Snowy Bryce Canyon

Glancing back to the end of 2021, we decided to take a short trip to Bryce Canyon with the Wilhoits and Andruses. Hotel rooms may not be giant, but with three of them everyone had a bed. Plus, Bryce is just beautiful! We stopped off at IKEA on the way out of town for a meatball lunch in Kestutis's honor.

A few hours farther down the Interstate, we stopped again in Beaver for ice cream at the Creamery.

Adam seems a bit skeptical about the claim that Dairy is Whey cool.

As night fell, we pulled into the small town of Panguitch.  After doing a bit of online research, we'd heard that you could get some tasty eats at a place called the Gem Theater.  Who'd have thought Panguitch would serve up such delicious tamales?

The Gem Theater really was a gem.  Turns out it had a bit of everything.  It dished up homemade tamales and hand-dipped quinoa chocolates alongside really unique ice cream flavors and movie theater concessions.  Upstairs there was a tiny museum with collections of dinosaur bones, fossils, and rocks native to Utah.  The kids were equally excited about the air hockey and foosball tables.  

Eli remembers this game of chess as the first time he beat Talia fair and square.

Best of all, there really was an old-fashioned movie theater.  While some of the crew checked into the hotel, the rest stayed and enjoyed Spider-Man No Way Home.

The next morning, Callie and I decided to go for a run to explore the area around our Rodeway Inn (near the Red Canyon Visitor Center.)  As we walked outside, a huge pile of snow came sliding off the eaves and onto Callie's head.  Welcome to Utah!

Hoofing it along Scenic Byway 12.

Given the wintery landscape, this billboard really cracked up.

The next morning I dragged Talia out for a run as well.  Papa Kay dropped us off a few miles up the road so that we could enjoy more scenery.

While the Rodeway Inn was decent given the price, it didn't include breakfast as I had hoped.  Subway to the rescue!  

Next stop, Bryce Canyon National Park!  Since the trails were a bit slippery, we took the middle-aged crew for a hike down the Queens Garden Trail and up the Navajo Loop.  Meanwhile, the oldest, youngest and Jason drove to some additional overlooks.  Here's the hiking crew: Adam, Callie, Brooklyn, Talia (and me.)

Talia is well-bundled with two hats.

We were grateful for our grippy boots, especially since our knock-off brand yaktrax kept falling off.

Bryce Canyon never ceases to take my breath away.

Looks like the Washingtonians enjoyed their initiation.

Hiking with older kids is sure fun, even if I struggle to keep up at times.

It's a lot of work to get away, even for a couple of days, but in my opinion it's worth it.

Meanwhile, here are a few pictures that Jason took from the car tour.  So many photos, but all so stunning!

Hanging with Anders is the best.

Before long, our groups rejoined and explored the amphitheater together.  Anders is always happy to be back with his Daddy.

I'm always glad to be back with my Mom and Dad too.

Impromptu photo shoot!

Speaking of photo shoots, we decided this was the perfect location to take some pictures of the crocheted llama that Talia finished on the drive to Bryce.

Isn't it the cutest?!!  She likes her llama so much that she decided to hang on to it for herself.

Bien hecho, Talia Lily!

With the llama well documented, we decided we should take a whole-family photo too.

A few more because, hey, it's my blog, and I can.  Photo moderation was never my strong suit.

Plus, when it comes to this handsome man, I want ALL the shots.  💗

Later in the afternoon we went for another short hike with the littles through Red Canyon.  The trail may not be long, but it is so fun!

Especially with a plastic spoon for entertainment.

Wilhoit family photos--I especially love the silly ones!

Playing I Spy among the hoodoos,

Cuddled in bed after an amazing (and slightly exhausting) day.

The next day indulged in some croissants from the European bakery next door before heading back towards Salt Lake.  The owner was bit quirky, but the warm pastries were well worth the wait.

On the way home, we stopped off at Provo Beach to use our Get Out Utah pass.  While fun, I'm not certain I'd do it again.  It was SO crowded and we were the ONLY people wearing a mask.

On the other hand, I'd go back to Maria Bonita's in a heartbeat.  Our Mexican lunch of chilaquiles and hot chocolate was superb.  Some things in life are absolutely worth the risk.  Thank you for the treat, Papa Kay!

Also, many thanks to NomiAnn, Papa Kay, and the Wilhoits for joining us induling in yet another crazy adventure.  Hope to do it again!