We took some Dam pictures as we detoured over the Hoover Dam, and of course stopped for ice cream along route 66 in the town that the movie "Cars" was based after. The campsite and people were great, even giving us stuff for smores once the campfire was lit. The site was near the playground and the kids made some nice friends to play with. But our train ride to the Grand Canyon was the highlight of that stop. There was a cowboy show before the ride, and Poppa treated us with tickets in the observation deck for the trip there. The view and entertainment made for a great ride. The Grand Canyon was breathtaking! We saw many of the views and visited the souvenir shops. We also got first class on the way back to the campsite. We saw robbers ride along the train on their horses, then they stopped us in our tracks and boarded the train. They walked through every cart and took our "hidden" $1 bills.
Hitting the road again to Page, Arizona we turned off the road to learn about the Worlds best preserved meteor crater. We all learned some interesting science and enjoyed the gift shop as well. While in Page we took a hot sandy hike to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. It was very beautiful and our third but not last very long drop. After our one night stay, we were getting pretty good at setting up and taking down our tent.
We went straight to Zion Utah from there. The campsite was full of amenities. We loved playing in the pool, there were kits for the kids to pan for jewels, even a golf cart driving around playing candy trivia. We played many games, told stories, and the kids even put on a play for us. Our big adventure was to the Zion National Park. We took the tour bus to a stop at the top and took the first of our three amazing hikes. The weeping rocks were fascinating, and nothing compared to the grand mountain walls the were surrounding us. One of our other hikes ended in a couple of waterfalls to cool us off. We found ourselves within walking distance of the Zion brewery as we were headed back to the campsite, so we had to get some tasters.
We parted ways with Poppa and the Marty's as we drove the whole way home so we had a day before going back to work. Starting that Wednesday it was all about hosting the YMCA Nationals meet at the Long Beach Convention Center. We got our workouts in setting up and taking down three gyms worth of equipment. The whole event went very smooth due to all the parent volunteers. The kids also had so much fun. The opening ceremony had every gymnast and their families gathered to celebrate all the accomplishments. The girls really enjoyed performing and it was great to see them so proud of themselves. It was a great event to be a part of.
That Monday was 4th of July and we started the fun with friends, swimming, and music in the Bakx's new pool. Afterward we went home to end the night with the neighbors, fireworks, and sparklers.
We had some impromptu play dates with more plays, we made Jello, and went to the park before Mommy was going to be on her way to Santa Barbara to spend quality time with 9 of her best girlfriends from high school. Since the trucks check engine light was on, we figured to get it checked out before taking it on another trip. Unfortunately we got bad news that it needed an engine replacement. So we got our first of three rental cars.
It was great to have a travel partner after Mommy picked up Abbey at the airport on the way. The girls spent some very relaxing time talking and catching up, laughing out loud, being crazy and having a great time in a beautiful home and location. Daddy took the girls to the park and spoiled them with a morning out to breakfast. Mommy had fun but sure did miss the rest of the family quite a bit!
The final weekend we traded in our economy rental for a pick-up truck so we could take all of our camping gear to Dogwood. We met up with the Bakx, and Ferrario's. It was nice to camp in the forest. There was bike riding, trail hiking, and we took one day to swim in Lake Gregory. After games, and antics we stopped by Lake Arrowhead for lunch before heading home to switch out the truck for our third car rental and prepare for the next adventure!
Cienna has loved directing plays to put on with her friends. Gymnastics continues to be one of her favorites, front handsprings are a new trick for her. She really enjoyed getting to pick out small souvenirs during our road trip, and used one of her gift cards to buy the fourth Land of Stories from Barnes and Noble.
On Independence Day, Kaylee held her first sparkler. She loves to entertain with her antics, singing, dancing, and overall big personality. She also continues to enjoy the times by herself playing pretend with her toys. Her love for babies and animals is very apparent anytime they are around, it makes her feel responsible when she can help.
These girls together are completely amazing travelers. They self entertain as well as play together in the car even for the long haul. They like to know the plan ahead of time, but can also go with the flow when it gets switched up. We have so much fun together whether it's a crazy busy day, or just spending time alone at home. We are lucky to have each other as well as great friends and family!
Many beautiful sights to see below, and the scenery is nice also.
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