Bryce Canyon Camping Trip

We got back from camping at Bryce Canyon National Park a few days ago. The last load is in the washing machine as I type this post. I knew from word of mouth that we would be impressed by the beauty that Bryce offers. I had no idea just how beautiful, how jaw dropping amazing that little patch of Earth really was.

There are so many trees that have been struck by lightning, they are really kind of pretty.

At one point, we came across this raven. We weren't sure if he was injured, but he just sat there, allowing people to come really close to him. He was very regal.

We took many hikes, one lead us to this beautiful waterfall.

Our favorite hike was 4 miles long, it went down into the canyon, and then back up. We discovered several tunnels in the rock that were made for the trail. They were nice and shady!

The back up part was the most difficult part. It was also the best part. We climbed up through a narrow canyon/crevice. This is just before we got to the narrow canyon. It is actually right behind the center tree.

 The next picture is taken about 3/4 of the way up, looking back down.

As a family, we have decided that we want to visit more National Parks. What park would you recommend? 

The Races

My boys are typical boys. They love cars, races, crashes, and I do too! We spent last Saturday night at the local race track. They were celebrating their 15th anniversary and let everyone in for free! It was hot. It was crowded, but we had such a great time.

This is my sweet baby, he was so hot! We kept spraying him with water, but he just looked like a cherry tomato!

Son#3 had so much fun sitting with his brothers, picking who he thought was the winning car and cheering them on!

My 2 year old LOVES the cars, the noise , but he really like the "Big crashes!!"

These next two pictures are of the Train cars. These were so ridiculous that they were the best race of the night! You have three cars chained together, the first car has the engine and is the one who steers the contraption around the figure 8 track. The middle car is empty, and the rear car has a "driver" whose only controls are the brakes. He is responsible for braking and stopping the crazy train!

Lastly, this is my oldest. He has loved race cars for years!

What do you do with your kids that is a little unusual?

Dinosaurs

Most boys really like dinosaurs, mine are not an exception. Son #4 is entering into a really fun awareness about dinosaurs. We took an afternoon recently and brought the whole family to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point here in town. This is not your average dusty boring museum. This place is built for hands on exploring.

This is a replica of some large dinosaur bones, but you could touch these ones,. They have things like this all over the place. Buttons to push, things to feel, and fun activities to try out.

This was a station where you could build a dinosaur. All the pieces attached to the base either by heavy duty Velcro or by hooks and eyelets. This "creation" was what my kids came up with.

But by far, the best thing in this museum is the water table room. They have these huge water tables that have sand in them and the water is pumped and circulated through out.. Son #4 loved playing with the plastic dinos in the water. 

The older boys built dams and rivers and islands for over an hour.

 

Daddy even got his fair share of playing in the water and sand. 

This is such a great place to go for an afternoon. We had such a great time.