Leaving Las Vegas

David headed off to the Denver X-Ray Conference, McKay headed to UNLV for EFY (Especially for Youth) and Bryson and I were headed home. We had an early flight out of Las Vegas, so we spent the night in Las Vegas and enjoyed some of the sites.

Bryson wanted to see the Luxor (giant pyramid) and Treasure Island, and I wanted to see the Belagio fountains. It was good to do once. I remembered all the reasons I don't like Las Vegas. Not to mention that it was 112 degrees, so we had to wait until dark to go out so maybe it would cool down to at least 100. It was nice to be headed home to nice, cool New York.

Almost done with the Utah Vacation.

To finish up the vacation...

We celebrated Kaylie's 1st Birthday.

Peggy, my Dad, and I took a drive out to Milford to see where my Grandma Spykerman grew up, worked, and met my Grandpa. We went to the Milford cemetery and dodged sprinklers to see where my Grandma's relatives were buried and then to where my second cousin has a pearlite mining operation.

We went on yet another hike up Kolob canyon in the north end of Zions National Park. On the hike we found a furry beggar wasn't too shy about looking for a handout.

Bryson built a castle for the squirrel.

And Bryson and Nathan perfected their pool sharking skills.

Whew!

Hikin' in the HooDoo

As we were packing up to take go on another hike, Renae (almost 3) asked "Are we going to see more colored dirt?" Hilarious. But, that's exactly right.

Hoodoo: the geologic name for the rock formations found in Bryce Canyon, Utah. They are spires that have a totem pole apppearance.

Majestic McKay

McKay wanted me to climb up to this point and take his picture. He was climbing out to the point and, concerned for his life, I made him stop about half way out.
In the picture below, you see why I was a little concerned. It was a drop off like that on both sides.

Another day of breathtaking views.

Rodeo Injuries

We started off Utah's Pioneer Day in Cedar City with a 1 mile run/walk down main street. Even with a baby, cheap stroller, backpack, and jeans, Melissa beat everyone over the finish line by a wide margin. I guess all those years of training haven't worn off even after two babies.

Then we watched the parade down mainstreet. Only in Utah do you dress your kids up like jello!

Or make a parade float out of food storage! lol!

Then we headed to Parowan for an ametur family rodeo. When I was young my Dad would take us to the West Jordan parade around Pioneer Day. Often we'd stay for the fireworks that followed and watch them sitting of the roof of the old Travelall (precurser to today's Suburban). One summer I was convinced that I wanted to be a rodeo clown when I grew up. I practiced my dodge and weave moves in the backyard. Anyway, I looked forward to going to a rodeo with him again. Little did we know the rodeo was accepting entries for children in mutton busting. Of course we had to enter Bryson. I mean how often does an opportunity like this come along.

If he stayed on for 7 seconds, he would have received a free hamburger and soda. Unfortunately, he only lasted about half that before sliding off the side and taking the sheep down with him. He managed to walk away with a hoof scratch down his leg and on his chest. How cool. His first Rodeo injuries!

After the rodeo we headed into Parowan to see some of our historic family history sites. Including the Old Rock Church that is now a museum and then to a park with this monument to our 3rd Great Grandfather, George A. Smith, who was sent to found Parowan.

Then we headed out to the Parowan Gap petroglyphs. This is a place David's Dad frequented for field trips as a kid.

The day wasn't complete without a campfire back at the rental house and then fireworks for those of us who live in states where doing your own firework is illegal.
Nell, my Dad, and Kaylie

Fireworks!

Melissa's husband, Bryan, and Renae.