Utah, Mormons and Las Vegas...

Utah was beautiful and filled with many Mormons. The Protestants need to get it in gear in that state. We camped in the middle of no where in Dixie National Forrest. Free of course since we were dry camping. From there we went to Bryce Canyon National Park and did a bit of site seeing and then visited Zion National Park the following day.

During that time our air conditioning on the Expedition went out. This wasn't terrible at the time because the temperatures at 8000 ft of elevation are really pretty nice. Next on our trip however: Death Valley. Not wanting to die, we decided to get our AC fixed ASAP. We are now just headed out of Las Vegas where we got our Expi fixed at a Ford dealership. We actually tried to get it fixed while we were still in Utah but the shop we went to had just opened two weeks prior an their inexperience was brought to light $700 later... It was frustrating, but we are on our way now. We are skipping Death Valley to try to keep on schedule and heading straight to San Francisco from here.

On a side note I (Annie) don't really care for Las Vegas. We walked around downtown a little bit with the kids and it just seemed rather awkward. Who bring their kids with them to Las Vegas? We did. However, anyone who brings kids old enough to read might have some explaining to do. "Why do all those people have shirts on that say 'Girls to you in less than 20 minutes!'" There are good people among them, but Las Vegas seems to be to epitome of self indulgence, self gratification and... I can't think of another word to better describe the city than this : empty.

We have had some unexpected mechanical expenses, but are still enjoying this time that God has set aside for us to spend together as a family. I will post some pictures below of Zion, Bryce and some other places along that route.