Perfect trip to Zions!

Ryan had been wanting to go to a "cabin", which is expensive to do with just our little family, so when I saw a deal on Groupon for a "lodge" in Zions I thought it would be perfect! And, well, it was.


We headed up to St. George Sunday afternoon and went to stay with Kara and Clay at his parents house. It was Clay's birthday and our 4th year in a row to celebrate with him! They moved to Utah last June and we hadn't seen them since, so it was so fun to get to spend some time together! We got there just in time for birthday cake and then had a great time chatting after all 6 kiddos were in bed!
Casen wouldn't have been more excited to go on a ride, even in the freezing cold! Thanks to Clay for being a good sport and taking them!


Crazy that all these little kids belong to Kara and I! We met when Casen and Nixon were about 6 weeks old, it is crazy that they are 3 1/2 yrs old now. And crazy that even though I had 2 kids first, Kara quickly out numbered me with 3 kids when she had her adorable twins! We are even again... for now :) Emry and Raleigh were both sick, so sad to have sick babies!


We said goodbye to the Noyes Monday morning and headed to Kneaders for breakfast. They have the most amazing unlimited french toast. After waiting in line for 20 minutes we found out they were sold out! We ordered other food anyway, but didn't get it for an HOUR! It was crazy busy and we wouldn't have gone there had we known... but after more than 7 years I was really hoping for that french toast :) We swung by Coral Springs for one "last time". Ryan's Dad begun this luxury condominium project before he passed away and since his passing Ryan has been very involved in it. We spent a lot of time here during 2009 and 2010. The project has finally been sold and we a grateful to move on. Although in some ways we will miss it :) Then we headed up to Zions!


I was nervous about it being cold, but it was just beautiful! Marlee has struggled in the hiking backpack the last couple times we have taken her, but this time she did great!


Despite having to cross lots of stretches of ice, we made it to this little waterfall. The rocks and pond down below were frozen and beautiful, but I couldn't get a good pic!


Brin and Casen "slipping" on the ice :)


They had fun jumping over any dips in the trail. The surrounding area was so pretty, loved seeing the snowy mountians.


This little gal was such a good sport and the perfect hiking buddy, even though she kept eating my hair!


At the end of the hike we ran into my friend Kelly... actually nearly ran into her and her friends with our crazy kids :) She is a friend from AZ that I have known for over 15 years, but haven't seen in at least 5 years. It was fun to catch up a little, she's so sweet. Wish I could of grabbed a pic!


After our hike we had a little picnic lunch. The kids loved just being outside, and so did I!


After lunch we headed to the lodge to put Marlee down for a nap. The lodge was just perfect, even better than expected! It had the most beautiful views and backed up to a little river. The kids had fun on the tree stumps and playing in the sand.


We made "race tracks" in the sand and then had fun racing around them.


Then this little angel woke up. This is her "what are you guys doing?" face.


We decided to make a fire, which was perfect right outside the lodge! We had hot cocoa and marshmallows to keep us warm. Yum!


I kept laughing at Marlee, she couldn't get enough! She especially loved the marshmallows! :)


After our campfire we headed to dinner and "Pizza & Noodle Co." Marlee loved the garlic bread pizza and Ryan decided to get give her a piece. She couldn't have been happier and keep kicking back in her highchair to eat :)


Casen and our Ultimate Pizza!


Then we headed back to the hotel and gave these dirty kids a much needed bath!

Inside our room. It had a full kitchen, which was great and would be perfect for a longer stay!


Tuesday morning we got up and headed out for another hike. It was a "moderate" hike and normally we just take our kids on the easy hikes. As we were starting out a couple warned us that we might not make it very far...


Some of the hike was easy and beautiful. Ok all of it was beautiful, but not all of it was easy!



Hard to tell but we are right on the edge of a cliff. I got a little nervous a couple times, just cause I don't think the kids realize how easy they could get hurt, but they did awesome.


We had to cross this little wood bridge, did not like that part! Glad it didn't give in on us!


Can you find the little bridge we crossed??




So beautiful, I just loved the scenery!




We all made it!! The view was AMAZING! So glad they had this fence cause it was at least a 1000 ft drop! Ryan and I were both a nervous wreck even with the fence there! My heart is actually racing just looking at the picture, so so thankful we were safe!


After our hike we headed back to Vegas. Leaving the hike you travel through a 1.2 mile tunnel, pretty neat. Marlee was exhausted, but stayed awake the entire 3 hour drive! I was a wreck, but she did good despite being so tired :)

Over all, it was just SUCH a fun getaway with our little family. I loved just paying with the kids and seeing them do so well on the hikes. The perfect little vacation!