The Parks of Southern Utah

From Arizona we headed north to the wonderfully scenic parks of southern Utah - Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion. Culling my images down to just 10 was a painstaking process for me. As anyone who knows me knows, I take a lot of pictures - so this is my attempt at showing a sampling of what we saw on our 10 day stay.

10 days wasn't long enough, I'm sure we'll be back.

Phoenix, AZ

Steve and Allison had to return home but we continued on to Arizona to watch a couple Giants pre-season games. Nice weather, cold beer but disappointing results for the two games we saw. Luckily it's just pre-season. Let's Go Giants!
The next day we stumbled across a Native American concert in the park. It was part of a traveling show that featured the music and dance from several tribes. Lucky find.
Our second game was a night game at Giants stadium - note that we weren't able to get nearly as good seats. The stadium was full of Giants fans and we had a great time regardless of the final score.

Disneyland

Oh boy, Disneyland! Steve treated Allison with a trip to Disneyland for her birthday and we tagged along. Steve's setting the bar pretty high - last year was Giant's spring training and this year is Disneyland. Wonder what he's got in mind for next year? Natalie is all rested up for a full couple days.
OK, let's get going!

We arrived in the afternoon and just planned to visit Downtown Disney the first day, topping it off with a birthday dinner at the The Rainforest Cafe.

Finally we're here. Let's get going - we can take pictures anytime.

Natalie's not too sure of the princesses - they look so real close-up...

Allison, Natalie and Nana waiting outside the Tiki Room.

This place is the best!

Oh yea, we're here too...

There is just so much to see...

and do.

And then top it all off with fireworks - what a perfect day.

Lake Tahoe

Amy and Scott rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe for a ski week and invited everyone up for the weekend. Those of us who could attend had a great time. Thanks Amy and Scott, you two are the best!

Visit to the tree farm

Time for the annual visit to the Christmas Tree Farm.
Allison, Natalie and Steve - what a perfect day.

Nana and Natalie, the happiest baby ever.

Ah, the perfect tree!

Mike, Reese and Michele pose for Reese's first tree cutting adventure.

Proud mommys and cute babies!

Monticello, Virginia

Monticello is the masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson - designed and redesigned, built and rebuilt over a 40 year period. Unfortunately pictures were not allowed inside the home. Very frustrating for me... The main house that exists today is, for the most part, the home that Jefferson lived in during his retirement. It is well preserved and decorated with many of Jefferson's original furnishings.

Jefferson was the author of the Declaration of Independence, the third president of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia. He was also an amateur scientist and architect, and drew all the architectural plans for Monticello.

He died on July 4, 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. His tomb is located in the family cemetery on the grounds of Monticello plantation.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum. It is the restored capital of Britain's largest, wealthiest, and most populous outpost in the New World. The site occupies 30 acres with hundreds of restored, reconstructed and historically furnished buildings. Costumed interpreters tell the stories of men and women of the 18th century city.

The court system was based on the English model with a House of Commons (locally elected) and House of Lords (official government representatives appointed from Great Britain).

Efforts have been made to preserve the original buildings to the extent possible.

The costumed interpreters are actually craftsmen in their respective trade and work their magic as they talk. This silversmith explained his craft as he worked on items using tools and techniques that were typical in the 18th century.
You can treat yourself like royalty by taking a ride in an elaborate carriage.


The workers stay "in character" when answering questions, explaining the different types of material and techniques used. They produced wigs from the simple to elaborate - all typical of what would be worn in the 18th century. Wigs were considered a sign of success (the Rolex watch of the time). Only about 15% of the population could afford a wig. Prices ranged from a weeks wages for a typical worker up to the equivalent of a year's salary for the average worker.

Only the wealthy could afford the "big wigs".


There are very nice folk art and a decorative arts museums, each displaying items from their own collections and items on loan from other institutions.