Arizona Trip: June 2009

We took a quick trip to Arizona to see my family last week. Like the last time we went, there were 5 of use crammed into a little Civic. Oh, the fun. Here are some pictures and descriptions of the trip.

~Day 1: Traveling~

Our first stop on the road. Ris and Jana try on stupid hats at the gas station.


Oh, it's Nedra's, everyone's favorite restaurant! I forgot if this was in Kanab or Panguitch.

We made the traditional stop at the Wal-Mart in Page. Ris and Jana found these crazy weird candy bars called Wazoo bars while we were in the store stretching our legs. They were perfect, since that is Jana's nick-name! As we sampled the odd bars, we all proclaimed them to be disgusting...but then I started craving them like crazy! I actually had to buy a bunch on the trip home. I'm so, so ashamed.

Is there anything classier than eating out of the back of a car in the Wal-mart parking lot?

We made it! Here we are, hanging out in my parents' kitchen.

~DAY 2: Shopping and Family Party~

Since my camera was being a pain, i don't have any photos from this day. BUT...I will use a thousand words to try to describe the joy. Or a hundred, whatever.

In the morning, we watched the movie "Howl's Moving Castle" together, since we read the book for our little book club. After we watched and finished discussing the book and the movie, we all (besides Dad, who had to work) went out to Trader Joe's near the mall. They don't have one of these fabulous establishments where I live, so it was quite a lot of fun. After the store, Jana and I spend a little time in the 2-story Forever 21 store. It was heavenly. Words cannot explain. TWO STORIES OF CLOTHES! Luckily, even though we found some cute stuff we were repulsed by the super-long lines and just went home. We needed to get there for the family party anyway.

Our cousins and aunt came over for food and swimming. We got to say hi to some family members that we hadn't seen in a while, and it was nice to chat a little and enjoy some great food and fun.

~DAY 3: Out of Africa Park and Tonto Bridge~

Today we drove an hour or so out of Phoenix to visit the Out of Africa wildlife park and Tonto park.

Because of the amount of people that needed to be transported, my parents rented a van to cruise in. It was cool, as far as vans go, and SO much more comfortable than the Civic.

Dave applies sunscreen.

This park is a place that keeps many types of wildlife. Many of these animals were rescued from unfortunate circumstances, or were not wanted at zoos. It's a really cool place where you can watch shows (the animals are untrained though--they have just learned to kind of accept the humans) and go on safaris through a huge savanna-like area.

On the tram inside the park.


Tiger splash! This was a show where tigers and humans kind of played games and jumped into the pool. Very fun!


A giraffe on the safari.


This camel, Humphrey, is kissing my dad!

There was also a bear show, where the bears got a turn in the water!

That bear in back was fascinated with the camera man.

After out of Africa, we made ate and then made our way to Tonto Park. It closed as 7, and we were cutting it close since the distance to there from the wildlife park was longer than expected. But even though we only spent a short time at Tonto, it was soooo worth the effort to go.

Tonto Natural Bridge. Without a doubt, this is one of the most enchantingly beautiful places I have ever seen.




That old guy in the hat was working at the park, supervising to make sure no one got hurt on the rocks. Lucky guy--it was such a beautiful place to be. He said, "I have the best office in the world."


Jana. Observe how her butt is covered in green. That's from algae/moss stuff that she got all over her when she slid down a rock.

It was a fun day. Some of us wound down by taking a swim in the pool before bed.

~DAY 4: Going Home~

Today was Father's Day. We were able to stick around long enough to wish Dad a happy day, then say goodbye to everyone. Then it was back on the road again.

Group shot of the awesome back seat people. We are exhausted from a fun trip!

We had a great time! It had been a while since we'd been on a trip like that, and it was a fun and much-needed vacation. Although I fear we are still recovering from the claustrophobic travel conditions...