cheap hotel nearby.     

Our first view at Bryce Canyon didn't disappoint.

 On our way to explore Bryce Canyon!  We decided to do a 7 mile loop hike to explore as much of the park as we could.  We were in awe of the red cliffs and blue skies.  

 The many hoodoos of Bryce Canyon

Enjoying cake and pie half way.  

 

 

 There were a lot of fun tunnels to hike through

I was impressed that this tree managed to live in the dry conditions.  

 On the second day we decided to drive to Zion National Park.  This has always been one of our favorite parks.  We did a shorter 4 mile hike on this day so we would have time to play catch and just relax.

 

The kids found an amphitheater and wanted to put on a show. 

 

We did a hike that had 3 emerald pools.  The kids loved standing under the waterfall and getting wet, I guess it felt more like home.

 

Finding cubby holes to hide in.

 

This is the lawn near Zion Lodge.  It is a great spot for a picnic, to play catch or tag.  

 

 

Zion you will be missed!

 Avery really wanted to stop at a cowboy museum that he spotted on the way to Zion.  They both really enjoyed looking at all of the cowboy memorabilia.