Lake Powell

For fifteen years Keith and I have been  dreaming about houseboating on Lake Powell; well, our dream came true.  We rented a houseboat out of Wawheap Marina in Page, AZ.  It was everything we thought it would be and more.  The kids LOVED this experience!  For three nights we had our own island and some amazing views.  Our last night we tried to be closer to the marina so our beach wasn't that great.  Chloe became a certified beach bum and in the process became very sick from all of the junk she ate on the beach.

The campground there at Wawheap Marina was wonderful.  I would stay there again even if I didn't rent a houseboat.  Its actually a full-service resort with hotel and restaurants.

Bryce National Park

Brrrrrr, its very cold in Bryce!  There was a snow storm that gave us about four inches of snow!  We have now "dry camped" for four nights.  The lows were around 25 and the highs were around 37.  We hiked the "Queens/Navajo Trail" which is rated in the top three best hikes in the U.S., according to the National Park Service.  Bryce Canyon is made up of "hoodoos" which are created be wind and erosion.  Our hike was 6.2 miles round-trip.  Our campsite (#11) at North Campground was perfect.  There were only about five other rvs in our campground.  It was like we had the place to ourselves. 

Did I mention that it was cold and snowy?

Family game night, chilly 58 degrees in Big Red!

Snack time on the trail

Zion National Park

We hurried our way into Zion in hopes of getting a campsite in the park.  We did it!  We stayed at South Campground for two nights.  We were really roughing it this time because we were low on propane so we couldn't run the heat.  The low was 47 and Big Red reached a chilly 53 degrees inside!  One night we had dinner at the Red Rock Grill at the Zion Lodge.  Food was very good :) 

Our hike is a story all by itself.  We hiked the Hidden Canyon which is not only strenuous, but dangerous!  Part of the trail is hanging on to chains clinging to the edge of a cliff...800 feet drop-off.  To make things even more thrilling, it rained all day.  Everything went fine, until the decent....Keith was helping Sarah Rose down off a ledge and they both went down!  Sarah Rose took a ride on Keith, so she was fine, although it scared her into a little cry :(  Keith, on the other hand, has some bruising and a banged-up knee (but he is fine).  I hope you can get a feel for hike with the pictures below!

The first attempt to do the chains, Sarah Rose turned around and wouldn't do it.  Then, her brothers yelled from around the corner, "Come on Sarah, you can do it!"

Sarah Rose and Mama

Kings Canyon National Park

Almost forgot to post about Kings Canyon!  We were at Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon right after Yosemite.  I think what we enjoyed most about our visit here was the campground (we stayed right in the park).  The campground was for rv's less than 30 feet, so it was a tight sqeeze.  The crowds were thin here compared to Yosemite which was a nice change. 

Now those are some pine cones!

Mountaineering up a Sequoia!

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would take my children to Vegas!  Well, that being said, we had a GREAT time in Vegas!  The KOA campground was part of Circus Circus which is right on the strip at the north end.  When we were sitting on our patio area, we could see the Stratosphere.  Even though this KOA is not really a "campground", it was the perfect place to stay on the strip with Big Red.  Our first day there was action packed at Circus Circus because we spent most of the day and night at the Adventure Dome (indoor theme park).

We sometimes forget that Joe is only 8yrs old; he finally was able to do a ride of his choice!

Campsite at Circus Circus!

The following day we took a trip off of the strip to a place called Pole Position (get your minds out of the gutter).  This is a professional-style go-kart race track.  All three kids raced....and the winner is...Cannonball Joe!  Ricky Bobby (Michael) was a close 2nd.

These karts go up to 25mph!

The evening we spent on the strip was eventful, and educational.  Pictures will not be provided.  The two highlights from the night were the M&M Store and the pirate show at Treasure Island.