Day 3, 4 and 5: Zion National Park, Mount Timpanogos Park Reunion & Downtown Provo

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the delay! We have been busy with our adventures. Allow me to catch you up!

Day 3: Zion National Park

Here we go! 

What a gorgeous day! You would think a wheelchair like mine wouldn't be able to endure much of the park, but lucky for me there was a.) Pa'rus Trail and b.) Devin! He was a superstar, watching me while the rest of our group went to Weeping Rock. I did not appreciate being separated from my mom at first, but he had me laughing as we went over little bumps and we even saw a deer! Weaving through the paved trail was awesome. It also was open to bikers and pets (Rusty was with us too)!

Deer!

Selfie on the trail! Who needs a smile when you can just open your mouth real wide... 

Haha! I promise I was having fun... :P Devin is a great sport. 

After everyone returned from Weeping Rock I headed home with my mom, dad, Mara and Vivi. We got ice cream, played and relaxed at Devin's great-uncle's house! It was great since I was ready to leave and relax.

While we did our thing, Ashley, Andrea, Devin, Andin, Cambria and Hailey hiked West Rim Trail, Refrigerator Canyon, Walter's Wiggles and Scout's Lookout, arriving at the Angel's Landing trailhead. They saw stunning viewpoints of the park! Although they appreciated the views, they didn't feel the need to risk their lives on the narrow, dangerous spine of the mountain (Angel's Landing). There are chains, carved foot holds, etc., to try to keep hikers safe, but five or so people have died on that trail in the last eight years...NO THANKS! Yikes.

One of their views. Wow! 

After they hiked, they concluded their time at Zion National Park with bouldering and river-wading. They came home and passed out after sharing bowls of ice cream. Best end of the day (especially when it is vanilla)!

Day 4: Mount Timpanogos Park Reunion 

After departing St. George, we headed up to Orem for an evening potluck with nearby relatives. My immediate family grabbed pizzas from Two Jacks in Downtown Provo (pizza is my faaaavorite). We got a quick glimpse of the area, but we didn't have time to look around other than grabbing the food. Always going, going, going!

We met in a beautiful park with mountains and greenery surrounding us. It was amazing seeing everyone! I loved being able to talk to everyone in person rather than an email or Facebook comment (although I love love LOVE those too - the more the merrier!).

Our awesome family! 

Silly dad... :P 

A section of Mount Timpanogos Park. Again, wow! 

Once everyone started going home, we headed to Midway where my sweet, extremely hospitable Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Steve live. They are kind enough to host our entire family while we're here. They have an incredible home that backs to a small river and grass that goes on and on! There's even a lake and clubhouse nearby. We're going to explore more of this on Day 6 (next blog post)! It feels good to be back somewhere with such welcoming, warm people. 

Day 5: Downtown Provo

Ok, now I can tell you all about today (July 20th)! Our group was determined to revisit Downtown Provo to go to the temple as well as to check out more of the eateries, shops and architecture. Instead of joining their exploration of the university town, I decided to stay with Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Steve and dad. Boring, boring, I know, but I was very content watching Fixer Upper with Aunt Cheryl and checking in on what Uncle Steve and dad were working on (today it was recycling an old dishwasher)! I love their house!

While I did what made me happy, my mom, sisters, nieces, nephew, and brother-in-law all made the drive through the mountains back to down to Provo. They enjoyed lunch at Guru's Cafe then split into three groups: (1) Devin, Patrick (yep, Chelsea's husband!), and Rusty going back to Patrick's so Devin could work and hang out, (2) Mom, Andrea, Andin, Cam, and Hailey going to the temple for baptisms, and (3) Ashley, Cambria, Mara, and Viv (babysitting/awesome aunt-niece time).

Ashley and the kiddos explored more, stopping in a French bakery, bookstore/gallery, and even a pet store with fish, birds, snakes, and hamsters (again, NO THANKS! Not a fan of the way those places smell...yuck.) Everyone had a great time doing what they wanted, reuniting after a few hours.

          

We eventually made it back to Midway! We ended the day with a family dinner - Mexican food and Creamies (ice milk bar)! I tried the chocolate-dipped cherry. Mmmmmm.

Thanks for reading this looong blog post! I hope you enjoyed it!

Tomorrow: More of beautiful Midway!

- Erik