Capitol Reef National Park

We stayed just ahead of the storm driving the scenic route from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef. We arrived at the Red Sands Hotel just As the rain started to really fall.

We checked in and checked out the wine and cheese reception (a box of Franzia and some cheese cubes, but it's the thought that counts.) The hotel is locally owned and everyone here is happy to provide anything you might need from recommendations to reservations.

We were directed to the Red Rock Restaurant for dinner. You'll need reservations but can make them same day. I had a delicious grilled trout while J had the BBQ Ribs - both were excellent. H slept quietly in his car seat long enough for us to enjoy the homemade ice cream sandwich for desert. By the time we were done with dinner the rain had passed and dusted the surrounding mountains with snow. We headed back to our hotel for an early bed time.

We were up bright an early this morning to head over to the General Store in Torrey. The place was full of locals getting their morning coffee and chatting about life in Torrey. We picked up sandwiches - which they happily packed for hiking (wet ingredients in a separate bags) and headed in Capitol Reef National Park.

A quick stop at the ranger station to see the introduction video, which was unfortunately broken, but we spent the time chatting with the whole team of rangers about our plan for the day. From the rangers station we drove all the way down the scenic drive to Capitol Gorge where a maintained dirt road takes you to a trail head. We loaded H into the Ergo and hiked less than a mile into the gorge to see the registry - a list of names carved into the walls of all the travelers that passed through. After the quick hike back we headed back down the scenic drive, taking a quick detour into the Grand Wash.

In the Fruita Historic District there is a beautiful picnic area complete with grazing deer. We spent an hour or two enjoying our lunch and walking around the historic district. This place has an amazing camp ground nestled in the fruit trees. If you are here at a different time of year you can actually pick fruit right from the trees - unfortunately nothing was ready today. The Gifford Farm house sells delicious looking fruit pies and other treats (come early because they do sell out) and crafts. There is also a small (two rooms) farm house you can walk through. We took a small river walk down the Fremont River and found some animal tracks and more orchards.

Back on the park road we took the right fork (we came from Torrey to the left) passing by the old school house (open seasonally), more petroglyphs  and finally a one mile hike to Hickman Bridge, a natural bridge you can walk under. A warning - the trail guide rates it "medium" - the hike is quite steep the whole way. We made it to the bridge but the whole family was getting hot so we made a quick retreat to get out of the sun. We did make one final stop at Panorama Point to survey all we had done - then H had a colossal poop that sent us back to the hotel for bath time.

Tomorrow we get an early start and head to Arches National Park!

Bryce Canyon National Park

"Your so brave," a middle aged lady commented as we loaded H into the Ergo in the Bryce Canyon Lodge parking lot. "We never even left the house until our littlest was five."

We learned several things today. First, people think we are completely nuts for bringing a five-week old to a national park. Second, everyone over the age of 60 wants to meet H, guess his age and/or weight and tell us about travels with their kids. Third, with a little patience and a sense of humor, anything is possible.

Bryce Canyon was hosting its annual astronomy festival, making it more crowded than your typical Thursday in May. It also meant more activities and rangers.

We started our visit by picking up H his own National Park passport book at the visitors center and watching the 22 min overview video. There is a shuttle that runs into the park, but you can't leave your car at the visitors center, so we drove to the lodge to park. (You could also park in the lot on Bryce Canyon City and ride into the park.)

From the lodge, we loaded H into the Ergo carrier and walked along the rim trail. We opted not to hike into the canyon with the little one, due to the steep grade of the trails. The Rim trail was mostly flat and afforded changing views of the canyon. We hiked from sunset to sunrise point and back.

We decided to hit the lodge early for dinner, a smart move since the dinner crowd peeks around 7. The food at the lodge was excellent! J enjoyed river trout, while I had mini crab cakes and a beet and arugula salad. Whatever you do, save room for dessert - the chocolate mouse pie was delicious.

After dinner, we walked from the lodge back to the rim to watch the changing colors of the canyon at sunset. Then it was off to one of the astronomical festival presentation by one of Bryce's "dark rangers." We chose a presentation on the moon that was fascinating and provided info on Sunday's solar eclipse. After the hour long presentation, there were shuttles waiting to drive everyone out to the viewing locations where volunteers had telescopes set up. This is where we bailed - typically this is our type of activity, but H was getting snoozy, and so was I (having a 5 week old will do that!)

Bryce is known for being one of the places you can see the Andromeda galaxy with your naked eye - but clouds were starting to roll in. Even when the astronomical festival is not going on, Bryce offers star gazing programming most nights in the summer. Just ask at the ranger station.

There are not a lot of lodging options and we had reservations at a little place outside the park. The Bryce Canyon Pines Motel may have a few letters burned out on their sign, but it was clean and the staff was friendly. We were upgraded to a cabin behind the restaurant, which gave us plenty of room. The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at the attached restaurant and headed back into the park.

We drove all the way down the park road to rainbow point - the highest elevation in the park and then worked our way back hitting all the pull offs and enjoying short walks to the rim. Our favorite stop was Natural Bridge! Then the rain started, so we headed out of the park, picked up sandwiches at the Subway and took them to Moss Cave and Waterfall for a short hike and car picnic. The waterfall runs year round - although our May visit meant lots of water. The cave and falls are on park lands but are outside the gates. Just as we were finishing lunch, the rain found us again so we packed everything back up and hit the road headed for Capitol Reef National Park by route of the Scenic Byway.

Happy Trails...

I never thought I would say it - I'm sad to be leaving Edwards, AFB. When we arrived here four years ago, I felt like I had been stranded on a desert island. I had no idea that Edwards would be the launching point for so many adventures and friendships.

I can't imagine my life without the ladies of 08B, the 461st Spouses or the lovely ladies of the EOSC- I am truly a better wife, mother and friend because of all of you! Thank you for the memories, smiles, laughs and tears, they will be cherished for years to come (and retold with some artistic license.)

Since we Air Force wives never say "Goodbye" I'll just say "See You Later" (because all roads lead to Edwards ;) haha). Our guest room is always open!

We came to Edwards as a family of two and are leaving as a family of three but, our traveling adventures are not over - we just have a new launching point!

Stay tuned for more crazy adventures - this time with a baby!

Vegas - Our Way (Part 2)

We are always looking for fun things to do in Vegas off the strip. In February I had a baby shower with some friends in Vegas and my best friend, M, flew in from Atlanta. Jeff and I decided this was the perfect opportunity to knock a few things of the Vegas to do list.

Pinball Hall of Fame.

This place is a bit on the sketchy side, but boy is it fun. They have every kind of pinball game you can imagine - including a two person challenge game. All you will need are some quarters and an hour or so and you can play any of the games. (Games vary in cost and they do have change machines there if you don't have enough quarters on you.) It is perfectly suitable for any kid of pinball age - although you will want to keep an eye on them since the place attracts an eccentric crowd.

The Neon Museum.

Right now the "museum' is an empty lot filled with the most impressive collection of old Vegas neon. The museum is scheduled to be open later this year - until then you need to call and schedule your tour ahead of time, but you won't

be disappointed by the collection they have.

When you are ready for dinner head to Battista's Hole in the Wall. It's right on the strip and parking can be a problem. (Walk or cab it if possible - otherwise just park in the deck at Harrah's) This little Italian joint has a fixed price menu but it is worth it - it includes all the house wine you can drink. Your table will be visited by an accordion playing 90-something who will make your night. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The end of dinner drink is divine - they call it a cappuccino, but it tastes more like hot chocolate - or they have ice cream for the little ones.

Christmas in San Francisco

Christmas is San Francisco is great: the weather tends to be mild (high 50s), lots of decorations and plenty of family fun!

Need to do some last minute Christmas shopping? Head over to Union Square, the shopping center of San Fran. Take a quick break in the Square to look at the giant tree or go ice skating in the park.

Food options about in the area as well. For a quick bite, head to the Cellar in the basement of Macy's for a variety of quick and tasty options. For a more iconic SF experience, head 2 blocks up Powell to Sears Fine Foods- a local institution know for their brunch. (be prepared to wait in line, especially on Sunday.) The lunch options are also yummy, especially the sandwich selection.

For a quiet afternoon, head to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). While not great for active kids, the museum has a great introduction to modern art and includes a free audio guide. The museum store is also top-notch, with gifts for all ages.

For a more child-friendly experience, head over to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. The Academy combines an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a planetarium in one building. Grab a free planetarium pass to reserve a seat for one of the hourly showings. Check out the penguins, the rainforest and make sure you meet Claude, the albino alligator.
During Christmas, the Academy has special "tis the season" exhibits, including reindeer, indoor snow, and, on the day we visited, Ghiradelli chocolate was giving free chocolate and activities!

Across the a small park from the Academy is a Japanese tea garden and tea house. It's a nice place to take a break and grab some tea or snacks. Golden Gate park also has a botanical garden, children's playground and other fun activities.

For lunch, there is an a cafe in the academy, but it was such a nice day, we opted for a picnic. There is a Whole Foods market about a mile away at the eastern entrance to Golden Gate park.

Dining is one of the great wonders of San Fran. Around Union Square, check out of the historic seafood places, such as Jake's Grill or Sam's Grill.

Palm Springs

The first weekend in December we joined my mom at a conference just outside Palm Springs at the La Quinta Resort & Club.

It proved to be a wonderfully relaxing weekend. The resort features 200 some pools and hot tubs that were all set at the perfect temperature for the chilly weather the Santa Anna Winds had blown into Palm Springs.

Friday we checked out the resort making good use of the gym and walking trails, the pools and the small basketball court just behind the waterfall. The afternoon found us all in a rousing croquet match (which I won!). We stuck to the property for dinner trying out Twenty6. Twenty6 features a menu reminiscent of a dinner - they even have a meal that comes out on a divided TV tray. Don't be confused this place produces gourmet food. They also offered a wide selection of specialty non-alcoholic drinks such as the no-hijto - which somehow tasted just like the real thing!


Saturday I started the day at the Spa La Quinta for a pre-natal massage. It was one of the most relaxing places ever with a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces to be enjoyed between treatments.

After grabbing lunch at Louise's Pantry, a little cafe just outside the LaQuinta Resorts gates we headed into downtown Palm Springs for a performance of the Nutcracker at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The Desert Dance Company has been perofrming the Nutcracker in Palm Springs for 15 years. It is a strange mix of professional ballet and dance recital. There were several stunning performances and several equally as disastrous ones. There is also the introduction of a new "french maid" character in the opening scene which just got everything off on the wrong note. Regardless, it was a fun holiday activity.

The 3pm show ended just in time for us to catch the start of the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade. The parade is three hours of Christmas lit cars, balloons and local bands marching the mile long main drag. We were fortunate enough to have dinner reservations at a place we could see the parade from - by the time desert arrived the final lit snow plow was making its way down the road.


Sunday we went to early chuch at St Francis of Assisi Church, grabbed coffee and a bagel at Panera and then drove my mom to the Ontario airport.

Just after dropping her off, we stopped for gas and our car battery died. Fortunately there was an auto-zone across the street and a Cronic Taco in the plaza. Before the tow truck could arrive we had the battery replaced, we were fed and back on our way home. Just another road trip adventure I suppose!


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San Diego Family Fun

Our traveling has certainly slowed down as we prepare for the arrival of Baby Boy. On top of the traveling slowing down I've had trouble keeping up with the blog. Hopefully I'll catch up here soon.



A few weeks ago - ok more like a month or so ago - we went down to San Diego for Veteran's Day. We were lucky enough to be joined by some old college friends who have recently moved to Edwards and their three adorable children.

The drive to San Diego is remarkably easy. We left here Friday morning and since Legoland is slightly north of the city we hit it on the way down.

Legoland was one of the last remaining items on our California to do list. Although I'm pregnant and had to forgo most of the big ticket items it was still quite a bit of fun. That being said, it's no Disneyland. The whole park could use a fresh coat of paint, which by the looks of things, they are working on. The rides are cute and they have built in Lego waiting areas where little ones can play with Legos while parents wait in line. The Lego-land section of the park featuring Lego versions of everything you could imagine was the highlight for me. I could have spent most of the day looking at these creations.

A few hours there was about all the kids (and I) could handle.We headed into the city - toward our Navy Lodging - to Jimmy's Famous American Tavern for some dinner. They have a great selection of local beers and lots of meal options. I had a sald which was large enough to feed two - good thing there are two of us :) haha. Actually we ended up taking quite a bit back to the hotel with us. Although it has a bar feel it is a family freindly place.

Our friends were in family friendly lodging at the Navy Lodge on 28th Street while we were at the Navy Gateway Inn on Coranado (which does not allow children.) Both are good options for lodging - North Island Navy Lodging is your best bet if it is available.

Saturday we woke up to torrential rain. We met at Cafe 1134, which you may remember from our last visit to San Diego. This place has the best brekfast options! I must have ordered wrong the last time we were here, because I thought I didn't like it but serioulsy I loved everything I ordered this time.

We decided to brave the rain and head over to the USS Midway Museum. Parking can be a bit of a problem, particularly since the America's Cup World Series was also going on right on the waterfront. However right across teh street from the USS Midway is a Navy Base - if you are military you can park there for free and walk through the building to the USS Midway. Save yourself the $20 in parking and find this place.

The USS Midway Museum offers a military rate which includes the audo tour - there is also a self guided tour option. The museum even offers aprogram for their young visitors to earn a badge - just ask at the information desk. The USS Midway Museum takes a few hours just to get through and by the time we were done it was time for lunch but the rain had really picked up. We decided to head to Balboa Park's many indoor attractions. Parking was a nightmare there as well but once we were all parked and dry we returned to the Balboa Park Model Train Museum. This place never ceases to amaze me - I love all the old men working on their hobby and answering the kids questions.

With the rain still coming down we headed back to Coranado to seek refugae at the Coronado Brewing Company. They were happy to find us a large table and change the channel to the ND game. They have only their own beers on tap, but I hear they are quite good. They were also great with the kids bringing lots of activities for them and even sending their food out early.

Sunday our friends handled to return to LA. With the rain gone, we spent the morning on Coranao Island. We parked on the main drag and found a nice park for a picnic breakfast before chuch at Sacred Heart. That afternoon we took advantage of Sea World's free military family tickets for the day. We had been to Sea World on a previous San Diego trip, but enjoyed the low crowds and renovated park. We brought lunch with us since last time we had trouble finding food options I liked, although it seems that Sea World has upgraded many of its resturants from our last visit. The Dolphin Enoucnter was open and we got up close and personal with the off duty dolphins. The New Shamu show is mostly just watching people get splashed for an hour, which may be funny when its warm out but when its cold it feels a big cruel. The real gem is the Dolphin show - Blue Horizons. Again, sit well beyond the splash zone to stay dry. I feel like the low crowds gave us amazing access to all the animals - we sat for an hour in the empty Penguin Encounter listening to a guide tell us about the differnt types of Penguines in the enclosure.

After Sea World we headed into Old Town San Diego State Historic Park just to take a look. I wasn't feeling up for mexican food - although if we had been in the mood this would have been the place to grab a bite. Instead we headed back to Coranado for dinner at Brigantine - an upscale seafood resturant across from the Hotel Del Coronado.

San Diego never seems to disapoint. It is one of the places I will certainly miss when we move to another coast. I didn't take very many pictures but here are a few of the animal highlights.







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