A stop at the State Capitol Building in Bismarck, North Dakota

Welcome to North Dakota!

Since we were near Bismarck and didn't know when we ever would be again we decided to stop by the State Capitol Building.  It was very different then other ones we've been to in the past. Apparently, the original building burnt down in 1930 and was rebuilt during the depression.  The view from the 18th (there are 19 floors total) floor was pretty cool.

Tent camping @ Zion National Park

Site D20 was tucked in with great views.  The tent pad was big enough for two decent sized tents. Our campsite didn't get sun until 10 am every morning so it was chilly (25-35 degrees).  Make sure you have plenty of firewood to keep the troops happy!  We were one of the last sights to have sun in the evening however.

We had room to play catch,

and natural area to introduce Dots to the deer passing by.

There was plenty of time to relax,

catch up on our reading, 

fill out our Junior Ranger books,

and even play a game of Uno or two.

After a hike one afternoon we discovered something has gotten into my apples.  I guess he got full after 1/2 of one or scared off.

We needed lots of fires.  The morning temps were 20-30 degrees but did warm up quickly once the sun hit the campground.

These cheese brats from Horton's in South Dakota were tasty with crescent rolls wrapped around them.

The pie irons were good cookie warming trays for that perfect warm, gooey, right out of the oven texture.

We also had time to decorate our windows,

or for a quick nap!

The kids had no problem staying warm at night.  They are fantastic cocooners!

It goes without saying that the stars were amazing every night!

Spring breakin' to Utah again!

Our spring break vacation can't start without our regular trip to Daylight Donuts in Breckenridge.  It puts a smile on everyone's face!

 We decided to take only one vehicle this year instead of two so we were all crammed in a little.  

 Some more than others...

Here we come Utah!

 Goblin Valley State Park:

 The yurt we stayed in:

 A little trek from the parking area & bathroom but worth it for the seclusion and great location!

 Inside the yurt: (sleeps 5 adults)

 Dinner in the yurt:

Climbing around the campsite:

Views of the tent camping sites:

Dish Duty:

Fern and Cub Lakes

The morning of Day 2 we headed out for a hike on the Fern Lake Trail.  The cousins know how to enjoy themselves!

We took a couple of photos as we waited for the bus:

The group starting out:

Break time!

Wild Rose:

Ninebark:

Pin Cherry:

Clematis:

Oregon Grape Holly:

Lots of rocks to climb on and through:

Looking up from 'The Pools'.  We headed to Cub Lake at this point since the troops were getting restless and hungry.

Cub Lake Trail.  This is where the Fern Lake Fire was last year (hence the dead trees).

Lots of uphill to a certain point=lots of complaining.

Our two fearless leaders taking a 'mintspiration' break.  (Life Savers)

Charged back up we start heading down towards Cub Lake and lunchtime!

Almost there!

After lunch...playtime

We get it, we get it....enough hiking already!

View looking back towards Cub Lake Trail:
Golden Banner:

Shooting Star:

Sedum:

Aster:

Recharging w/ watermelon and Cheetos!

How does mommy relax?

Dirty anyone?  (These kids look rough!)

Hike: Fern Lake Pools to Cub Lake

Trails Used:  Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake Trail

Distance: 6.39 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Overall average: 1.8 mph

Overall Time: 3 hrs, 39 min

Total Ascent: 968 ft.

I did a run each morning.  Even saw a moose the first morning.  There's not a better way to start your morning than that!

Trail Run: Fern Lake Pools

Trails Used:  Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake Trail

Distance: 6.08 miles

Difficulty: Moderate
Overall average: 6.0 mph
Overall Time: 1 hrs, 00 min
Total Ascent: 398 ft.

I decided to see the Fern Lake Falls since we got so close to them with the kids.  Sure wished I had my camera because the sun was awesome so early in the morning and there was a giant rainbow!

Trail Run: Cub Lake to Fern Lake Falls 

Trails Used:  Cub Lake Trail to Fern Lake Trail and Back

Distance: 8.85 miles

Difficulty: Moderate
Overall average: 4.8 mph
Overall Time: 1 hrs, 49 min
Total Ascent: 1378 ft.