June Jollies...

Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Part 2

Thurs, June 26- Today we woke up and packed all our luggage in order to leave Tusayan and hit the road for Antelope Canyon. Along the way we drove back through the Grand Canyon to see Grandview Point and visit Desert View. The views never get old and looking at the layers of rock and what God built is mesmerizing. Desert View Watchtower is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and was constructed in 1932 by architect Mary Colter. Her design takes influences from the architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau. From the 3rd and 4th floors of the watchtower, we could see amazing views of the Colorado River. We grabbed sandwiches from the Market close by and jumped on the road to head to Page, AZ to make our tour of Antelope Canyon. We selected the Slot Canyon Tour group led by a Navajo Tribe member and are so glad we did. Ro Rocky was a fantastic tour guide, photographer and flute player. He walked us through the stunning canyon, showed us all the hidden animal formations in the rocks, gave a history of how the canyon was formed, and showed us how to take the best pictures. We even got a treat when he played his flute in the canyon for us. This was the thing I was most looking forward to on the entire trip and it did not disappoint! Even after Antelope Canyon we were not done exploring and decided to head out to Horseshoe Bend to watch the sunset. The 1.5 mile round trip hike was worth it with views that make you sit in awe. It was a great way to end the adventures of the day and appreciate all we have been given together. Next up was dinner at El Tapatio and then the hotel to prepare for the Valley of Fire and Vegas tomorrow. 

Fri, June 27- This morning brought new adventures as we ate breakfast in the hotel and then got on the road for a 4 hour drive to the Valley of Fire State Park. Throughout the 4 hour drive we grabbed coffee and lunch in Utah, and bounced between Arizona and Utah a few times before entering the state of Nevada. The drive to the Valley of Fire was beautiful and exactly what we thought it would be with a desert feel and red sand and rock everywhere. We saw several sand tornados while driving. When we got to the Valley of Fire state park, it was not as busy as we thought and we quickly figured out why once we got out of the car. The humidity and heat was much different than 4 hours prior in Page. Due to the heat, we only did a brief walk to see Elephant Rock and then hiked a shorter hike of .75miles to see Mouse's Tank and Petroglyph Canyon. The hike to Mouse's tank was harder than we thought as it was straight through sand the entire way. We passed many petroglyphs and it makes you wonder what the people were thinking when they created those and how they could have no idea what the world is like today or how we are hiking just to see their ancient writings. It was incredible. Mouse's Tank was a small area filled with water inside the rocks. Along the path we noticed large lizards, ants everywhere, and frogs. Once we finished the hike and drove further into the park we saw big horn sheep along the roadside. They were definitely not shy! Next up....Vegas after a brief 45 min drive. We arrived at the Paris around 7pm and the kids were amazed with how everything was going full throttle and so many lights. We decided to shower and then head down for a nice dinner at Mon Ami Gabbi at the Paris Hotel. Caelin ordered the Ratotoui Tarte and the rest of us ordered the Surf and Turf. The steak was so tender and you could cut is with a fork, delicious! After dinner we strolled along the Strip so the kids could see a little bit of the night life. The people watching was in full effect and provided quite the experience for the kids. We stood and watched the Bellagio water show before heading back to the Paris. It sure was an eventful day!

Sat, June 28- Today was BUSY and we clocked in at over 25,000 steps! After sleeping in a bit, our main goal was just exploring the strip before an evening surprise. We visited all the hotels, ate at a deli inside of New York, New York, found a Taco Bell, visited the Hershey's Chocolate Works Factory, tasted the 14 coke flavors from around the world (interesting and some were GROSS), walked through the I Love Sugar Factory, and enjoyed the Bellagio Conservatory Gardens. It was a fun filled day and the best was yet to come! After getting ready back at our hotel, we headed to dinner at the Yacht Club inside Treasure Island for some seafood. The big surprise came after dinner when we gave the kids tickets to Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere show. The talent of the performers was amazing and kept us laughing and in awe for the entire show. As we walked back to the hotel, we were able to see the Gondola rides at the Venetian hotel. It is hard to imagine all the things we did today. I am forever grateful for every memory we get as a family.

Sun, June 29- Knowing today was our last full day in Vegas, we decided to go to the Hoover Dam first to catch a tour. The Dam was completed in 1935 and was servicing water to 8 states in tje original plan. Just to know the engineering, how they brought in materials from all 50 states, and the amount of workers needed was impressive. Concrete was brought in and poured 24 hours a day for years to have what they needed. While on the tour, we were able to look out of one of the vents on the side of the dam for a view. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us all about the original subway tile decor and measuring system noted on the walls. We all learned something new and stood in amazement on the dam. After leaving the dam, we grabbed some quick tacos at Del Taco before heading to a place the kids wanted to visit called Omega Mart. What we thought was a unique grocery store that had hidden pathways and surprises, was actually a lot more. I guess you could say it was an out of this world experience. Behind some of the hidden pathways (like the freezer that open up to be a door to a hidden room), they had rooms and people dressed up like characters talking and acting different. We didnt really understand what was going on most of the time and all 4 of us kept looking around confused. I guess we can all agree that it was one experience we will never forget. After leaving Omega Mart, we were excited to enjoy one last nice dinner out. We decided to eat inside of Harrah's at Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Caelin had seared scallops, while the rest of us enjoyed beef wellington. For dessert we enjoyed sticky toffee pudding and then gambled away $40. I hope we have better luck tomorrow, ha!  

Mon, June 30- I must say, we are all sad that the vacation has come to an end and we fly home tonight. We ate breakfast at crepe place inside of Paris, before heading to Ethel M's Chocolate Factory. This is the flagship store and was cool to do the self guided tour and see how the chocolates were manufactured on a larger scale. The store was created by Mr. Mars and named after his mother Ethel. Since she loved to walk in the gardens and make him treats as a young boy, he also created a free botanical cactus garden for the public to enjoy. After buying some chocolate desserts and milkshakes, we walked the gardens before heading out to Guitar Center where the kids wanted to explore. They were able to have about 45 minutes before it was time to return the rental car and head to the airport. It will be a late night as the flight is almost 3 hours and then we lose 2 hours going home...making us land at 11:30pm. Then we will get luggage, shuttle to car park, and then head out for the final hour drive home. There are no words for what this trip has meant and the memories we made. I know there are countless things we will laugh about for the rest of our lives. I am so thankful to God for the blessing of our 4 pack and the relationships we have together. Daddy always said the best return for your investment was to travel and make memories. I hope I continue to make him proud. I can't wait for our next adventure!