California Trip

My little brother Garrett is getting ready to go on a LDS mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Boston Massachusetts. Our Family decided that we would all go on a last family vacation before Garrett left on his mission. We found a cruise that left out of California to go on. Kyle, Shaun and I flew down to Long Beach California on Saturday mid-day. When we picked up our luggage we then walked out to meet the rest of my family (Minus Chelsea and Todd who had to stay home). Then we headed straight to eat at a Chinese Hole in the Wall restaurant. It was super yummy and authentic. Then we went to the Chinese Theater and downtown. There were so many sights to see, We had fun finding our favorite actors and actresses stars on the ground along with handprints. 

We went to the largest candy store in the United States.  I was a little disappointed that they didn't have Mexican Candy :) None the less it was pretty impressive. We got to watch how they made hard candy, which was a pretty neat experience, they even gave us samples. We then walked around and there were tons of characters asking us to take pictures with them. Next thing I knew I was holding a HUGE python. I have to say I was a little afraid, but at least it was not looking at me straight in the eye. After spending about 2 hours downtown we then headed to our hotel that was about 5 miles away from the port where we were to go the next morning. 

It was pretty funny because we all went in 3 different groups. My mom was afraid that they would kick us out if they saw how many people were in one room. My mom booked the hotel a little last minute so all 7 of us had to share one room. It was nice and cozy. Shaun, Courtney, Alyssa and I all shared one bed. That was pretty funny! That night we all went swimming for a couple of hours and then went straight to bed, excited for what tomorrow would bring! 

Shaun and Kyle sent a picture to Todd. 

(Best Brother in Law award)

My dad always trying to give people kisses. Especially Courtney because he knows that it gets on her nerves :) 

Vivian park to Utah Lake

Today we had a lovely ride from Vivian Park. We rode down the entire Canyon, we rode all the way to Utah Lake. We rode a total of 20 miles. It was a very relaxing time that we had. My little brother Kyle came with us. I have absolutely loved this ride! I have loved biking this past week I rode over 37 miles. 

Kyle snapped this picture while we were riding. I am grateful for my adventurous husband Shaun. I love riding bikes with Shaun. It was a very relaxing Sunday. Utah is absolutely GORGEOUS! I am so glad that I live here in such a beautiful place. 

Rock canyon

Tonight we decided to go camping. Luckily we live somewhere where live right next to Rock Canyon. So we drove up to the parking lot and then walked to camp. We have our special camping spot that we like to go to every time. Rock Canyon is absolutely beautiful especially with the moon light. 

We set up our Hammocks and then we all laid down on a queen size foam mattress and watched "Gardians of the Galaxy." It was a really funny movie that both Shaun and I had not seen. 

 

This is the view that I woke up to.

This was super comfy! 

 

Bryan and Sierras Hammocks

              

Had a fun time camping with this guy! 

Lake Powell 2014

Rhodes Family Reunion

      We love our Lake Powell Trips! This was my second time going to Lake Powell. Rocky (Shaun's Dad) is now calling this the Rhodes Family Reunion. We drove down to St. George Wednesday night right after school on Wednesday. We stayed at Rocky and Rachelles place. Shaun and I along with his brother Brandon and wife Katherine all rode down together. We fell asleep watching the show "Lie to Me." 

         The next morning we woke up early and started driving to Lake Powell! We arrived there and met Rocky and Rachelle along with Justin and Brianna and their two little daughters. We then unloaded and headed on our way to our beach spot. It was a nice boat ride! Once we got there we set up camp and then made some lunch. Then we went out for a ride. The boys played around on the tube and did some fun slow-mo videos. 

          After that we then headed back to camp and played around for a while on the Canoe that Justin brought. We managed to fit all 6 of us on the Canoe. We had fun tipping it several times. We even caught the video on Slow-Mo, which was pretty neat. 

The next morning Shaun and I went with Rocky and Rachelle and made a morning Ski and Wake-boarding run! I need to work on getting over the Wake! Shaun got hurt in the process, so we didn't go out after that. 

      As a family we decided to go for a ride up some slot canyons. It was quite the adventure. Brandon really enjoyed being up front guiding us away from the walls with the ore and Shaun and Rachelle in the back. It was all fun and games until a big storm was coming. Then we had to get out of the slot canyon as fast as we could. We managed to make it safe and sound back to our camps. Both Justin and Brandons tent had broken poles. Shaun and my tent managed to stay strong, (it is quite the tiny tent) So we spent sometime trying to take down some tents and cleaning up camp. We also had to go chasing after Justin's Canoe as it had blown quite a ways away from camp.

      

     The last day after we packed everything up and got Brianna and Justin's Family off the boat, we went back into the water for a Lake Powell "Bath."  I have to say at first I was really confused as to what that was, but later found out. We got back on the boat and found a spot. Then we all jumped into the water and washed our hair with Shampoo and conditioner. Then we were able to change in the boat into our normal clothes that we would ride home in. At first I was a little skeptical, however it was actually pretty nice and my hair was no longer in big tangles. We had some fun on the tube tackling each other. 

Sure love this guy! 

What a wonderful Vacation! I look forward to next year! 
#Rhodesadventures!