Maybe in Oz

While in Utah we took a day trip to Timpanogos Cave with Phil's sister and brother in law.  It was a couple hours' drive from Park City through a scenic mountain pass.  They limit the number of people through the caves, so we had to book a time slot in advance to make sure we were able to see them.  The time slot is when they let you start the steep hike up to the top of the mountain where the caves are.  It was a very warm hike, but we enjoyed the beautiful rugged scenery along the way.   American Forks Canyon Switch backs up the mountains Halfway up the trail Koen, Amber, and Colby - Team Blue! View down the canyon It took us about 40 minutes to get to the top, where we waited for our turn inside.  Our guide led the group of 16 into the first of three caves and gave us some history of how they were discovered by some locals.  Unfortunately a lot of the stalactites and stalagmites had been removed from the cave many years ago and ...

We decided to check out Utah Olympic Park while we were in Park City.  We thought it would be a fun stop for a couple hours but ended up there almost the entire day.   When we first got there some athletes were practicing their jumps into the pool.  It was really neat to see how they ski down rollers without all the snow.  When they are ready to jump, a jet starts up and creates bubbles in the water to soften the blow.  We got to see athletes of all different levels, from tiny kids just starting out to people doing several spins and flips. The Ski Jump Practice  Then we explored the museum a bit.  The bobsled caught my eye, and I decided we needed to try it.  It's not often you get the chance to ride down the Olympic Bobsled course!  We signed up, but it didn't start until 1 so we figured we better get some lunch so it had a chance to settle before that excitement.  Amy, Michal, and Elan on the bobsled Jamie and I on ...

We flew into Salt Lake City and drove out to Park City, where we spent the next few days.  Phil's sisters and their families came out from Mississippi and Wyoming and our friends came out from Seattle and Denver to visit.  Our friends Michal, Amy, and Elan from Seattle Saturday afternoon we had a family reunion and picnic at a park.  I got to meet a lot of Phil's extended family and he got to catch up with family he hadn't seen in a decade.  It was great to hang out and see everyone. Phil, his younger sister, and her baby girl The Guymon-Richardson clan After the picnic we had Christmas in July with the family.  The kids enjoyed their Aussie rules footies and koala hats and Phil gave his parents a frame with his Ironman race medal from when his parents ams to visit.  We then had a chance to see our friends some more over dinner. Phil and his parents The kids with their Aussie pressies On Sunday we took advantage of having the ...