Last Sunday I had just gotten home from work and was lying exhausted on the bed wondering where my zest for life had gone when I decided to do something. Anything. So while Steve did the dishes I made hotel reservations for St George and arranged for us to go to Tuacahn. Then I went out to tell him. He is a sweet man. Rather than get all huffy he just said that he would find coverage for work which he quickly did.
We left on Wednesday afternoon and took M swimming at 10:00 p.m. She loved every minute. This was exciting for us since she has been anti-pools prior to this event. This time she was all about the kicking and splashing.
On Thursday we went to the Johnson Farm to see the dinosaur tracks. Apparently Dr Johnson was clearing land in 2001 and after clearing 20 feet of dirt he hit sandstone. He grabbed his handy dandy backhoe and was moving large slabs when one fell off and landed upside down revealing a large dinosaur footprint. He donated 10 acres of land to St George. Thousands of dinosaur tracks have been found from many different dinosaurs and some species are unidentified. They have built a visitors center around the original find.
We saw Despicable Me. I was not sure if I was going to love it, but the ending was so sweet and I was sold. Steve thought it was worth watching as well. We are not sure what M thought, but we are pretty sure she was scared.
We went to Grafton. It is a ghost town near Zion National Park. I have always wanted to go to one. The only buildings remaining are the church, a house, and a few outbuildings. There is also a cemetery. I don't know how the pioneers survived. The more I learn and experience in life the more I am in awe of all they endured. What a nightmare.
We walked around town square and found a splash pad. M was in heaven and truthfully, so was Mommy. I LOVE those things. She and I ran through the water and Steve walked with her through the river. We picked a very hot weekend to go. The temperature soared to 111. Now there are those of you out there who think once the thermometer hits 100 there is very little difference the higher the mercury rises. That is garbage. 111 is significantly hotter than 100. 100 is a breeze compared to 111. Now we know. Yeah for splash pads.
We ate at a fancy place called Xetava which, had we known a little more about it we probably would not have gone, but alas what an experience. Not kid friendly at all! Thankfully, we have a mild-mannered child who stays in her seat and eats whatever Mommy and Daddy eat. She was the only child there and we got some fairly unfriendly vibes from the other diners when they saw our 3 year old. Dinner was a leisurely affair and took about an hour and a half. If you ever go there be sure and order their specialty lemonade. It has mint, coconut, and vanilla. Out of this world. The desserts were also lovely. Steve had semi-sweet chocolate with chili pepper and I had the bread pudding made from croissants. Very rich. We also received a nice compliment when the people at the table next to us left. A lady came over and told us it was a pleasure to eat with such a well behaved child. Phew! M really was very impressive that night. Thank heavens!
Then on to Tuacahn. We saw Tarzan. It was incredible. The actors were amazing. The dancers and acrobats stunning. Tarzan soared through the air out of no where. He and the monkeys kept soaring directly over our heads. We could have reached out and touched them. Our seats were top notch. We were five feet from them for several scenes. The singing and acting was strong. It is currently the only regional theater with the rights from Disney to produce the show. The first in the nation. We highly recommend seeing it. So wonderful.
To finish our trip we headed to the St George Temple to walk around the temple grounds and see an art exhibit spotlighting the saints at Martin's Cove. Very moving. Again, I don't know how they did it. What incredible strength.
We stopped at Cove Fort and I was reminded again how cushy and easy my day to day life is. I sent up another prayer of gratitude for air conditioning, running water, electricity, safety and security.
And for our final stop...drum roll please...we went to the Llama Festival at the Krishna Temple. Honestly, the festival was a little lame, but the llamas were awesome! Who knew? They are so sweet. They do not get ruffled by tons of people. They do not spit or bite. They are very calm and peaceful. Even though they were large M was drawn to them. She wanted to touch them which was a surprise since she is usually more reserved around animals. I think I want llamas now. I have no idea what I would do with one, but what a lovely animal to have around.
We left on Wednesday afternoon and took M swimming at 10:00 p.m. She loved every minute. This was exciting for us since she has been anti-pools prior to this event. This time she was all about the kicking and splashing.
On Thursday we went to the Johnson Farm to see the dinosaur tracks. Apparently Dr Johnson was clearing land in 2001 and after clearing 20 feet of dirt he hit sandstone. He grabbed his handy dandy backhoe and was moving large slabs when one fell off and landed upside down revealing a large dinosaur footprint. He donated 10 acres of land to St George. Thousands of dinosaur tracks have been found from many different dinosaurs and some species are unidentified. They have built a visitors center around the original find.
The slab that started it all.
Footprints of a squatting meat eater--one of only 6 in the world.
My squatting meat eater.
This is Bob. He has been working on this unidentified dinosaur skull for over 800 hours. Notice his microscope eyes. In his hand is an airbrush. Bob must really love his job.
This is the largest slab of dinosaur tracks in the world.
We saw Despicable Me. I was not sure if I was going to love it, but the ending was so sweet and I was sold. Steve thought it was worth watching as well. We are not sure what M thought, but we are pretty sure she was scared.
We went to Grafton. It is a ghost town near Zion National Park. I have always wanted to go to one. The only buildings remaining are the church, a house, and a few outbuildings. There is also a cemetery. I don't know how the pioneers survived. The more I learn and experience in life the more I am in awe of all they endured. What a nightmare.
Disturbing little cemetery. The volunteers who take care of it mounded all the graves.
It added a tragic feel to the place.
It added a tragic feel to the place.
We walked around town square and found a splash pad. M was in heaven and truthfully, so was Mommy. I LOVE those things. She and I ran through the water and Steve walked with her through the river. We picked a very hot weekend to go. The temperature soared to 111. Now there are those of you out there who think once the thermometer hits 100 there is very little difference the higher the mercury rises. That is garbage. 111 is significantly hotter than 100. 100 is a breeze compared to 111. Now we know. Yeah for splash pads.
We ate at a fancy place called Xetava which, had we known a little more about it we probably would not have gone, but alas what an experience. Not kid friendly at all! Thankfully, we have a mild-mannered child who stays in her seat and eats whatever Mommy and Daddy eat. She was the only child there and we got some fairly unfriendly vibes from the other diners when they saw our 3 year old. Dinner was a leisurely affair and took about an hour and a half. If you ever go there be sure and order their specialty lemonade. It has mint, coconut, and vanilla. Out of this world. The desserts were also lovely. Steve had semi-sweet chocolate with chili pepper and I had the bread pudding made from croissants. Very rich. We also received a nice compliment when the people at the table next to us left. A lady came over and told us it was a pleasure to eat with such a well behaved child. Phew! M really was very impressive that night. Thank heavens!
Then on to Tuacahn. We saw Tarzan. It was incredible. The actors were amazing. The dancers and acrobats stunning. Tarzan soared through the air out of no where. He and the monkeys kept soaring directly over our heads. We could have reached out and touched them. Our seats were top notch. We were five feet from them for several scenes. The singing and acting was strong. It is currently the only regional theater with the rights from Disney to produce the show. The first in the nation. We highly recommend seeing it. So wonderful.
To finish our trip we headed to the St George Temple to walk around the temple grounds and see an art exhibit spotlighting the saints at Martin's Cove. Very moving. Again, I don't know how they did it. What incredible strength.
We stopped at Cove Fort and I was reminded again how cushy and easy my day to day life is. I sent up another prayer of gratitude for air conditioning, running water, electricity, safety and security.
At the top of the fort looking out of a gun port.
And for our final stop...drum roll please...we went to the Llama Festival at the Krishna Temple. Honestly, the festival was a little lame, but the llamas were awesome! Who knew? They are so sweet. They do not get ruffled by tons of people. They do not spit or bite. They are very calm and peaceful. Even though they were large M was drawn to them. She wanted to touch them which was a surprise since she is usually more reserved around animals. I think I want llamas now. I have no idea what I would do with one, but what a lovely animal to have around.
The Krishna Temple
The llama races. The owners grab the llamas by the lead rope and run as fast as they can. 
Petting a Zebu. The sacred cow of India.
Lovin' the llamas.
I am so glad we ran away. We were able to see and do so many things in a few days. My zest for life is back, baby!
Petting a Zebu. The sacred cow of India.
Lovin' the llamas.
Good to hear, hope things are going better. I think of you often. . .
ReplyDeleteShannon