So this last week we had the opportunity to get out of town. We left Wednesday Morning, March 18th, 2009 and headed south to warmer weather and family fun. We stopped in Malad and got out and stretched our legs and got a bite to eat at a local park. Here Rilee swung in her first swing ever and Taylor couldn't get enough of just being out enjoying the parks again. The day ended in Hurricane Utah just 15 miles from St. George. We learned that the girls are done after 8 hour of traveling. So we then unloaded our stuff at a local hotel and jumped into bed. Taylor had so much fun picking out which bed she was going to sleep on and staying up late watching TV with mom and dad, Rilee could of cared less and went to sleep right away. Thursday morning we got up and headed to a local bike shop deciding what would be the best way to explore Zions National Park on bikes or foot we then decided to just go and check out the park first. When arrived at the park we got there 2 weeks before tourist season hit which was great for us becauase after the month of April and all through summer they take shuttle buses into the park and no private vehicles are allowed. Well we decided to hit a couple of short trails, the first one was leading into some ponds the hike was 3 miles and the girls were awesome I just strapped Rilee on to me and Mark put Taylor on his neck and we started our hike. The hike was great, a little rocky at the 1st, becuase it was Rilee's nap time and she was also hot. After a drink of cool water and a turn around in her pack she was cozy in my arms and she had a great 1 hour nap and was happy the rest of the day. Here are some of the pictures.
Mark took so many great pictures and we had such a great time. When we came to the first pool we decided to find a spot and have lunch, mark packed our lunch in also. We found a huge rock that Mark and Taylor played on as Rilee slept. It was so nice to be in such a beautiful place and just relax and hang out. After our hike we went to the lodge and hung around. Then we headed up the canyon to another hike that was much shorter and just as beautiful. When we got done with the hike we decided to let Taylor take off her shoes and play in the water, she had a blast. Mark also had fun swinging her in and out of the water as her feet drug on top of the water. Sorry no pictures, but it was cute.
By the end of the day the girls were exhausted and so we decided it was time to get back to town and grab a bite to eat. As we were leaving the park we spotted this hot dog vehicle, Mark wanted to show Taylor, but both girls were exhausted and fast asleep.
After a good meal Taylor and I headed to the pool and Mark watched Rilee the sun was going down and it was to cool for Rilee to go swimming so I took Taylor.
We got out there about 15 minutes and then she needed to go to the restroom. Well after we go back to the room and did all that we were done swimming. Although Taylor thought otherwise. So after that I feed Rilee while Mark and Taylor went and got some dessert and then we went to bed after a busy and fun day.
We awoke Friday morning and packed up and headed into St. George after a couple hours there and some bored girls and not so great shopping deals we decieded to head for Salt Lake and put some mile behind us. Rilee slept 3 1/2 hours and Taylor 2 hours it was nice. We decided to go as far as Lehi and spend the night there. I had a coupon in my car for the hampton and we stayed there. Taylor loved the elevator and ran all over the halls so excited. We got to our room and she walks in and say's "nice" unlike our Rodeway in Hurricane this Hotel was "nice". That night we just lounged around and relaxed.
The next morning after breakfast we headed into Salt Lake there we took Taylor on her first Train Ride, well for her. We took the tran up to the University and back she loved it. Then we went to the Hill Air Force Base Museum, but unfortunalty they were closing and we only were there a minute, we are go to have to do that one again later. 
After the muesum we went to Ogden and went to the old train station and looked at Trains, they were so cool. 
After the trains it was time to go home we arrived home about 8:00pm and we were all tired. Ever since then this week seems like I have been trying to catch up with a months worth of things to do. All in all it was a great vacation and we had fun. Next time I think we will stay a little closer to home, traveling takes lots of time out of the days and wears hard on the little ones.
