We don't typically travel over fall break but with the craziness of 2020 we were so ready to escape as a family for a little fun and a break from virtual school! We masked up and off we flew! We flew into Las Vegas and drove to Utah for a few days of exploring the beautiful state! We marked a few national parks off our bucket list and had a blast. Utah was beyond beautiful! Much needed break from virtual school and much needed time being fun mom instead of teacher mom!
Love my mask wearing flying buddy!
First stop, we had to fuel up for our drive with some In-N-Out burger! Kids first time but not their last! They are hooked!
We drove straight into Zion National Park when we arrived. We had no idea there was a 1.0 mile long tunnel through the mountains! Sunglasses off and headlights on to drive through.
We arrived in Zion National Park just in time to catch the sunset. We hiked the Canyon Overlook trail for the perfect view of the sunset and the canyon!
So stunning!
Love this adventure seeking family of mine! No other people I would rather explore the world with!
These four were some intense sheep hunters!
Could they get any cuter?!?!?!
Literally felt like we were on top of the world!
Steep hike up meant crab crawling down!
The next morning we were up and on the road by 6:30 am to explore Bryce Canyon! It was a chilly and early start to the day but it was definitely worth it.
Bryce Canyon was phenomenal! We started our hike at Sunrise point, hiked down in the valley on the Queens Garden Trail and back up the rim on the Navajo Loop Trail! Great morning of hiking and admiring these formations called Hoodoos!
Pictures don't do these views justice!
Mason was on a picture taking roll while we explored Bryce! He wanted pictures with all the hoodoos!
There were lots of nooks for the kids to hid in within the hoodoos
oh my heart!!!!
We made it down the Queens Garden Trail easily, which only meant the Navajo Loop/Wall Street Path was all uphill! It was a strenuous hike back up switchback after switchback!
We ended at Sunset Point, caught our breath and enjoyed the views from the top again!
Yippee we did it!!!!
We spotted wildlife everywhere, even in the hotel parking lot!
After a day of hiking, the hot tub and pool was calling our names! We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon by the pool with the most amazing views of Zion!
And we ended our perfect day with smores and early bedtime!
The next morning we were up early again! In order to access majority of Zion National Park you have to ride a shuttle and the shuttle tickets are HARD to come by. We were lucky enough to snag 7:00 am shuttle tickets so we had another early morning! Up and off to hike the iconic Narrows River!
Mason was the most prepared for the Narrows hike. We bought him a full wetsuit and for the rest of the family we bought water proof pants and rented hiking sticks, boots and neoprene socks! In hindsight, I wish all three kids had wetsuits!
We made it to the river and were mentally preparing for our first steps in!
Not every family would be down for a hike fully in the river, with 30 degree air temps and 30 degree water temps but this Miller crew was up for the challenge!
First steps in and the water was definitely colder than we anticipated!!! Probably felt colder because the sun wasn't out.
Less than .25 miles into the hike and the water started to get deep! Tyler had to carry Mason because the water was almost to his neck. The kids smiles started to fade and some tears were shed! They were afraid of the unknown and if the river got even deeper. There was also a very toxic algae in the water and it was vital to keep water out of everyone's mouths. The river rocks were slippery so we took the hike extremely slow to ensure no one fell! We made it 1.0 mile up the river before turning around. Once we turned around everyone was all smiles! They knew what they had accomplished and were confident going back! Every hiker we passed had such encouraging words for the kids. They all congratulated the kids for 1) doing the hike and 2) making it as far as we did. There were A LOT of hikers and the Miller kids were maybe 3 out of 5 kids we saw the entire morning. What an accomplishment!!! So proud of my kids!
What an incredible and once in a life time experience!!! So glad we powered through the cold and wetness to have these memories! Utah was beyond beautiful! God definitely created a masterpiece in Utah!
After a few days exploring in nature we changed the pace and headed to Las Vegas! We thought this would be the best time for the kids to first experience Las Vegas since it wasn't soooooo crowded due to Covid!
We all deserved an afternoon lounging by the pool! Mason's smile shows all his excitement!
Vegas is the best excuse for a nice sushi dinner! We can never convince the kids to join us for sushi while at home, but when in Vegas they all agreed and LOVED it! Best dinner ever with the kids!
Typical 2020!!!!
Tyler loved introducing the boys to the sports books at the casinos! I definitely foresee my boys taking a Vegas trip when they are all 18+!
The kids favorite part of Vegas was the Bellagio fountains, and I definitely would agree! Every show was more impressive than the show before! We watched at least 5 different fountain shows and were blown away by all!
In true Covid fashion all the dealers were constantly cleaning the chips! Interesting to watch!
So thankful for our fall break getaway and time away from the craziness of 2020! We all needed it and this momma needed it more than ever!
