Every two years, Ben's Mom's side of the family (The Jenkins) have a family reunion. So far, Ben and I have been to 3! The first was at Zions and Aubrie was 3 and Boston 7 months. That was hard! I felt as though I spent most of my time chasing after kids! The second one was at Disneyland and Aubrie was 5, Boston almost 3 and Ethan was a newborn. That wasn't as hard! The two oldest were self sufficient, and Ethan would sleep anywhere! This year it was at Bryce Canyon and you'll soon find out how hard or easy it was!Wednesday we decided to head out earlier than our planned 4:00 pm departure. We originally were going to stay in Page for the night and then drive through to Panguitch. Instead, we skipped piano lessons, and left at 1:30 and drove straight through. The drive was like any normal drive, these days, which included the kids watching movies and playing video games, while Sophia fights going to sleep! She is getting better at her crying spells and I am looking forward to the day that she watches TV and sleeps just like the other kids!
Ethan Fell asleep within the first few hours! 
Aubrie Fake Sleeping:) 
Sophia fighting sleep! Ugh!
Finally asleep!
The temperature in Flagstaff! What would that be like?
Overall, the trip up was pretty good. We did take a detour around Page, due to some construction. We had never gone that way before, and it was a really pretty drive. Unfortunately, the cops must like that area as well because Ben got pulled over. Luckily he was let off with a warning. I think he softened the cop up a little as he was walking with Sophia as the cop was pulling up his information. I'm so glad he got off with a warning!
Aubrie Fake Sleeping:) Sophia fighting sleep! Ugh! Finally asleep! The temperature in Flagstaff! What would that be like?Overall, the trip up was pretty good. We did take a detour around Page, due to some construction. We had never gone that way before, and it was a really pretty drive. Unfortunately, the cops must like that area as well because Ben got pulled over. Luckily he was let off with a warning. I think he softened the cop up a little as he was walking with Sophia as the cop was pulling up his information. I'm so glad he got off with a warning! If only all cops were like this!:) This cop car was set up in Kanab. Guess they don't have enough money for Highway Patrol!:)
We finally rolled into Bryce about 10:00 PM Utah time; we forgot about the time change! Luckily we decided to drive straight through, because I don't think we could have made the Parade the next morning if we hadn't! The Hotel, Ruby's Inn, was much bigger than we expected. We figured it was a small place so it would be a little cozy hotel. We were so wrong. I guess people come from all over the world to check out Bryce Canyon.
We finally rolled into Bryce about 10:00 PM Utah time; we forgot about the time change! Luckily we decided to drive straight through, because I don't think we could have made the Parade the next morning if we hadn't! The Hotel, Ruby's Inn, was much bigger than we expected. We figured it was a small place so it would be a little cozy hotel. We were so wrong. I guess people come from all over the world to check out Bryce Canyon.Thursday morning we were able to sleep in a little, which means 8:30! Ok, I know it really was 7:30 our time, but its all psychological, OK! We got ready in our Red, White and Blue to go celebrate Pioneer Day in Panguitch Utah! The 20 minute drive to Panguitch, took us through the Red Canyon, which I couldn't see in the dark the night before. It was so beautiful! I couldn't get the pictures I wanted from the car, and we never had the chance to stop and take pictures or hike there!:( Maybe on our next Utah trip!
Panguitch is a small little town, that we always drive through on our way to Provo. To give you perspective of how small the town is, we were able to arrive at the Parade when it started and get great seats! It's probably since half of the town needed to be in the Parade. LOL Anyway, the parade consisted of people driving by in cars and throwing candy and even Otter Pops at the kids.
Darth Vader and Boba Fett also made an appearance, 
and the Fire Truck also shot their hose off, which felt great after sitting in the sun for an hour. 
In order for the parade to last that long, the parade had to come back the way it came. So there was no fear of missing anything. Ha! The kids had fun, except for Aubrie, who was not feeling well. She had a bad headache. I think she had altitude sickness.After the parade, we all gathered at a nearby park while the kids played and the adults socialized and played cards. At the park, the Firemen put on a BBQ fundraiser, so Ben waited in the FOREVER long line (I think the whole town was there) for the food, while I stayed at the playground with the kids. After lunch, Sophia was on the verge of a breakdown, so we rushed back to the hotel to put her down for a nap. While she napped and I read my book, Ben took the kids to swim. They didn't stay long, since the chlorine levels were off the charts. The kids came back with burning red eyes! I should have brought their goggles! We had dinner at 6:00 in a grassy area in the RV park (two families brought RV's and the park was right by them!) 
The kids had a blast playing in the grassy area, and the kids actually ate some of the meal (Taco Salad). I was actually impressed how they never complained about the meals people made. They just just went with the flow. I guess Boston did say once, "Mom, when can I have some chicken. You know like nuggets." I think he was confused why he wasn't getting his normal vacation menu! LOL After dinner we met in the hotel's conference room (which was just down the hall from our room...sooo NICE) for the talent show! 
Aubrie and Boston put on a comedy routine, Boston sang, "I Stand All Amazed",and caused several to cry including me (it's my favorite hymn...OK!), and Aubrie played a few of her piano pieces. Ethan ran up and gave them hugs each time they finished! Matt and Nicole put on a skit and introduced the coming of their new baby. It was cute, and everyone was surprised! After the talent show we all went to bed. Well.... I read a little first!:) It was a great day!
Panguitch is a small little town, that we always drive through on our way to Provo. To give you perspective of how small the town is, we were able to arrive at the Parade when it started and get great seats! It's probably since half of the town needed to be in the Parade. LOL Anyway, the parade consisted of people driving by in cars and throwing candy and even Otter Pops at the kids. Darth Vader and Boba Fett also made an appearance, and the Fire Truck also shot their hose off, which felt great after sitting in the sun for an hour. In order for the parade to last that long, the parade had to come back the way it came. So there was no fear of missing anything. Ha! The kids had fun, except for Aubrie, who was not feeling well. She had a bad headache. I think she had altitude sickness.After the parade, we all gathered at a nearby park while the kids played and the adults socialized and played cards. At the park, the Firemen put on a BBQ fundraiser, so Ben waited in the FOREVER long line (I think the whole town was there) for the food, while I stayed at the playground with the kids. After lunch, Sophia was on the verge of a breakdown, so we rushed back to the hotel to put her down for a nap. While she napped and I read my book, Ben took the kids to swim. They didn't stay long, since the chlorine levels were off the charts. The kids came back with burning red eyes! I should have brought their goggles! We had dinner at 6:00 in a grassy area in the RV park (two families brought RV's and the park was right by them!) The kids had a blast playing in the grassy area, and the kids actually ate some of the meal (Taco Salad). I was actually impressed how they never complained about the meals people made. They just just went with the flow. I guess Boston did say once, "Mom, when can I have some chicken. You know like nuggets." I think he was confused why he wasn't getting his normal vacation menu! LOL After dinner we met in the hotel's conference room (which was just down the hall from our room...sooo NICE) for the talent show! Aubrie and Boston put on a comedy routine, Boston sang, "I Stand All Amazed",and caused several to cry including me (it's my favorite hymn...OK!), and Aubrie played a few of her piano pieces. Ethan ran up and gave them hugs each time they finished! Matt and Nicole put on a skit and introduced the coming of their new baby. It was cute, and everyone was surprised! After the talent show we all went to bed. Well.... I read a little first!:) It was a great day! 
