December 25, 2021

Christmas Eve in Disneyland

This entire trip is a dream, but getting to surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland on Christmas Eve was a highlight of my life.

Walking from our hotel to the entrance Emmy somewhere guessed but we had the cover of the stroller down because it was raining. It was so so fun to see how excited they were when they realized what we were doing.

It was a little rainy in the morning but it didn’t dampen the fun at all.

The decorations are just magical at Christmas time!

We tried to be as Covid safe as we could, we were only inside for rides. We ate outside and wore our masks whenever it felt crowded.

Because this was our first time visiting Disneyland at Christmas and we only had one day we prioritized holiday events rather than riding every single ride. We loved the Christmas parade and Small World Holiday, each room had a different smell!

We enjoyed the fireworks, while Emmy fell asleep in the stroller. It was so loud but we put the cover down and she slept through all of it.

We had so much fun being together and just taking in the beauty of the park at Christmas time.

This was a dream come true for me.

December 24, 2021

Christmas Cactus – Day Five – Quartzsite -> Anaheim

We spent our fifth day of the trip driving from Quartzsite Arizona to Anaheim California.

Quartzsite got us really excited for the second half of our trip exploring southern Arizona.

We made a quick stop in Palm Springs.

Cannon is wearing his Jr. Ranger badge and I LOVE it.

Grabbed a few things we needed for the next few days. Then drove into a storm.

It rained over two inches and there were flood warnings near where we were going. Luckily we made it safely but there were some intense moments.

We ditched the camper in the hotel parking lot and enjoyed a little more space for our Christmas holiday.

The kids didn’t know that we were taking them to Disneyland the next day and I couldn’t wait to surprise them.

**Emmy calls Hotels “Show-Tells” and I never ever want to forget it {love}

December 23, 2021

Christmas Cactus – Day Four – Sedona

Our day in Sedona was cut a little short when we needed to make a quick repair on our trailer in the morning.

We still were able to fit in an amazing hike just outside of town.

The rocks were so beautiful and we loved the scenery! We would have liked to have hikes Devil’s Bridge but we didn’t have time.

SOURCE and information about the hike.

We also drove though town and we agreed that Sedona was likely the most scenic town we have ever seen, maybe tied with Lauterbrunnen.

We are already planning a trip back for more time in Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

December 22, 2021

CHRISTMAS CACTUS – DAY Three – Petrified Forest National Park

On our drive west from Santa Fe to Sedona we stopped at Petrified Forest National Park. It was such an interesting area to visit.

We did a few short hikes and got to see so much petrified wood.

We learned a lot about how petrified wood is formed and why there is so much in this area.

The visitors centers were nice and informative. While we would have loved more time to explore I don’t think you need more than half a day to see this park.

We only spent a few hours exploring because we needed to drive further west to get to our campsite in Sedona.

Christmas Cactus Trip Links:

Christmas Cactus – Day One

Christmas Cactus – Day Two – Santa Fe

Christmas Cactus – Day Three – Petrified Forest National Park

Christmas Cactus – Day Four – Sedona

Christmas Cactus – Day Five – Quartzsite -> Anaheim

Christmas Cactus – Day Six – Christmas Eve in Disneyland

Christmas Cactus – Day Seven – Christmas Day in Disney’s California Adventure

Christmas Cactus – Day Eight – Anaheim -> Joshua Tree

Christmas Cactus – Day Nine – Joshua Tree National Park

Christmas Cactus – Day Ten – Sonoran Desert National Monument

Christmas Cactus – Day Eleven – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Christmas Cactus – Day Twelve – Saguaro National Park

Christmas Cactus – Day Thirteen – Tucson -> Albuquerque + New Years Eve

Christmas Cactus – Day Fourteen – Albuquerque

Christmas Cactus – Day Fifteen – Home!

December 21, 2021

Christmas Cactus – Day Two – Santa Fe

When we woke up on day two ready to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico. A giant coffee to got the day rolling.

and drove south to Bandelier National Monument.

This park is so amazing with so much history.

You can climb into the “cliff dwellings” and learn what life was like for the people living here. It was really fun to explore with the kids.

After our visit we went back to Santa Fe for lunch. I love that art is incorporated all over the city.

We stopped at Pig and Fig for lunch, the food was amazing.

After lunch we drove over to old town Santa Fe and parked at Fort Marcy Park.

I really love how unique Santa Fe is.

We loved our visit and wished we had more time but our tour of the southwest was taking us west.

Christmas Cactus Trip Links:

Christmas Cactus – Day One

Christmas Cactus – Day Two – Santa Fe

Christmas Cactus – Day Three – Petrified Forest National Park

Christmas Cactus – Day Four – Sedona

Christmas Cactus – Day Five – Quartzsite -> Anaheim

Christmas Cactus – Day Six – Christmas Eve in Disneyland

Christmas Cactus – Day Seven – Christmas Day in Disney’s California Adventure

Christmas Cactus – Day Eight – Anaheim -> Joshua Tree

Christmas Cactus – Day Nine – Joshua Tree National Park

Christmas Cactus – Day Ten – Sonoran Desert National Monument

Christmas Cactus – Day Eleven – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Christmas Cactus – Day Twelve – Saguaro National Park

Christmas Cactus – Day Thirteen – Tucson -> Albuquerque + New Years Eve

Christmas Cactus – Day Fourteen – Albuquerque

Christmas Cactus – Day Fifteen – Home!

March 28, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break– Day 8 – Fruita Colorado

One more fun stop before our trip leads up home in Fruita Colorado.

This has quickly become one of favorite places to camp because it is so beautiful and it is right off I-70 on our way west.

Cory and I agreed that we would like to come back for a running/cycling weekend sometime soon before it gets too hot. The kids loved it here and didn’t want to leave!

We spent the morning packing up the trailer for the drive home. Then hiked the Trail Through Time, which was just below our campsite.

The Trail Through Time was a really fun 1.75 mile loop that had lots of interpretive signs describing what things were like in the Jurassic period.

There were also Dinosaur Fossils along the trail. It was so fun to learn and explore with the kids who both really love dinosaurs.

There is a cute little dinosaur museum in Fruita that we would love to go to in the future as well.

After our hike it was time to head home and while we all were a little sad that our adventure was over we were also excited to get home and enjoy some comforts!

Trip Posts:

DAY 1- TRAVEL DAY FRUITA CO

DAY 2 – MOAB

DAY 3 – ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

DAY 4 – CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

DAY 5 – TRAVEL DAY TORREY UTAH

DAY 6 – CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

DAY 7 – GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

DAY 8 – FRUITA COLORADO

March 27, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break – Day 7 – Goblin Valley State Park

While we were disappointed in not getting to see Bryce Canyon we had the best time exploring Goblin Valley State Park.

The goblins or hoodoos are so interesting and the exploring them was lots of fun.

It was like a big playground for the kids, they could have stayed there all day!

If you are ever in the Moab area this is a great stop if you have time. There is lots of camping in the area!

Trip Posts:

DAY 1- TRAVEL DAY FRUITA CO

DAY 2 – MOAB

DAY 3 – ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

DAY 4 – CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

DAY 5 – TRAVEL DAY TORREY UTAH

DAY 6 – CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

DAY 7 – GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

DAY 8 – FRUITA COLORADO

March 25, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break – Day 5 – Travel Day Torrey Utah

Before leaving the Moab area we wanted to get one more hike in. We traveled back into Canyonlands National Park to hike the Whale Rock Trail. It was recommended for the views and kids tend to love it as you get to climb up a bunch of slick rock.

It was a very beautiful hike.

There were some steep sections and if you are afraid of heights this one might not be for you. The views were amazing and the hike was fun! It was also so nice to get moving and some energy out before our dive.

Luckily it’s only a little over two hours between Moab and Torrey where we are staying for the evening and the drive was very pretty.

We took time to go grocery shopping and do a little laundry.

The view from our site was pretty great!

Just one night here before moving on. This was our only night in an RV park with water, electric and hookups. While the views were good we very much prefer camping off grid! We are still learning what we need and don’t need for traveling with the trailer.

Trip Posts:

DAY 1- TRAVEL DAY FRUITA CO

DAY 2 – MOAB

DAY 3 – ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

DAY 4 – CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

DAY 5 – TRAVEL DAY TORREY UTAH

DAY 6 – CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK

DAY 7 – GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

DAY 8 – FRUITA COLORADO

March 24, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break- Day 4 – Canyonlands National Park

Of all the times we have been to Moab over the years we have never visited Canyonlands National Park.

I can’t believe we have never made it into this park before, but it was so exciting exploring it with the kids for the first time.

The views here are incredible and photos will never do it justice!

I loved all the cliff side views and kid friendly hikes.

We visited the famous Mesa Arch

This was the most crowded part of the trip and the arch was awesome to see. I was a little worried with two wild little kids and giant drop offs into the canyon but it was all okay.