Craters of The Moon National Monument

Based on a recommendation from Mike and Donna we altered our route to Yellowstone to go by Craters of the Moon National Monument/Preserve in south-central Idaho. The name originated when it was thought that this is probably what the moon's surface looks like. Astronauts for the initial moon landing even came here to train. After their landing, it was decided that it "ain't necessarily so" but the monument kept the name anyway. The preserve is unique in that the lava came from numerous small volcanoes that "flowed" more than erupted. The lava-covered area is huge, covering about 600 square miles. Betty and I spent part of a day at the visitor's center and driving around the loop through the rugged landscape of the park.

Sequoia National Park (almost)

It was a bright sunny day as we left Viking RV Park in Kingsburg, CA on our way to Sequoia National Park. But then it began to snow - no problem, probably just a flurry...

And it continued to snow.

Thirty-three miles to Sequoia... no problem, it'll let up before we get there - after all it is April.

Hmm, doesn't seem to be letting up.

OK, time to admit defeat and head back down the hill.

We didn't get to see Sequoia Park, but the drive was pretty.

Las Vegas

Time to head west toward home with a short stop in Sin City.

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.