Zion National Park

The first of May we picked Quinn up from work and headed to Zion National Park. We were meeting Mom and Dad, Carly and Owen and Anne and Brock for a fun weekend camping in the park. We had not camped there since I was in Junior High School so we were all very excited. Jeff was able to join us for one day of hiking too.

But our first stop was in Scipio. We let the kids get out for a break and see the animals in the petting zoo. They loved it even though the wind was blowing and it was cold. Mia did not enjoy it so much but was happy to sit in the car with Mom out of her car seat for a little while.

 

We arrived just before dark and had enough time to set up our tent. It was on the cold side that first night but thankfully everyone slept well except Mom, the wind kept her awake. Mia was the best sleeper of all, we never heard a peep from her all night. She was also the most cozy of all, I think.

 

Glad to finally get some use out of this snugly body suit.

 

Our first day we did the River Walk, choosing it because we knew we could take the stroller the whole way there but that was not to be. They were working on part of the trail so we had to leave our strollers and follow a path along the river through sand for a little while. Owen was such a trooper though. All the kids were great hikers this weekend. Only occasionally did James need a ride from Dad. We had a great time on the nice easy walk. The new shuttle system is great too. No more hunting for parking spots and because is too about 40 minutes to get to the top of the park the kids occasionally got a little nap in.

 

 

 

 

 

The view from our campground as we walk to the shuttle.

 

 Mia is in there somewhere and Owen is loving walking.

We made it to the end!

 

By day two Anne and Brock had arrived and Jeff was able to come over and join us. We spent the day hiking the overlook, hanging out in camp and shopping. Mom was nice enough to watch James, Owen and Mia while the rest of went shopping.

 



 

 I'm so proud of Emma and James, they hiked the whole way without being carried and without much complaining. They are troopers.

 

 

On our last day we hiked to Weeping Rock and to the Lower Emerald Pool after which we all got a much needed ice cream cone. On our way up to Weeping Rock and nice family handed the kids a cup and said have fun catching the water. The kids enjoyed that and also caught the water in their hats. Then Quinn and Brock took them down to the stream to try and catch a fish in the cup. I'm not sure they succeed but had fun. We loved taking a rest in the shade on the big lawn of the Zion Lodge. Emma and James again were good hikers but needed the promise of ice cream to make it down the Emerald Pool hike. After that the kids were exhausted and it was time to head home. When we got to the car James was asleep but as soon as started driving he woke and those kids were awake the entire way home. I could not believe it. We thought we had tired them out really well and we did but they refused to sleep. It was long 5 hour drive.

 



 Catching the weeping water.

 

The view from weeping rock. 

 

Heading down to the creek to try and catch fish with the cup.

 

At the lower Emerald Pool.

 

Here are a few pictures of life in the campground:

 

Breakfast in the trailer because it was still on the cold side.

The fishing game.

Sometimes you just need to unwind with a movie while dinner cooks.

 

The dutch oven cooker.

Sailing boats down the irrigation canals.

 



Guess what happens when your gun stops working so you hold it up to your eye to why, that's right it suddenly starts working again. James you are too funny!

 

 The Best Camper!

 Emma and James playing hide-and-seek with Dad.



Smiling at Grandma.

 Playing on Grandma's phone and Grandpa's kindle in the trailer.

 



Playing with new toy and water.

Campfire!

 

Lunch at the picnic tale with cousins.

 

 Wildlife if the park:

 

There was deer in the camp most mornings.

 

It was tenting season for the caterpillars so these nest were everywhere in the trees. The park had sprayed them but there were still caterpillars falling out the trees all day and night.

 

 James looking at a lizard. Emma even caught one but we were not able to get the camera in time. Her trick was to not let them see your shadow.

 

And of course squirrels everywhere on the Riverwalk trail. Emma says be careful, they bite. She only knows this from all the signs and not from personal experience thank goodness.

 

Then it was home to this monstrous pile of laundry: