Las Vegas - October 2014

From St. George we headed down to Las Vegas for a quick over night stay. There is oh-so-much to do in Vegas but our time was limited so we took what we could get. We made the most of our time and started off at the Stratosphere, riding the rides and taking in the view. We were really proud of Dad B for facing his fears and going on the rides up top...he secretly loved it, we think :) We had unlimited passes for 24hrs so we went over and over again until we'd had our share.

From there we ventured to Circus Circus. The amusement park had closed but we wandered around the Midway. Jayne was mesmerized by the hoola hoop show in the circus tent 

Clapping for more

We then made our way down through Ceasar's Palace and the Bellagio. These hotels are immaculate inside. So much to see! Their gardens are impressive too!

World's largest chocolate fountain!

Jayne really liked watching the fountains. It was fun to show her something so exciting and new.

 She was such a good sport too as it was around 11pm...such a sweetheart! 

After a couple fountain shows I headed back to the hotel with Jayne while the Bennallacks stayed out and partied! :) They headed back to the Stratosphere to check out the thrill of the rides at night.

They were out til 3am-those party animals!

The next day we stopped to explore the Venetian quickly before heading home.

It was a quick, whirlwind stay...next time we'll plan for more time in Vegas!

Zion National Park - October 2014

Zion National Park is simply breathtaking. Everywhere we looked we were in awe of the scenery around us-so naturally we took a bazillion photos (brace yourself!). 

We started the day by taking the shuttle all they way up the canyon to the narrows trail and made our way back to the bottom of the canyon throughout the day.

Jayne was beaming and ready for a day of fun!

Keeping busy on the shuttle

Jayne zonked out. She's such a good traveler!

After hiking to the base of the narrows we took the Weeping Rock trail and followed its loop around. It was a perfect hike and gave us stunning views of the Court of the Patriarchs and the diversity of the canyon.

Weeping Rock in the background (you can see the water seeping out)

Weeping Rock waterfall

 Court of the Patriarchs

It was a full day spent at Zions. It was stunning and we loved every second of it. We can't wait to go back and spend more time exploring!

St. George - October 2014

While Phil's parents and sister Rachael were here visiting we decided to make a trip down south to show them another part of Utah, one our beautiful National Parks and Las Vegas. Our first stop was St. George where we explored the historic LDS sites in the area. We visited Brigham Young's "winter" home, the historic tabernacle and drove by the Jacob Hamblin Home.

Brigham's Bed

Eating our suckers like Jayne

Then we enjoyed the beautiful St George weather and  relaxed in the pool and played on the hotel's playground. Jayne loved swimming in the kiddie pool and even took a few toddling steps.  She didn't even mind when she fell over and plunged into the water (with mom and dad right there of course!)

We visited Zions the next day (will post about that day soon!) and then that night we went to the Tuacahn to see one of my favorites, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Phil's mission companion and his wife kindly watched Jayne for the night while we enjoyed a child-free buffet dinner and show. We loved it. The Tuacahn never disappoints!

Our wonderful babysitters!

On our way out of town the following morning we were able to visit Phil's mission secretary, Carol Dudley. She had nothing but praises for Phil and even though it was a brief visit, we enjoyed seeing her

Then we hit the road and headed to Vegas (yet another future post). Thanks St George!!