Bryce Pines!

 One thing on my "to-do list" this summer was to visit Bryce Canyon with my family.  I went there often growing up, but haven't been there in about 12 years (!)  I wanted to share the beauty of the canyon with my kids.  We invited the whole fam to join us, and made a family adventure out of our trip to Bryce.

 It was Grandpa's birthday the day we traveled to Bryce, so we celebrated as soon as we got there.  He was really enthused as you can see in the photo.

 With the help of our great friend Brandi, we got a FAB suite at the Bryce Pines, which her family has owned and operated for generations.  There were three bedrooms, so our WHOLE family got to camp out in one big suite together.  It was a blast.  The kids played with the DS and iPods while the adults got ready for the day.  Oh...and if you're headed to Bryce and want great accommodations, check out www.brycecanyonmotel.com.

 We packed our coolers, backpacks, strapped on our hiking shoes, and headed into Bryce Canyon National Park for our first day of adventure.

 We parked and hiked up to the trailhead.  As the canyon came into view it was literally breathtaking.  I loved hearing everyone say, "wow" and gasp as the uniqueness of the canyon was suddenly before us.

 We loved spotting the strange and rugged root systems of the trees that have grown within the stone.

 The colors were brilliant.  The weather couldn't have been better.  The canyon was busy but not too crowded.  It was perfect!

 This cute little family shot includes a glimpse of Baby bump at 21 weeks.  Baby LOVED hiking!

 Another beautiful and enduring root system.  Isaac was especially on the lookout for the "cool trees."

 Handsome devils.

 Levi was so excited when we finally got to "Thor's Hammer" since he thinks he is an honorary member of the Avengers.

 The Navajo Loop hike was our favorite.

 The holes and tunnels we hiked through were so much fun.

 Viewing the hoodoos from above was breathtaking.  Hiking through them with the kiddos was oh so satisfying.  One of those mommy moments when you say, "This is why we come on family vacations..."

 How blessed are we to live so close to our awesome family?  These guys are my kids' very best friends.  It was so great to be able to create some of our best summer memories together.

 We had to pause for a short break on our hike.

 The Navajo Loop was a three mile hike and our little Isaac hiked the whole way.  He would get tired and say "Pause!"  We would all wait while he got a drink of water and then he was off again, giving himself (and those within earshot) verbal encouragement as he went.  "I strong!  I tough!"  We were all so proud of him.  He and grandma took this short break right before the last leg of the hike.

 The next day we stopped at Ruby's Inn for souvenirs.  Daisy picked a pocket knife so she could whittle when we go to the mountain.  Levi picked an arrowhead necklace (which he is modeling in the photo) and Isaac chose a package of Chiclets.  Score.

 After a picnic lunch at the park in Tropic, we drove up the the Mossy Falls hike.  The adults were content when we got past the cave to the water, but the kids took off their shoes and headed right up the water.  Isaac took my hand and pulled me along.  "C'mon mom!  C'mon!"  So off I went, my bare feet killing me with every single step.

 Like a forced magnetism of nature, the kids were irresistibly drawn to the water.  Pretty soon they discovered a natural water slide. 

The kids spent the afternoon sliding down, climbing up, and sliding down again.  For them, it was the highlight of the trip.  When we were all exhausted, we hiked back to the car and stripped off our wet clothes.  Jeff even carried a lady out that hurt her ankle on the hike.  Bryce Canyon was all we ever wanted.  We loved the Bryce Pines Motel, and we hope to go back soon!