Maternity Photo Shoot

Photos taken by Kristin Gourley Photography

Big Girl

You'd expect us to be in full baby mode around here these days.  I'm currently 36+ weeks pregnant and Baby 2.0's arrival is highly anticipated.  However we are also playing up the big girl thing with Anna just to make sure she's comfortable with her "new" role when the baby gets here.

Allen and I gave Anna a new baby doll (sing with me -one that will open and shut her eyes!) and I made the new doll a bassinet complete with pillow and blanket as well as a Mei Tei.  Here's a picture of Anna and "Kayla" in the Mei Tei.  Kayla, as Anna has named her, sleeps with Anna, goes to the store with us, and is very "special" to Anna.  She tells people, "Mama and Daddy bought her for me so I can be a Mama."

Another big girl event was Anna's first real haircut.  I trimmed her hair at the beginning of the summer but I took her to a kid's salon this week for a "real" cut.  She got somewhere between a half inch to a full inch cut off and it was done so quick I only remember to take pictures when she was done!

Without Further Ado.....A complete Trip Blog

Click here for Pictures from Day 3 to the end of our trip

Day3: Drive to Zion National Park and sightsee/hike.  Night in Springdale, UT.  Miles logged - 120 in car. (including 1.1 miles in a tunnel!) Total = 2436

Our drive to Zion Park was uneventful – yay! We drove through miles and miles of nothing and there was no cell service to be had most of the way. The last leg of the morning drive was beautiful as we approached the boundary of the park. To get into the park from the east (as we did) you have to drive through a 1.1 mile tunnel straight through rock.  The tunnel even has windows for ventilation.  Anna loved the tunnel. She begged for more trips through the tunnel immediately and throughout the rest of the trip.  Actually even today she asks for tunnels. I, on the other hand, didn’t mind the tunnel necessarily but the windy roads before and after did me in and I enjoyed being car sick for most of the day.

Our trip in Zion started with a stop at the visitors center complete with an Anna meltdown.  I got a few ideas for hikes and we went back to the car to eat lunch and plan our afternoon and the next day. There is a section of the park that is only accessible by shuttle bus.  We decided to take the shuttle to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and hike the river walk. The shuttle bus is narrated on the way up canyon and quiet on the way down canyon.  We listened to the narration and learned about the history of the park, weather, rock formations, animal life, etc.  It was a nice replacement for the visitor center film we certainly did not see (if there was one.) The hike was nice and along the river.  We had our first wildlife sighting when we spotted a mule deer in the riverbed. The hike ends for us ended at the Virgin River however for the more adventurous the hike continues in the river along The Narrows.  The canyon walls are so close the river is the only thing between them. Anna loved our snack break at the river’s edge.  She enjoyed playing in the water, which was much warmer than I expected.

Once back on the bus we stopped at the Big Bend stop to take in the sites and observe the rock climbers. Teeny tiny specs on the face of the canyon wall.  We were told they were on day two of the climb – they sleep hanging out up there! Our next stop on the bus was at Weeping Rock, a short steep hike that ends under a rock ledge that weeps. It was fun to be under the rock looking out at the canyon floor while the water dripped in front of us.  Or as Anna experienced, on us.  We had no idea she was getting dripped on and she didn’t say a thing until I realized she was soaked.

Dinner was enjoyed on the patio of a local Mexican(ish) restaurant.  I say Mexicanish because there were lots of burgers on the menu too and Anna enjoyed French fries of course while we enjoyed a burrito and a taco salad.

Day4: Zion National Park hikes. Night in Springdale, UT. Miles logged - none Total =2436

Breakfast at our RV park/ hotel was great.  It was just a typical continental hot breakfast but the man working there offered to make milk free eggs for Anna.  For my girl, who loves eggs and only half understands why she can’t eat some eggs and can eat others, this was awesome.  (Thanks to Tripadvisor I knew this was a possibility at this hotel.) Also the bread, cinnamon rolls, and scones were freshly baked on site by the baker.

Our first order of business was a trip through the tunnel to get to the trailhead of Canyon Overlook Trail.  Anna was thrilled and wanted to go right back through instead of hike with us. This was one of the most adventurous hikes we took.  There were steep drop-offs, narrow narrow places in the trail, and a section that reminded me more of rickety scaffolding than a trail. Surprisingly even with my new found fear of heights, I survived. Anna seems to take after Allen and has no fear.  The view from the end of the trail was amazing.  We could even see some of the windows in the tunnel. Anna and I enjoyed a snack while Allen explored.  I’m so thankful I couldn’t see where he was because I might have had a heart attack. I’m glad Anna couldn’t see because she doesn’t need any encouragement.

Everyone was ready for (and in need of) a nap so we went back to the hotel to do just that.  Afterwards, we were ready to conquer the Emerald Pools Trail and continued on to The Grotto.  Nice trail, very empty, especially on the portion that went on to the Grotto. 

It was laundry night so we ordered pizza from a local place and ate in the laundry mat.  Very classy.

Day5: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park and sightsee. Night in Bryce Canyon City, UT. Miles logged - 87 in car.  Total = 2523

Another day, another tunnel ride.  This drive would be our last through the tunnel, something that Anna didn’t come to grips with for a while.  Bryce and Zion are close but the drive in between is windy, steep, and takes a lot longer than one would think. 

Once in Bryce Caynon National Park, I went into the visitor center alone while Allen made a PB&J sandwich for Anna. We decided that our hike would be the next morning and we took the scenic drive and stopped at numerous overlooks along the way.  Byrce, Rainbow, Natural Bridge, and Inspiration Point.  Many of the points required very little if any walking to see the canyon.  Inspiration Point did include a fairly steep hike but well worth it. 

My initial thought on Bryce Canyon was that it was underwhelming.  It is big and full of detail.  It was hard for me to really experience the beauty. This changed the next day when we ventured into the canyon.

Our afternoon at the hotel was packed.  We went to a local playground – probably the coolest playground we have ever been too. Dinner was next at our hotel, followed by a little grocery shopping (also at our hotel).  I can now say I’ve spent $5+ on a loaf of normal sandwich bread. We then tested out the hotel pool for a little.  I think the advertisement about a heated indoor pool was a little off. Brrr.

Day6: Sunrise in Bryce. Hike in Bryce. Drive to Arches National Park and sunset in Arches. Night in Moab, UT. Miles logged - 276 in car.  Total = 2799

The day started early – around 5:30. Anna fell asleep before we made it to Bryce Point so Allen enjoyed (& froze) the sunset from outside the car while I hung out in the car with the sleeping girl.  She woke up in time for Allen to be back at the car and ready to go on our hike.  It was the coldest morning on our trip – only 28° out!  On our way to the trail head Anna fell back asleep so we sat in the car eating breakfast and hoping the sun would at least raise the temp a few degrees.

We started our hike around 9 and it was still only 28°. We bundled up – Anna had two pairs of pants on, a sweat shirt, her coat, hat, and mittens.  This hike was amazing.  One of my favorites on the trip.  In Bryce you start at the top of the canyon and hike down (and back up) in Zion you start at the bottom (hike up and back down) so the beginning of our hike was the easy leg.  We started at Sunset Point, walked along the rim to Sunrise Point, and then started down into the canyon.  I had the camera for the first part of this hike and took a picture every five steps.  It was beautiful.  Every step. Every angle.  I was no longer underwhelmed by Bryce but amazed.  We walked through the Queens Garden and by Thors Hammer.  The last bit of this hike was crazy.  At least 10 ( I lost count) switchbacks. 100% worth it but crazy nonetheless.  We took some time to relax and have a second breakfast in the car when we were finished.  The rest of our day was spent driving to Arches National Park in Moab.  We planned on only going into the visitor center to make a plan for the next day but plans changed.  When we got the park brochure there was a section that listed what arches were best to view in the morning light and which were best to view in the afternoon light.  Of course we quickly scanned the afternoon list and got to it.   Dinner ended up being in the back of the car in between two arches.  The park itself was very interesting.  Lots of nothing and then beautiful massive arches out of nowhere. We went to Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and The Window Arches.  Town was crazy busy because of a car show starting the next day.  All of the sudden the astronomical price we had to pay for our hotel made more sense.


Day7: Hike in Arches National Park. Night in Moab, UT. Miles logged - none Total = 2799

After breakfast in the hotel we got our day started in the park.  There are lots of different arches but no hikes of any length.  In fact, some of the hikes listed are only 0.3 miles.  One of the most amazing things I have ever seen was the Double Arch in this park. Absolutely stunning. Definitely “the” moment of this trip.  We also took in the sights of Delicate Arch from the lower viewpoint.  We opted to not make the hike to the upper viewpoint because of the no shade warning and the description of scrambling over open rock face.  Scrambling for someone caring a toddler in a hiking back pack and a pregnant girl just didn’t seem to sound right.  Our only hike of any significance for the day started at the Devils Garden Trailhead.  A 1.6 mile hike with a few out and backs off the main trail which probably resulted in a 2+ mile hike in all.  Along the way to Landscape Arch, we saw Tunnel Arch and Pinetree Arch.  Pinetree Arch worth the detour, Tunnel Arch not so much.  Landscape Arch is a very thin arch that spans a distance greater than a football field.  The trail ends near the base of the arch and it is difficult to get it all in one shot with our lenses.  However, it is very impressive and totally worth the (at times) grueling hike.  Anna ended up sleeping on this hike.  Perhaps the beating sun and heat wore her out?  

Our next stop was the Sand Dune Arch.  This very short “hike” was through sand which Anna LOVED walking in.  Funny how a pair of sneakers can make all the difference to her when walking in the sand.  Take them away and she won’t move an inch.  With them, she will run all over the place. This arch was tucked away in between some fins.  There were some narrow places and we had to go single file.  Allen even got wedge in one place and had to back out before he could turn around.  In his defense, the camera bag plus water bottle was what got wedged.  He was skinny enough to fit.

Dinner was at a local Mexican place that we could walk to from the hotel.  Remember that car show I mentioned?  Yea, it was in full swing and traffic was nightmarish. Anyway, a little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant was just across the street and got great reviews especially from locals.  We were happy with our dinner and even got to play frogger across 5 lines of traffic!  Here is where I admit to a Mom of the year behavior – Anna had three PB&J sandwhiches this day.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Breakfast was because there wasn’t anything dairy free at the free hotel breakfast.  Lunch because we were in the park and that is what we all had.  Dinner because she did not want any of our dinner and asked for one when we arrived back at the hotel.  It was a great day for her in her mind!

Day8: Drive to Salt Lake City and Hogle Zoo. Night in route to CLT. Miles logged - 250 in car. 1727 in air. Total =  4776 (1133 car)

Our last day was spent traveling to SLC for our red eye flight back to CLT.  Our drive was uneventful aside from our short stop at a rest area that doubled as a tiny train museum.  We decided to check out the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City before dinner and our flight.  Um, so did everyone else in the city.  It was super crowded.  I’m still not sure how we found a spot to park.  Oh, yea – we circled the parking lot forever.  Because of our membership to the NC Zoo, we were able to get in to this zoo half price.  It was a great zoo with lots of construction going on so it is going to get even better.  We really enjoyed the giraffe exhibit and Anna loved being able to go into their barn and see them inside on both the ground and first floors. We closed down the zoo and then found some dinner.   On our way to the airport we stopped to get some gas in our rental car.  At the gas station Anna asked, “Is this where I sleep tonight?”  It was so sweet but also gave us a good idea how her little mind processed the whole trip.  Ha!  Our flight back home was all that you expect a red eye to be with a toddler.  Nah, it wasn’t that bad.  She didn’t sleep too terribly much but she didn’t fuss either.  Thankfully we had all day Sunday to recuperate when we got home. 

Thank you

To those serving and those who have served, we thank you.

 
 

Canyon Tour - Day 2

Day2: Grand Canyon National Park.  Night spent in Marble Canyon, AZ because the road was washed out and we couldn't get to Page, AZ. 

Miles logged - 185 in car.  Total = 2316

Sunday morning we ate a quick breakfast at the hotel, and got on the road to the Grand Canyon National Park.  We knew it can get crowded and wanted to beat the rush if there would be one in April.  Anna slept on the way to the park.  Early morning naps would become a common activity throughout the trip.  Once at the park, we quickly realized that visitor centers and Anna don’t mix.  Every one we went to on this trip included a meltdown of sorts for her.  So we would talk with the rangers for hiking ideas as quickly as possible and get the heck out of there.  And forget the free information movies! When I spoke with the ranger at GCNP about hiking along the rim, she about had a heart attack when I told her I was with my husband and two year old. She calmed down when I told her Anna would be in a framed hiking backpack – but the look on her face before that was priceless.  Apparently, she thought we’d let our toddler walk along the guardrail less rim without a care in the world.  Um, yea right.  I hardly let Allen walk near the edge.

 

Our first view of the canyon was from the popular Mather Point. Impressive to say the least.  When standing on the rim, I find it hard to even comprehend the scale of what I’m looking at because it is just so big. We took a few pictures and continued on. Our plan of attack was to then hop on the shuttle along Hermit Road and hike between some of the view points. We ended up hiking between Powell Point, Hopi Point, and The Abyss. Anna finally fell asleep between Hopi Point and The Abyss and took a quick nap in the backpack while we hiked. We took a break at Hermits Rest and then hopped the shuttle to ride back to her car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way out of the park we stopped at the castle, um I mean Desert View Watchtower.  We got Anna to call it a tower one or two times but she’s pretty sure it is a castle so that’s what she called it. From the watchtower you can see the Painted Desert to the East and the Canyon to the West. On the inside the two lower levels of the tower are decorated with Native American artwork and replications while the top level has many windows for a panoramic view. The views were exceptional, although, Anna was more impressed with the tower stairs.  

 

Our night was supposed to be spent in Page, AZ but by chance we found out that there was a rock slide on I89 and we would need to detour over two hours out of our way to get there.  We are so thankful we figured this out before we saw the signs. We canceled our hotel in Page (bummer because this was a free night on Marriott points) and made a new reservation in a small (teeny tiny) town called Marble Canyon. Our hotel motel had the only restaurant in town and so that made our dinner choice easy.  Surprisingly, dinner was great and the motel was clean and that’s all we really needed. Personally, I was impressed by the fringe hanging off the lampshade. ;) I mean you don’t see that every day.

Up next -- Day3: Drive to Zion National Park and sightsee/hike.  Night in Springdale, UT.  Miles logged - 120 in car. (including 1.1 miles in a tunnel!) Total = 2436


Canyon Tour - Day 1

Day1: Flight out to Vegas and Hoover Dam. Night in Williams, AZ on Route 66.

Miles logged - 1916 in air. 215 in car. Total = 2131

Anna was thrilled to be going on an airplane with Daddy instead of Daddy going on a work trip without us. So thrilled in fact that she fell asleep in the car on the way to the airport! She woke up and was a trooper on the airport parking shuttle, through security, and waiting to board.  She was pretty content to read on the plane or look out the window until we were able to turn electronics on.   She chilled out watching a movie for awhile and of course there was some snacking.

 

We landed in Las Vegas, and she immediately told us she wanted some chicken nuggets from the chicken nugget place.  Unfortunately, there is only one chicken nugget place for her with her dairy allergy – McDonalds.  We picked up our bags, our rental car, and headed out of the airport to find lunch.  We had Chipotle, and tried our best to entice her with yummy burrito goodness but to no avail.  So we picked up chicken nuggets on the way out of Vegas for her to munch on in the car.

Traveling with a fully potty trained toddler is not something we had experienced yet.  We’ve done short trips including spring break earlier this month but this trip we would be on the go the whole time.  We decided to use pull ups for a little extra protection, just in case.  Turns out – we didn’t need it.  She did great.  She told us when she had to go, and she often gave us enough warning to find her a bathroom.  She even rocked the pit toilets in the parks and a straight up outhouse here and there. Oh – and don’t forget the airplane potties. She certainly didn’t on the return flight when she insisted that she needed to use it during boarding….

Standing on the old bridge looking towards the new bridge

 

Where all the magic happens

 

The Hoover Dam

 

We got to the Hoover Dam shortly before it closed but we were just going to walk around to take some pictures so closing time didn’t matter to us.  Especially since we had just stopped at a gas station for a potty break (see previous paragraph for explanation). We parked in the free lot,“hiked” down to the bridge, crossed over from the Arizona side to the Nevada side, and back again.  There were a ton of cool photo ops in the reflections on the water of Lake Mead. I might have taken a few pictures.


 

 

Nevada Side

Lake Mead

 

 

 

Half way point on the bridge

 

Arizona side

 

After our exploration of the dam – we got Anna to say “Wow, that’s a big Dam!” a few times for our entertainment.  Luckily, the word didn’t stick.  We then started our drive towards Williams, AZ where we would spend the night on Route 66.  When we pulled into the small town, I felt like we were in Radiator Springs from Cars. We looked for Lightning McQueen and his buddies but didn’t find them.  Good thin Anna was asleep. ;) Our hotel was nice and we’d easily recommend it to friends. The next morning on our way out of town, both Allen and I commented on the opportunity  we missed the night before to take some pictures of the neon lights on the main drag. Next time.

Up next Day2: Grand Canyon National Park.  Night spent in Marble Canyon, AZ because the road was washed out and we couldn't get to Page, AZ.  Miles logged - 185 in car.  Total = 2316

 

Canyon Tour

We are home after 8 days, 3 states, 4 National Parks, 1 dam, 1 zoo, at least 20 miles hiked, and over 2000 pictures taken. (2222 to be exact) Awesome, awesome trip.

Day1: Flight out to Vegas and Hoover Dam. Night in Williams, AZ on Route 66. Miles logged - 1916 in air. 215 in car. Total = 2131


Checking out the Hoover Dam.

Day2: Grand Canyon National Park.  Night spent in Marble Canyon, AZ because the road was washed out and we couldn't get to Page, AZ.  Miles logged - 185 in car.  Total = 2316


On the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Day3: Drive to Zion National Park and sightsee/hike.  Night in Springdale, UT.  Miles logged - 120 in car. (including 1.1 miles in a tunnel!) Total = 2436

Day4: Zion National Park hikes. Night in Springdale, UT. Miles logged - none Total =2436

Day5: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park and sightsee. Night in Bryce Canyon City, UT. Miles logged - 87 in car.  Total = 2523

Day6: Sunrise in Bryce. Hike in Bryce. Drive to Arches National Park and sunset in Arches. Night in Moab, UT. Miles logged - 276 in car.  Total = 2799


Queen's Garden Hike in Bryce.

Day7: Hike in Arches National Park. Night in Moab, UT. Miles logged - none Total = 2799

Day8: Drive to Salt Lake City and Hogle Zoo. Night in route to CLT. Miles logged - 250 in car. 1727 in air. Total =  4776 (1133 car)

Pictures and daily details to follow.



Watchtower at the Grand Canyon.

Spring break is for the birds

Here are a few pics from our annual TN trip with Allen's family.  One of our highlights was visiting a bird sanctuary/zoo. 

Anna was in heaven with all the parrots.

Being brave.

 

Cousins with Gram.

 

One of the birds "bit" Anna so she was a little bit more reserved towards the end of trip.
Here she is using her cousin as extra protection between her and a caged bird.

Swimming all by herself.