A weekend in St. George

9:17 PM Sunday, May 17, 2009

We headed to St. George/Zion for another adventure with John's National Parks Passport. He has taken us all over to visit some N.P. and it has actually been quite fun and interesting. The kids get so excited when we tell them we are going on vacation and staying in a hotel. The first question the girls ask "Is there a swimming pool?". Why on earth would we stay in a hotel without a pool on purpose? We got to the room and the kids dropped their bags and changed into their suits. We swam for a bit and then they cozied up in bed and watched some long awaited Disney Channel.
The next morning we decided it best to hit Zion because Saturday it was going to be in the high 90's. We ate breakfast, got our water supply and snacks and packed up the backpack and headed out on our first adventure.





Each time we stopped Charlotte had to pose for Daddy to take her picture. This is what having a nice camera and someone who uses it non stop will do to your kids. William has even learned that when he sees Daddy with the camera to stop and smile.


We hiked up to a waterfall

and at the bottom of the trail the girls found a pond with billions of tadpoles.




Isn't he so cute?

The day after visiting Zion we wanted to go see the temple (Emily's request) and visit some church sites. We really had no idea of all of the sites there in St. George. We first went to the temple and got to see all of the beautiful brides getting their pictures taken. We played on the grounds while John got his "shots" of the temple. Emily is growing into such a gorgeous young women. I am so proud of her growing knowledge of the gospel and her yearning to do what is right so she can go to the temple one day.

We went into the visitors center and watched the movie and saw the displays they had. Its been such a great teaching tool for us to show our kids the importance of family and the blessings we receive from our Heavenly Father.

Our next stop was Brigham Young's summer home. There was the cutest little arbor on the property and kids loved playing in it. The property has the coolest plants and trees on it. They had a Pomegranate Tree, Walnut Tree, Grapes, Cotton, and an Almond Tree to name a few.

Then off to the Tabernacle. We took the tour with a Sister Missionary and learned some awesome things about the settlers of St. George. Seems to me that the people back in the day were alot harder workers than us in this day. They sacrificed so much to do the Lord's work and it made me so grateful for all we have now today.

Inside the Tabernacle

Mitt Romney's Great Grandfather (I think Great, maybe Great Great) built this staircase in the Tabernacle all as one piece. It was spectacular. And the little girl at the bottom was pretty cute too. :)

After the "boring tour" the kids were ready for some fun. Next to the Tabernacle was a splash park for us to play in.

William was not interested in sprinklers and wanted to sit on the grass instead of cooling off.


On the other side of the splash pad there was a waterfall that fed into this "creek" and ALL of us enjoyed that. The water was so refreshing and its always fun to play in water.


Even Emily can find the good spots to take pictures. She was so funny this trip, she would take John by the hand and lead him to the spot where she wanted to pose.

The rest of the day consisted of swimming and eating and just relaxing. The pool was so crowded and lots of fun for the kids because they each found friends to play with.

Have Dad throw the girls in the water became John's work out on the trip.

On our way home we stopped at Cedar Breaks and drove the 5 mile scenic route to the look out point. It was so pretty up there and a nice place to end our trip.


5 comments:

  1. Oh, my! It looks like you had a wonderful mini-vacation! You sure do grow cute kiddies! Love the photos and love the travelogue commentary!

    Sally

  2. This looks like such a fun trip. I really like St. George. You all look so tan and happy.

    emily a.

  3. I'd only comment that we actually went to Kolob Canyon (part of Zion National Park) on our way back. Cedar Breaks (near Cedar City, Utah) was closed until the middle of June so we couldn't stop. :(

    John Knotwell

  4. Looks like you guys had a blast! All your pics are so cute- as always! Next time bring me with would ya?!

    The Dalton Family

  5. What a fun trip!!! Love all of the pics :)

    Kari

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