It all started with Grandma. She wanted to go see the Manti Temple now that it is open to the public after being closed for renovations. My dad told her he would make the 8 hour drive down with her. He invited his children. Then grandma decided it was best she stay home, and dad nearly back out! We basically didn’t let him! What an adventure we had together.
We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My parents were married in the Manti Temple in 1985. This historic temple was built in 1880. The architecture and interior design is breathtaking. So much detail in the moulding, furniture, facade, everything! As magnificent as it was to tour, nothing tops the feeling of sitting with my dad, my children and some of my siblings in the room he and my mom were married in. Words cannot describe that sacred and special moment.
The next day we were off to Zion!
This part of the adventure started because I realized our hotel was 1 hr 45 minutes away from Zion National Park, Utah. The canyon I grew up in! I’m not sure what happened exactly with maps…but it actually took about 2.5 hrs to get there. But who’s counting?? (Maybe 5 kids in my van).
Being so close, how could we not go?!?! Since it had been 26 years since my dad had been back, it took him a minute to get his bearings as tour guide. With a couple questions, he headed to the help desk in the visitors center. Who would you guess was on the other side of that desk? A park ranger that my dad had worked with all those years ago!!! My dad just about fell over when this ranger said my dad’s first and last name. Never in a million years did he think a co-worker would still be there. This ranger hooked us up with passes to be able to drive the canyon ourselves instead of ride the shuttle. To say the least, it was an amazing day.
If you have never visited Zion, put it on your must see list! There is nothing like it. This picture was taken at the top of the Canyon Overlook hike. What a VIEW! Here’s a few more of my favorites.
On Saturday, our last day of the trip, we actually drove down to Arizona! There is a national monument, Pipe Springs, on the Kaibab Indian Reservation. Historically the circumstances of how Pipe Springs came to be has conflict and tragedy woven into it. It’s a history of two civilizations, the Kaibab Paiute and the early settlers of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as the “Mormon Pioneers.”
What drew us to the monument was the family history we have there. My younger brother’s namesake is our great-grandfather, 7 generations back on my Dad’s side. This great-grandfather played a significant role in history here. It was very neat to see and learn about. There was also a short hike that took you up the hill to over look the valley.
Overall, the trip was wonderful. There was so much reminiscing and learning. What a way to revisit the past and learn of our family history. If you have an opportunity to do something similar with your family, I would highly recommend it!
Also, if you have a 4th grader, you can get a national park pass for FREE for the school year! Both Zion and Pipe Springs are National Parks.
Now just incase you are wondering what my jewelry collection looks like while I travel? When we are mostly out doors and seeking adventure, I always take a pair of huggie hoops! These are stainless steel & have a lever back hoop. This makes for a perfect combination of waterproof and comfortable enough to sleep in! This leopard pair is my current favorite, but I have so many styles. See them here!
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