EVEN Years Christmas Vacation

Big Thanks!!!

2009-02-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

I will add my thanks to the many others. I think there should be a big BRAVO to Alison who got the blog going, organized, planned, revised (even on the spot), and kept us well fed. You did a lot of work on our behalf. Thanks mom and dad for letting us crash at your house. I never thought I'd see the day that my kids would be out of bed and dressed before grandad. It was great to see everyone. We made some great memories. When my kids tell my parents about Christmas they barely mention the amusement parks. What they really remember is going to Death Valley National Park. They really enjoyed that time together. What a memorable Christmas thanks to all of you! We love you all! ~Amber

i love you guys!

2009-01-11T22:11:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone for a really great vacation. I had a ton of fun hanging out with everyone and seeing you all. It makes me wish even more that we had more family closer. (Spencer, go for the UTAH job next!!!!) I love all of you and being together with everyone makes me miss you all even more now that everyone's back home. Thanks again for a great Christmas!

Great Time

2009-01-01T12:54:00.001-08:00

We had a great time at Christmas with everyone! Thanks for everything. I hope we get a chance to do something like it again. --Dad

Thanks

2008-12-31T08:40:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone for such a memorable Christmas. We had a great time and enjoyed everyone's company. I feel very blessed to be part of such a wonderful family. Thank you for all the effort that went into making it so great.

Campground More

2008-12-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

I talked with Furnace Creek Campground. They said they and the other campgrounds are very busy during Christmas and New Years, but arriving the day before Christmas should allow us to get to a good site at all but her campground. She said Emigrant and Wildrose are cold because of their elevation. Much warmer at sea level.

Stovepipe Wells has fire pits, flush toilets, tables and water, and is at sea level. But it is 8 miles further to the trail head.

No reservations are taken so it is still first come first serve. --Dad

CAMPGROUND

2008-12-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Dad, do you know anything about Wild Rose Campground? I talked to Death Valley and they said you ARE allowed to have fires there. It's only about a five mile drive from the trailhead to Telescope Peak, so it would still be accessible for those. Any thoughts? I'd rather be able to have a fire on Christmas Eve, myself. What do you guys think? Sp, I know you were really pushing for Emigrant...?

STOCKINGS.

2008-12-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Everyone should have received a stocking assignment by now. if you have not received one, let me know. ASAP

AMUSEMENT PARK

2008-12-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

Are all the big kids good with SixFlags? Are Mom and Dad willing to go on rides with the little kids? If not, I'll volunteer to go to Disneyland. No biggie. Please leave a comment if you want to go to Six Flags; we may be able to get some discounted tix if we do it ahead of time/online, etc.

FOOD: Death Valley

2008-12-12T14:33:00.001-08:00

Has anyone put any thought into food while we're at Death Valley? It seems like it would be easiest to have one person/group in charge of all of the food. Does anyone have any particular feelings on this?

TOTALS DUE:

2008-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

For Comfort Inn: Los Angeles
Pay to Spencer (or send a check to M&D made out to Spencer)
Mom & Dad $270
Chad & Alison $80
Jill $27
Ty $27

For KOA: San Diego
Pay to Mom and Dad
Spencer & Fam $150
Chad & Alison $50
Jill $50
Ty $50

This amount should cover all of your accomodations. (Right? This covers all nights, right?)

Gabriel apt

2008-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Amber and Spencer-- Just in case you see this, call Wayne re Gabriel's appointment, or check your email. --Dad

Comfort Inn Reservation

2008-12-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Spencer-- We cancelled the reservation in our name. Now there are two rooms in your name, one suite for all, and one single room for W and V and luggage.

Pics

2008-12-11T10:54:00.001-08:00

Jill-- We posted a bunch of pictures on our blog, http://pic48.blogspot.com/. Can you download them? Or is it better to email them to you?

Comfort Inn

2008-12-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, here's the plan. I tried to use my points to get a discounted rate, but they wouldn't give me one. Then I tried to use my points to get free nights, but they wouldn't let me do that either. But they did let me use my points to get three free nights for Dad's room (non-smoking two queens). So here's the plan:
1.) Dad cancels his reservation, since I have already paid for Dad's and Mom's room.
2.) Dad's cost was about $270. Since it's now free to him, Dad can give me $270.
3.) That makes the cost of my room about ($550-$270)$280. However, I have already paid $40 (I had to buy extra points so that I would have enough to cover Dad's room) for the room (plus I pitched in all the points, which I do because I'm a good guy, and a lot of them were about to expire at the end of the year), so the total cost for my room is $320. Since nine people are staying in it, it should be about $35/person.
4.) Unfortunately, there are only six beds, so three people don't get a bed. So I'm proposing that we charge a lower rate if you don't get a bed. (This seems only fair. After all, I wouldn't pay full price for a hotel room without a bed. Also, if the hotel finds out there are nine people in the room, and they throw three people out, the three people without beds have to sleep in the car.) So, I think that we should have six people pay $40 and three people pay $27.
5.) I'm signing me and Amber up for a bed. Everyone else can post in the comments and call a "bed" or "no bed" price. My kids will take what's over.
6.) Also, since I have contributed my points with no remuneration, I think that it's only fair that 1.) my kids don't sleep in my room and 2.) I control the tv in my room. There should be two tvs, so you don't have to watch what I watch. (This rule mostly applies to Amber).
7.) This time I hope you're reading, Amber.

P.S. In God We Trust, All other must pay cash in advance.

Telescope Peak

2008-12-02T12:13:00.001-08:00

Still dry up on Telescope Peak...The road from the kilns is open and is forcast to remain open through the year.

New Years Party in Kaysville

2008-11-29T10:00:00.001-08:00

Uncle Gary in Kaysville posted this message on the
Myfamily.com website:

We reserved our church in Kaysville for January 1st
at 3pm for a family party. (we may be able to get
it earlier)   we hope all of you can
come.   Don't know what we're doing,
but the Activity planner and
coordinator will let us know.   Course I don't know
who that is either.   I was just told to post this
so you could get it on your calendars."

Anybody interested in going?  If so, they would like
you to let Gary know via the myfamily.com website.
--W

Christmas Stockings

2008-11-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

V/W may have extra stockings in the Christmas boxes. We'll check and let you know. No use buying something you just have to leave here to take back with you.

Bowl game

2008-11-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

fyi ... now that UofU will win the conference, strong tradition says BYU will play in the Las Vegas bowl on Dec 20, game time at 5 pm pst. Nothing official till 12/7. BYU will receive 12,000 tickets to sell, although right now the only tickets generally available are the $100 tickets, the best in the house, and $20 tickets, the worst in the house.

Hiking

2008-11-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the same thing about hiking. I'm not sure how far it is from the campground to the trail head, but if we can be on the trail by 6 that would be great. It sounds like it should take 7-8 hours depending on snow depth and whether or not the road is closed at the kilns (add another 2-3 hours. There are storms rolling over the area this weekend. They are expected to last a couple of days and then warm back up a little bit. Still no reports of snow on the peaks, but that can change in no time.

2008-11-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

I have a price for the Comfort Inn, which is aboug $170 per night. But since I am (almost) a gold member, I can get a discount and/or use some points, so I won't know until just a few weeks ahead of time, when I can finalize my rate.

Ty, the hike up the mountain is about 15 miles round trip, and you may have to carry about 20 lbs of gear. Also, because of the altitude, we will have to move fast to get up and down, so think about if you really want to come.

I didn't have any other amusement park in mind. I think that Jill said that Great America or something was good.

Emmigrant Campground doesn't take reservations, but I think that it won't be a problem, given that we're there on the holidy, and that we're at one of the more remote sites (and that there's no running water).

KOA and Motel costs

2008-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

KOA--

We have paid for two cabins @ $75 each for the first night (12/28). The second night will be paid when we arrive. The cost is high due to the location and season, according to the managers. Each cabin has two rooms, one with a queen mattress, the second room with four twin beds (two bunk beds).

We assumed that that S/A and KGR would stay in one cabin and everyone else in the second cabin.

If that is the case, the cost to split in the multi-family cabin would be $150/6, or $25 per person for two nights.

COMFORT INN at LA--

We assume everyone (less W and V) will be staying in the suite that S has reserved for 12/25-12/27, three nights. He will have to tell us how to spilt the costs. When we made our reservation, they were quoting $110 to $140 plus tax for rooms.

We reserved a single room at the same motel for the two of us.

Travel time ABQ to Death Valley

2008-11-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

Sp--

Drive time from our home (based on our 2 recent trips):
1) R R to Flagstaff is about 6-6.5 hours;
2) Flagstaff to L V is about 4-5 hours depending on traffic jams at Hoover Dam.
3) L V to Death Valley is about 2.5 hours
4) Death Valley to Emigrant Campground is about 1.5 hours.

We travel a little slower than C and A but there is congestion from tourists driving over Hoover Dam, and lots of road construction on the road leaving LV for Death Valley. Unsure whether K/B/R need pit stops more than W and V.

Emigrant Campground Facilities

2008-11-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

fyi ... according to the National Park Service website this campground is a tent-only campground with 10 sites. There is no fee. Water, tables, and flush toilets are available, BUT no showers or fire-pits. So we won't have heat or light from a bonfire on Christmas Eve.

What is the earliest anyone expects to arrive at Death Valley? They do not accept reservations; it's first-come first-serve.

Disney Alternate

2008-11-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

While Wayne and Vickie are taking Gabriel and Rachel on the Disney trip, where are the big kids going on the big kids ride that Spencer is referring to taking Kimberly?

2008-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ummm,
Apparently I forgot to check the blog for a few weeks.

Alison, can we re-do the stockings and include the kids? I think that they would like to participate.

Kimberly does not want to go to Disneyland. She's ready to go on the big rides with the big kids. I told her if she started crying it was too bad, she was just going to have to cry the whole day on rides, and she said okay.

I am not planning on being gone all of Christmas Eve. I'm planning to start moving before 6AM, and then be back at a reasonable hour.

Weather Report

2008-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

The high temperature in Death Valley today was 83 degrees. The low was 50. It sounds like it will be slowly cooling off over the next week or so. December highs average around 65 degrees, lows in the upper 30's.

For those summiting Telescope Peak (Spencer) there is no snow on the trail yet. The extended forcast is calling for rain in the lower elevations next week. (probably some snow in the upper elevations). Temps are taken at the visitor center and furnace creek campground. Subtract 2-3 degrees per 1000 feet of elevation gained (means we need to subtract 20-30 degrees for summit temps).

Here is the link to weather if anyone is interested. http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USCA0286

or you can call 760-786-3200

STOCKING EXCHANGE

2008-11-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here as I type with eight little pieces of paper and will draw names as I'm writing this. Look for an email that will tell you who to fill a stocking for. I will be the only one who knows who everyone has. (I just decided that!) But if you don't like that idea, just let me know and I'll post them.

CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE: We're not really doing it.

2008-11-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is the concensus. Let's not do a gift exchange since folks will be shelling out the bucks already to come on this little el-trippo. Instead, let's exchange stockings. These are the rules:

1. Everyone brings their own stockings.
2. Sp & Am remain responsible for their own kids stockings.
3. Every adult will be responsible for filling the stocking of one other adult.
4. The price range on this is 15 dollars. Please stay in this range.
5. Please come to Death Valley prepared. Please do not try to pass off pine needles and sand as filling a stocking.

If you are interested in doing gifts for others, that's up to you, but not expected. If you DO decide to do gifts, please keep in mind size constraints. Anything you give should still be small enough to fit into a stocking. (Think 2 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches. ISH.)

Telescope Peak

2008-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

It sounds like a lot can change depending on weather, but here is the low-down on Telescope Peak. The trail head starts about three miles above the kilns. During a wet year, the road above the kilns may be closed due to mud or snow. From the maps and descriptions that I have read, the trail seems relatively easy. After leaving the trees, the trail follows a ridge to telescope peak. The most technical part of the trail is last mile or so to the summit. (This is where crampons and axes may be needed). I have maps, gps, ropes, harnesses, backpackes, winter gear, etc. I know that we can rent axes at SUU, but we may have to buy crampons and try to sell them later (most stores do not accept returns on climbing/mountaineering equipment). The following website has some information about the hike. http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/tscope.htm I am going to call the rangers today and find out what the conditions are currently, and will post some update periodically.

CHRISTMAS EVE: my ideas

2008-11-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

I was thinking that on christmas eve while sp and ch are out hiking, we could do maybe some little hikes around with the kids, maybe go out to the sand dunes...

Dad, do you still have a Santa outfit? It might be cute to have pictures of the kids with Santa...in the sand...?!? Too lame? Just an idea.

Then I was thinking we could try to do some regular Christmas stuff...do you think we'll be able to find ONE tree out there to decorate? If not, maybe me and Chad could bring a smallish one on the top of our car... I was thinking we could do some old-fashionedy tree decorating stuff (make some paper chains, some popcorn chains - any other ideas for easy outdoor decorating?) I ws going to try and look for some battery operated Christmas lights for the tree, too.

I thought maybe us and Mom could both make some sugar cookies and freeze them and then bring them out while we're down there and decorate them, just bring some store bought icings and decorations.

Is anyone planning on any kind of gifts for Christmas morning? It might be good for us to be all on the same page with that, just so we know what to expect....Spencer, are your kids planning on "Santa" coming? Stockings and the whole bit? If not, maybe we could each be assigned one other person and be in charge of their stocking...? (This would involve a little pre-planning so we can make sure we've got some stuff and then we could make some other stuff...)

I also thought about something we could do with kind of a postcard/christmas card thing? where each person gets one with something nice written by each other person, and then we'll mail them to ourselves, so it's kind of like a souvenir/reminder of our Christmas in the desert that we get later? Too dumb?

Does anyone remember any Christmas activities that Little House on the Prairie did that might be fun? I just figured we could kind of do some of this stuff throughout the day, until Sp & Ch get back...

I thought it might be fun to plan a big dinner that we can cook outdoors, but I'm not sure how feasible that is...?

Then in the nighttime, we can turn on the christmas lights (if I can find them) and sit around the fire and listen to Christmas music/ sing Christmas songs, and then read the Christmas story (and dress up if Mom and Dad have enough room to pack the costumes).

And then go to bed.

These are just some ideas and I promise I won't be offended if someone thinks they sound lame. I'm just thinking it would be fun to still be able to do Christmas stuff, so it doesn't feel like we just skipped over it because we were out there. So give me feedback on this.

Christmas Celebration

2008-11-03T16:53:00.001-08:00

Does anyone have any thoughts on Christmas related activities? Especially on Christmas Eve. If Spencer is out in the hills on that night maybe we should do something on another night.

Spencer and Amber: What would you like to do with Kimberly, Gabriel and Rachel regarding Christmas Eve, gifts, or other related activities?

--Dad and Mom

KOA Campground

2008-11-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

We have two cabins reserved in San Diego. One for S/A and kids, the other for Wayne and Vickie, Chad and Alison, Jill and Ty. Each cabin has two rooms, one room with a queen bed and the second room with two bunk beds (sleeping four).

--Dad and Mom

Disneyland

2008-11-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

Wayne and Vickie plan to take the little ones to Disneyland while in LA, pending their parents approval :)

Everyone else is invited.

Reservations

2008-11-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

The schedule looks good to us. I don't know if we need reservations at Emigrant Campground? I'll call about it tomorrow.

--Dad and Mom

"Official" Itinerary

2008-10-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's the plan:
On Christmas Eve, I am going up Telescope Peak (with Chad, I think).

We will sleep at Emigrant Campground on Christmas Eve, eat and hike around on Christmas Day, and then drive to LA.

We will stay in Main Gate Comfort Inn on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. I have a reservation for a two room suite, with two queens in one room and a two bunk beds in the other room. I think that we can all crowd in there (especially since we'll have our sleeping pads, but if we want to get a second room, there's still a few available).

On Friday we will go to Cabrillo Whale Watch and maybe do something else.

On Saturday we will go to Disneyland/some other amusement park (depending on your personal preference or familial obligations).

Then on Sunday we will drive by the LA temple, go to church (optional or mandatory?), and drive to SD. Dad has reserved two KOA campground cabins (right?) for Sunday night and Monday night.

On Monday we will go to Seaworld.

On Tuesday the Nigeria Coxes will drive back to Utah, and stay there until we fly back home.

We're sort of limited on what we change now that reservations are filling up, but I think that we can still make changes within the constraints of our reservations.

Two possible itineraries

2008-10-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Option 1
What if we drove to SD on Christmas, then went to Seaworld on Friday/Saturday. Then on Sunday, we tried to go to church/drove to LA/went on whalewatch (with the higher ticket prices)/drove by the temple, then went to an amusement park on Monday, then drove to UT on Tuesday.

Option 2
Or, we can go to LA on Christmas, then go on on the whalewatch on Friday (with the cheaper tix), then go to an amusement park on Saturday, then on Sunday go to church, stop by the temple, and drive to SD. Then we could hit Seaworld on Monday, then drive to UT on Tuesday.

You have to vote to Option 1 or 2. (If you're just going to say that you'll go along with the majority, don't bother to vote, because you are going to have to go along with the majority if you want to go. Also, if you're going to be like Dad and beat around the bush, well, nevermind.)

S

Cabrillo Aquarium Whale Watch

2008-10-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

There's is a whale watch cruise that's part of the Cabrillo Aquarium that leaves from Redondo Beach daily. The cruise lasts two-three and a half hours and leaves at 10 and 1:30. Redondo Beach is close to LA. It would cost $8/person on a weekday and $20/person on a weekend.

I was thinking that this would be a good half-day activity for a Sunday. Is there anyone who feels this wouldn't be an appropriate Sunday activity (or at least not so inappropriate that they wouldn't participate)?

Please speak now.

CB does have a GPS...I'm not sure about crampons...

2008-10-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

...but he thinks he can probably rent them from the Southern Utah University outdoor center. He'll check

things to think about...

2008-10-05T19:16:00.001-07:00

1. Who is planning on going up north to Utah after the Cali leg?

2. Sp, are you planning on driving all of the way to SLC on the 30th, or just to STG?

3. Sp, what will you be driving?

4. Who needs camping equipment? Mom and Dad, what do you have? I'll go through our stuff and get an inventory of what we have, so we can figure out where we're short...

5. What are folks planning on doing up north in Utah? Sp, how much time are you going to spend with the Cox side (just so we can get an idea). Sp, do you know where you're staying up there, yet?

6. J, do you know when you're going to buy your ticket out here?

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

2008-10-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Dec 25, 26 and 27th we will be staying at the Comfort Inn in Los Angeles. Sp has a suite reserved where most of us will probably stay. There are 2 queen beds and 2 bunk beds, for a total sleeping capacity of EIGHT. That room will house Sp, Am, 3 kids, Al and Ch, J, and T. The cost is $170. We will have to figure out how to divide that up. Mom and Dad will stay in a separate room that is nearby.

Dec. 28th and 29th we will be staying in the KOA Kabins in San Diego. We will have 2 2-room cabins. Each 2 room cabin can sleep six; it has two queen beds and one set of bunk beds. Sp & Am & family will fit in one. Mom, Dad, Al, Ch, J, and T will fit in another. Cost is about $80/night.

Sp has already made reservations for the Comfort Inn & Dad is making reservations at KOA tonight (I asked him to do it since he has the KOA frequent sleeper card.)

Everyone okay with that?

The Plan Is Coming Together...

2008-10-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

...okay, so here's what's been talked about. I hope everyone is okay with this.

Dec. 19th - S & family arrive in ABQ

Dec. 23rd, Tuesday (pm) - Everyone arrive in Death Valley; get campsite set up, have a campfire, have fun

Dec 24th, Wednesday, Christmas Eve - Sp and Ch want to do a big hike, so they'll go on this day. If you want to join them, I'm sure you're welcome. You will need crampons and an ice ax, so J, I'm think you're the only one who may be interested. Christmas Eve around a campfire, decorate a juniper tree?, sing Christmas songs, read the Christmas story, have fun

Dec. 25th, Thursday, Christmas Day - Spend the morning at Death Valley, big camping breakfast, do some little hikes if people feel like it, hang out; when folks are ready, we head out to LA. Not really sure what time of day this will be...we'll play it by ear.

Arrive in L.A. Check in at Comfort Inn.

Dec. 26th, Friday - Spend the day in L.A. somewhere. Disneyland? Spend the night at Comfort Inn

Dec. 27th, Saturday - Spend the day in L.A. somewhere. TBA. Spend the night at Comfort Inn

Dec. 28th, Sunday - Drive down to San Diego. Spend the afternoon somewhere, beach maybe? Spend the night in the KOA Kabins. (Ch is excited!)

Dec. 29th Monday - Spend the day in San Diego. SeaWorld maybe? Spend the night in the KOA Kabins.

Dec. 30th, Tuesday - Maybe spend some time in San Diego. Main plan for this day is to drive to Utah. (I don't know if Sp plan is to drive all of the way to SLC or to stop in STG. Anyone is welcome to stay in STG if they're interested.)

The rest is TBD. What do you think?

Comfort Inn Disney

2008-10-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

I called to make a reservation, too. They said the suites consist of two rooms, with two queens in one room and two bunk beds in the second room. It sound like six could stay in one two-room suite.

We'd probably stay in our own room so everyone else can stay up late.

Is everyone ready to do this? We are not sure what activities are planned but are eager to do whatever the group is planning.

Should we make a reservation?

--Dad

2008-10-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have taken the liberty of reserving a hotel room in the Comfort Inn Main Gate in Anaheim for the night of the 25th, 26th, and 27th. The room is a suite, and has six beds, two bathrooms, two queens and a bunk bed. I figure we can all sleep in there if we want to. The room is $170/night. We don't have to stay there, but I thought that it would be a good idea to actually reserve a room. I reserved one room only.

2008-10-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.cabrilloaq.org/voyages.html

This is the website for day cruises to look for whales. I sent an email to find out the cost.

Back up

2008-09-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

V here
Sorry I have to back up a little. When S posted Cabrillo Marine Aquarium I looked it up in my library Frommer's Calif Book. However, I could only find Cabrillo Nat'l Monument in San Diego and assumed he wanted to do some things in San Diego so I posted a lot of things to do in San Diego which seemed as if I was intent on going and doing in SD. I am not. It would be great just to stay at one place rather that driving around LA AND SD to see some sights, but really spending all our time driving. So, just to be a little clearer I would be very happy to stay, see, and do in LA. Whether I go to SD in this life or not, had never crossed my mind till I started looking for Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (which I still cannot find in my Frommers Book! I have also clicked on the website for it on our blog and it did not take me there. (but I have trouble with computer clicking anyway!) )
Anyway, it would be nice to stay close to where we are visiting so there is a minimum of driving and I will stay anywhere. Love V

Housing

2008-09-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

I vote for a comfort inn hotel (and not just because I'm only two nights away from being a GOLD member for the year). I think that the price differential between KOA and comfort inn is small enough, that I'd rather have a tv and clean shower and a better location (I'm assuming KOAs are a little further away).

I guess mom doesn't like a tv, but I'm really looking forward to one.

Vote for Activities in CA

2008-09-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is Dad--

I like art museums, botanical gardens, hiking trails, beaches, historical sites, railroads, quaint towns, vistas ...

Both the LA and the San Diego area have lots of interesting things, but I vote to do whatever S/A want to do with the little ones. Whatever they are interested in will hold my attention, too. If the kids are have fun, that great!

Hiking/Mountaineering

2008-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

I guess we are not using names, only initials, so S (I think you know who you are) A (my wife) mentioned something the other day about doing some hiking/mountaineering. That sounds good to me. I should be able to get crampons and ice axes around here with no problem. Which mountain were you thinking about? Is it a day trip or an overnighter?

C (that is me, husband of A. if any more clarification is needed please leave a comment)

KOA San Diego Pricing

2008-09-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

KOA lodging prices for 5 days between 12/25 and 12/30:

One-room cabin (double bed and one bunk bed) with two people: $64/night plus tax. Total $352.
One-room cabin (double bed and one bunk bed) with four people: $72/night plus tax. Total $396.
Two-room cabin (one double bed and two bunk beds) with two adults (kids free): $74 plus tax. Total $407.

Tent sites are available for $36 plus tax.

To hold cabins the first night is charged immediately to a charge card. --Dad

I vote KOA

2008-09-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,
V here-
i love staying in the little KOA cabins. The lady at San Diego KOA said the weather is in the 60's for the day and the 50"s at night. She said sometimes it is a little colder or hotter! So your guess is as good as mine or hers!! I don't know about this KOA but many have a little playground area and this one has bike rentals-I am not sure where you ride the bikes.
Anyway, Christmas is a fairly busy time for them and we should decide soon if we are staying here and how long.
It is nice cause there is no TV and is relaxing. I also like to camp at the KOA because it is clean and has showers and toilets. I know that Calif gets a little pricey, but there are always inexpensive motels listed in the travel books. So I would be willing to stay at a motel t if everyone wants. Something not too extravagant would be my preference.
Also, S called and asked about the Bowl Game if BYU plays in one. Sometimes KOA has a TV in a rec room??

LODGING in Cali.

2008-09-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Now...lodging while we're in California. What does everyone want to do?

We could camp again.

We could stay in a KOA if we're in San Diego. Mom found one that is only 20 min from SD zoo, SeaWorld, beaches. Old Town SD &Tijuana, Mexico. A pool is heated to 80 degrees year round. www.sandiegokoa.com

We could stay in a cheap Motel 6.

We could stay Comfort Inn-style

We could stay Double Tree-style.

We could stay Plaza-style.

(These are listed cheapest to expensivest)

Post your preference or email Al about what you're thinking. Alison & Chad would be willing to share a hotel room with whoever has any interest in splitting a hotel room. Let us know.

Death Valley Sleeping:

2008-09-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

Dad has already put a lot of info about motels/camping in DV... I know S would like to camp while in DV, in the more remote camping area. We're looking at a tentative plan to camp for two nights in DV, on the 23rd and 24th. Is that okay with everyone? I think S. is looking into making reservations for that soon, so let us know ASAP.

The idea would be for everyone to gather in DV on the late afternoon/evening of Tuesday the 23rd, hang out, camp, the next day do some hiking, sand dunage, whatever everyone decides is best for the morning/day. Then maybe a big campfire dinner, decorate a tree/sage brush/whatever is growing to really get the Christmas spirit going, play some Christmas music (maybe the music maker???), sleep soundly, Santa Claus comes overnight (if he's visiting you), wake up Christmas morning, open any presents, make a big campfire breakfast, do a little hike, whatever people feel like, pack up, head to CA. If folks want to stay an extra day, we could probably work that in with no problem, just don't want people to get burned out. If we stay beyond this, probably head to the motel. What do you think? Post your ideas in a new post or email Al

YOUR PLANS

2008-09-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

If you have an idea of what you're planning on doing, schedule-wise and when you're planning on hanging out with us, please email A. so we can get your dates updated on the righthand side. S & Al have already been updated. J & M & D - do you know what your dates are-ish?

THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA

2008-09-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, here is an all-inclusive list of the things that people have suggested doing while in California. We'll put Death Valley in a different list. I tried to separate them by area, to make it a little bit easier. You can click on most of the names and visit a link with more information about it. Check it out, see what you think and what you're most interested in doing while we're in California. If you have any additional suggestions, send them in. When you know your preferences, list what your interests are in a SEPARATE post. (Dad, can you get Ty's on here for him?)

SAN DIEGO:
***CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT offers a lighthouse, and places to view migrating whales (we should be so lucky) from DEC to Mar. They didn't give odds. $5 vehicle or $3 walk-in.

***SEA WORLD (rated 2 stars in my library book) looks expensive ($56A-$46Ch) but it has the lure of swimming with dolphin & beluga whale programs ( 20 min for $150-$160). Reservations are a must and I don't know if we are too late!
***San Diego Science Center
***SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK ($29-$26)/SAN DIEGO ZOO $23-$16
***San Diego Mormon Temple would be great to see.
***MORMON BATALLION VISITOR CENTER was suggested but looks like it's still closed
***TORREY PINES STATE RESERVE ( 3 stars in my book) $8-$6 per car. www.torreypine.org is along the coast and is an outside experience. I don't know what happens if the weather is cold?
Beaches

****CITY PASS: This looks like a pass that covers SD Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Disneyland Resorts & Universal Studios in LA. It may be useful if we actually go to all these places. www.city pass.com *****

LOS ANGELES:
***Museum of the American West
***Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
***Natural History Museum
***Disneyland/Disneyland California Adventure
***Six Flags Magic Mountain
***Universal Studios
***LA Temple
***Catalina Island - hiking, camping, biking, shopping, beaches

General Ideas:

***Beaches, Renting Bikes and going for rides in a smaller area, renting scooters, hiking, camping

San Diego could be FUN

2008-09-18T13:10:00.002-07:00

I looked up the CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT that Sp mentioned. It offers a lighthouse, and points to view migrating ( we should be so lucky) whales from DEC to Mar. They didn't give odds. $5 vehicle or $3 walk-in. see www.nps.gov/cabr.

SEA WORLD (rated 2 stars in my library book) looks expensive $56A-$46Ch But it has the lure of the dolphin & beluga whale interaction programs( 20 min for $150-$160) which Am&K did in San Antonio. The photos of their dolphin interaction were unbelievable and looked so fun. Reservations are a must and I don't know if we are too late! www.seaworld.com

SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK $29-$26 & SAN DIEGO ZOO $23-$16 (both got 3 stars in my library book) if you can't get enough animals

I always hear so much about the San Diego Mormon Temple and it would be great to see. Also the MORMON BATALLION VISITOR CENTER is somewhere here I think.

TORREY PINES STATE RESERVE ( 3 stars in my book) $8-$6 per car. www.torreypine.org is along the coast and is an outside experience. I don't know what happens if the weather is cold?

CITY PASS: This looks like a pass that covers SD Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Disneyland Resorts & Universal Studios in LA. It may be usefull if we actually go to all these places. www.city pass.com

Last but not least: There is a KOA campground here that is only 20 min from SD zoo, SeaWorld, beaches. Old Town SD &Tijuana, Mexico. A pool is heated to 80 degrees year round. www.sandiegokoa.com

Death Valley Pics

2008-09-18T13:10:00.001-07:00

Death Valley and Beyond!!

2008-09-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

V's comments: I would prefer staying at the campground at DV and then each day going for little hikes. I may be wrong but I don't think seeing the major sites at DV will take that long ? Camping would be fine for me. Especially since showers are available across the street and we can pay for one if we want. I would not be in the backpacker category just the little family friendly hikes and sites. ( I can't see going there and trying to stay in a motel so you can pretend your not at Death Valley. ) We have one tent. Would A & C be able to provide everyone with a tent to use?

2008-09-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I would be happy to stay for a couple nights at the Stovewell Hotel (the one with 25 rooms) or to camp for two or three nights. Even if we stay at the hotel, I would like to spend at least one night camping, preferably Christmas Eve-Christmas Day. I would prefer to camp instead of stay in the hotel.

CA sites to visit

2008-09-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

I vote for Museum of the American West
Beach
Temple
Anything Vickie wants
--Dad

Decisions

2008-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

So,

If anyone wants to stay in a motel during the Christmas holidays reservations need to be made immediately. All motels told me they have space available now but the two inside the park have just a few rooms left for the holiday season. It is actually the busiest time of the year at the park.
Do you want to go to the park first, then California, or California and then the park?

Death Valley Visit

2008-09-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours in Death Valley to find out what looks interesting for the little ones from Nigeria:

Sand dunes are several miles across and easily accessible.
There are several easy short hikes of 1-4 miles within 10-20 minutes of housing and camping.
The visitors center Jr. Ranger program for kids 5-11 involves finding a few things in the park, listening to a short interactive program and earning a Jr. Ranger badge.
The motel/camp ground has a pool that is open year round.
The motel is remote so kids could start running in one direction for a long time and you can still see them. Hard to get lost. Lots of wide open space to move around.

Options for sleeping/showering:

Stovepipe Wells. It is in the center of the park activities. In the middle of nowhere. 25 motel rooms, a small restaurant and gift shop, a small grocery store and campground. Rooms are simple and plain. Around $115/night for two double beds or a king. No phones in rooms, no TV, no cell phone service, no gasoline. But there are a couple of payphones. Views from all directions is desert. Camp ground across the street is comprised of rocks and sand. No shade. $30/night. No showers, but camper can pay $4.00 and shower at the motel across the street. Outhouse style toilets.
Furnace Creek Ranch, located inside the park. $250 and up per night. Golf course, restaurant and gift store, gasoline, no phone or cell service. Pricey, but 30 minutes closer to St. George.
An hour outside and west of the park activities is a Best Western with pool in Pahrump, NV. $90-125/night. Casinos everywhere. The rest of the small town is typical desert community with one main street that looks like every other small town in US southwest. I would not recommend this town.
An hour outside the south of the park (also an hour further from St. George and Las Vegas) is Shoshone, CA. One motel in town, one restaurant in town, one gas station in town. Worn out town, but somewhat quaint for around $80/night, but it's 90 minutes to the park activities. No pool. I would not recommend this one.

Look up Death Valley in the usa government websites for specific maps.

2008-09-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
www.cabrilloaq.org (LA)

Natural History Museum and/or science center (LA or SD)

Museum of the American West in LA

Disneyland/Disneyland California Adventure

Magic Mountain

Seaworld

Universal Studios

send in your ideas!

2008-09-02T16:14:00.001-07:00

It looks like S. and C. have already added a few links here for everyone to check out and see if they're interested..

Please leave a new post or send me an email if you have any ideas of things that you think would be fun or you know you'd like to do, or are just interested in seeing if there's any interest.I'll compile a big list of things and then we'll ask everyone to rate them again (this time in order of preference), just leaving off things they're not interested in.

Try to do a little research on your own and send in your ideas in the next two weeks and then we'll get a big list...thanks everyone! S. we're glad you got your tickets and this is really happening, but OUCH! 16 k hurts...!

A few things in DV

2008-09-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

www.furnacecreekresort.com
guided tours by park rangers october - may
climb Telescope Peak - highest elevation
Horseback riding and carriage rides
Furnace Creek Inn - $300+/night
Furnace Creek Ranch - $130/night for a "cabin"
Drive to the "beach" with the moving rocks
Go see the petroglyphs at DV

Houston Cox travel plans

2008-09-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

We will arrive in ABQ on Lufthansa 5548 on 19 DEC. We will be coming from Denver and should arrive at 1906.

We will leave SLC on Lufthansa 5875 on 05 JAN. We will leave at 1105.

S.

Amber's Thoughts

2008-09-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

I would love to go to the Grand Canyon, but if it is cold and misserable I would rather wait until a time when we can go in the summer, and actually enjoy it. I want to see if K. can visit with her friend in ABQ, and I would like to see my brother Spencer at the Y. A. was it you who posted on their blog that you would like to meet Gordon? He is one of a kind. These things are all before and after the six days or so that we are trying to work out, but I just want to post the things that are important to me. In CA Catalina sounds interesting. ~Amber

Tickets

2008-09-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am now $16k lighter than I was yesterday; however, I now have tickets to the US. We will arrive the evening of the 19th (1910 I think) and leave the morning of the 5th.

Are we planning to go to both Catalina Island and Death Valley?

information

2008-08-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

It sounds like ideas for christmas are starting to solidify a little bit. I have been looking online and have found a few sites that people might want to look at. Rates from L.A. to Catalina costs about 30 per person in each direction. Prices are a little cheaper in the off season. There are several house rentals which range between $1000 - $3000 for a week. Alison mentioned camping. There are several campgrounds on Catalina. One of the more interesting one has tent cabins. It is no KOA cabin, but here is a link. http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/camp_twoHarbors.php

There is backpacking on Catalina. The most common trail goes from Avalon to Two Harbors.

Death Valley seems to be more friendly to the 4x4 explorer, but there are a handful of designated backcountry trails. Most of the trails are 7-8 miles one 12 mile and one 26 mile. http://travel.yahoo.com/p-parks-994971-death_valley_activities-i-sc-backpacking

There is quite a bit of camping at Death Valley, but we have not found any cabins yet. I will keep you posted.

THIS SOUNDS GREAT.

2008-08-31T13:50:00.001-07:00

...good job, everyone. So we will plan on going to Death Valley probably M/T/W, depending on when the folks coming from ABQ head out. Just to make sure: we're planning on a couple of days in Death Valley (Chad's been looking at backpacking trips, in case that's still an option), then heading to SoCal.

After a few days there, we'll head back up to STG area, I'll go back to work for a day to get my photos for the week, and then we'll probably meet up with whoever heads up north to SLC or BrianHead.

Again, everyone is welcome to crash at our place for a night or two on the way up.

J, I think Nenenene is totally welcome also. In addition to that, you are welcome to fly in to Vegas and we can pick you up and take you back whenever you get your tickets...

Once Spencer gets his tickets/dates figured out for sure, then we'll put up another little type of poll of things you want to do while we're in SoCal, so we can get that figured out.

Also start thinking about where you want to stay in Cali...i.e. more camping, fancy schmany hotel, Motel 6, or KOA cabin... (Mom & Dad, I can guess your vote!!!) If there's anything that you know you want to do while we're there, put that on here so that we can make sure it gets on the poll.

ABQ fam

2008-08-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

We are on board. As soon as we have a time you are arriving in ABQ and departing from SLC, we'll start making our plans. Because some of the travel will be during the holiday week we'd like to make some reservations early.

Travel Plans

2008-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

After talking/thinking, I think that we will fly into ABQ. We should arrive on 20 DEC 08. Then, after a few days rest, we will drive to Death Valley. We may or may not go with Mom and Dad. Then, after a couple of days there, we can go onto LA. After a few days in LA, we will drive onto Utah. Anyone who wants to go along, is of course welcome. While we are in Utah, we will probably go see some people and go skiing.

I think that the plan will be to spend Christmas Eve/Christmas at DV. I don't know if we'll be able to go backpacking because of having Christmas in there. This will save some people from having to drive to ABQ, and then to DV and LA. A&C and/or Jill/Jill's Friend can go directly to DV, then go to LA, then go home or to UT or to ABQ.

This schedule should let everyone get to do a few things that they want. If anyone doesn't want to try this, please say something ASAP. I will plan to give the travel agency a check on Monday afternoon, so you will need to call me tomorrow if you have changes that you would like to make.

S&A to ABQ

2008-08-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

We'd be delighted if you want to come to ABQ first. For planning purposes S&A may be able to drive from ABQ to Death Valley in one day but we would take two days. We are excited!

2008-08-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Since Alison isn't really starting her vacation until Sunday/Monday, I think that it's easier for us to go to ABQ, then we can drive with Mom and Dad to ABQ. That is, unless you aren't coming from ABQ. But even if you aren't coming from ABQ, it will probably be better for us to have a decent place to rest. If you don't want us to come, tell us now so we can go to LV instead.

If we go to DV, when does everyone want to go?

Grand Canyon

2008-08-28T22:19:00.001-07:00

Also, I would rate going to the grand canyon 7-8 on a scale of 1-10.

Invite a friend?

2008-08-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Depending on when Spencer flys into Alb and whether he does a trip beforehand, I may fly into Las Vegas and come up with Alison to meet up with everyone. We'll see what Spencer's tickets look like.

Just a question to throw out--My friend Nene is not going to go home for Christmas (his parents moved back to India) so I was thinking of perhaps inviting him out for a leg of our trip over the holiday, maybe for camping or if we go to LA or something. I 'm not even sure if he would be interested, but would that be cool with everyone?

ABQ????

2008-08-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is a total surprise - for you to fly into ABQ. If you want to DO something here then it would be good to fly into here. If you are still thinking of going to Death Valley after resting here for a couple of days and then driving 10 hours to LV, that might be a little far. Then 3-4 more hours to Death Valley. --Vickie

Flight Plans

2008-08-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, now that we've heard from most people, I think that I'm going to get tickets to fly into ABQ and fly out of SLC. The price of the tickets and rental cars isn't affected too much by having two separate points, and we would like to make it up to Utah. Also, this will let us fly into ABQ, and not have to drive very far without resting.

It sounds like everyone is in favor of going to Death Valley, and maybe that would be a good place for Alison to meet us (???) because it will make more sense for her to drive straight there, rather than spending a day driving to ABQ, then another full day driving to Death Valley.

We'll plan to spend Christmas at Death Valley or at Mom and Dad's or in the car, then sometime later we'll drive up to Utah, and see a few people before flying out.

We can work out any other side trips, like LA or Brian Head later.

If you have any other comments, post now. I will pay for the tickets on Monday, then they will be locked in.

Chad's Vote

2008-08-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how much my vote should be counted, since I am more than happy to let Alison make these decisions for both of us. I think all of the ideas presented are great! Backpacking, skiing, skydiving, and scuba diving are at the top of my list of course. I know that Alison would like to do an overnight backpacking trip, but if Spencer is interested a longer one I would be on board. Not to throw too many more options into the mix, but my family has a cabin about 25 miles outside of Kanab. It is about 45 minutes from Zion, 1-1.5 hours from Bryce, 3-3.5 hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, 1.5 hours from St. George, 45 minutes from Page. The 10 mile gravel road to the cabin is well maintained. The cabin is pretty primitive but there is running water, hot showers, refrigerator, and stove. We are welcome to use it. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I am very impressed with all the pre-planning

Vote - Wayne

2008-08-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

1. Death Valley 7-8 (camp and hike with little ones, a little touring around)
2. St. George 5-6 (but don't want to house-sit in C&A house with dogs and kids)
3. Abq 5-6
4. LA 4-5 (ocean, zoo)
5. SLC 4-5
6. Grand Canyon 4-5
7. Brian Head 2-3
8. The other locations 2-3
Generally, I favor warm climates in the winter and cool climates in the summer; and smaller quieter places over busy crowded places. I like KOAs and Park Service with activities for jr. rangers :) and places to rent and ride bikes.

Alison's Vote

2008-08-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Ooh, this is great. We're getting info.
My thoughts:

L.A. - I think it would be fun to go do some stuff in Southern California but I'm not die-hard. I am medium (5) interested in Disneyland, but very (8) interested in SeaWorld. I think San Diego (8) has some fun activities that we could do with everyone, like some harbor cruises, or a trip out to Catalina Island (where you can also camp).
I am very interested in Death Valley (7-8). I would like to limit the backpacking to maybe just an overnight so that I still get to spend time with M and D and kids. Then I would be interested in spending an additional night, just camping with M and D and kids, if that works out on the schedule.
I think it would be fun to camp on Christmas Eve (6-7). We could have a fire and decorate a real live tree. It would be a REAL Christmas tree. But I know that may be kind of lame for kiddos. I agree with Jill that it would be nicer to be at a house or camping than in a hotel. Our house is open and available for christmas. We don't have a mansion, and it might be kind of small, but it would work for a short period of time and I think it would be fun (8).
I'm interested in Brian Head (7). I don't like tons of time on the slope because I get too cold and we would all be kind of separated, but if we got a place right close, I think it could be kind of fun, but just for a couple of days. I know there's tubing and cross country skiing and snowmobiling that would be fun...
I think Grand Canyon would be fun (8) and Chad says we would be able to get a cabin, etc. around there. It would be quite cold, so we would be somewhat limited, but that would be a fun family place to go, I think. I would be interested in Grand Canyon OR L.A., but not both. I would be interested in both Grand Canyon and Death Valley, though.
SLC (6-7) if it works out time-wise, I would be happy to visit up north with folks. It would be fun to see Gramma and Grandad and it would be easy enough for us to get home when we need to get back to work if this is at the beginning or end of the visit
ABQ (6-7) I would be interested in ABQ, but probably not if we're still going to Death Valley...I would rather just travel in one direction, rather than back and forth. If Grand Canyon rises to the top of the list, ABQ would probably make more sense to have as our home base.

Thanks, everyone! I love you all! Chad will post his one man, one vote later!

Jill's vote

2008-08-26T21:00:00.001-07:00

Hola! I'm sorry I didn't get your calls over the weekend, S--I was camping and out of service.

I am interested in going to CA--about a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. I think it would be really fun if we went to an amusement park or sea world type place.

I am interested in going backpacking for a night or so--very interested. I wouldn't be as excited about going more than a night or two. Death valley would be very cool.

I would be medium -6 interested in camping over Christmas eve. I would rather camp on Christmas eve or be at someone's house than to be in a hotel on that night in particular.

I would be only medium -5 interested in going to Brian Head, not for more than a day or two.

Vickie's Vote

2008-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

I vote for these things: ( and for whatever everyone else wants to do) It sounds as if it would work better for S-A to fly into LV rather than LA. It is fine with me if we do not go to Calif. things. It would be closer for us to drive to LV. We would be glad to camp with the kids at Death Valley, but I can only take camping for one night. Even if we camped there one night, they could say," we camped at Death Valley". Then if your still in Death Valley, we could take the kids to a KOA nearby and wait for you there and do some local activities with them.
Also, it would be fun to go to Grand Canyon, if everyone is interested. Do not put it on the list just for me. only if everyone is interested,
I would be happy to go to St George . It would be fun to be at Ch-A house- All I know to do in St G is Jacob Hamblin home and B. Young home. That's not a must on my list, just something local. I would be happy to go to the lodge at Brianhead if the kids are skiing that day and be glad to watch them there or take them home if they get too tired of skiing or get cold.
If S-A leave to go to SLC then I would like to go there to. I would like to go to Temple Square with them. BUT I know it WILL be cold there.
However you plan, count me in. I can't think of any thing else to vote on. Just count me in. I want to come (if Wayne's driving)! Love, Vickie

One man, One vote

2008-08-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

New plan. Since everybody is afraid to say what they want to do for Christmas because they don't want to offend anyone, we're going to list out all of the possible activities, and then we're going to vote. We don't need to determine everything, just enough for me to buy tickets.Here's a few thoughts:

Disneyland/Knottsberry Farm/Seaworld
A few days/week in a cabin at a ski resort
Hang out in ABQ
Hang out in St. George
Camping in St. George/ABQ
Camping in Death Valley
Backpacking (2-3 days) in Death Valley
Hang out in a different city. We could rent hotels so that my kids could jump all of the beds and run around and all I have to do is leave when the management tells me to.
Go to SLC and see friends/family.
Disneyworld in Florida
Yellowstone
Skydiving in AZ
Go down to Big Bend area - this is one of the least visited parks in the US, mainly because it's a long, long way from any dots on the map.
Go SCUBA diving in that lake by Mom and Dads. It's about two hours away and is spring fed, so it's a constant temp.
Go down to Mexico and sit on the beach.
Go the Grand Canyon
Watch all the Harry Potter movies (in a row)

Jill?

2008-08-26T12:17:00.001-07:00

Jill, Spencer said you might be going to Turkey. Does this change your vacation availability? Please let me know if that puts some additional limits on you.

Alison's Vote

2008-08-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

I am fine with either itineray one or two.

My concerns:

1. I don't want to spend too much time on a backpacking trip away from Mom and Dad or the kids, since I don't get to see them very often either.
2. I don't want S-A-family to have to hang around in LA and have to wait for everyone to get there. Is that too lame for you guys?
3. I don't really think the whole family should split up and be in different states. I'd rather just an overnight backpacking trip.

I am interested in some of the things we could do in LA: beach, SeaWorld, Knotts Berry Farm.
I don't want to just go to LA for lack of a better place to go, or if no one is really that interested in it.

I am interested in an overnight backpacking trip in Death Valley.

I am interested in camping.

I am interested in staying in a cabin at Brian Head, but probably not for a whole week. I think we'll all get stir crazy. I'm thinking 2-4 days would be better for me.

Spencer & I were talking and we don't really feel like we have any kind of idea of what anyone REALLY wants to do. Together, we will post a very extensive list of some activities that we could do in different locations and we ask that everyone rate them. It would also help if you could just name some of the things that each person is most interested in, so we make sure we get them on the list.

Thanks.

Vote!

2008-08-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here's what I'm thinking:Option 1: Fly into LA on Friday, Dec 19. Houston Coxes rest on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Christmas Eve) go to Seaworld or Disneyland or something. On Thursday (Christmas Day) have Christmas at the hotel, then drive on Christmas PM to Death Valley (~4 hrs). Camp at Death Valley. Then, on the 26th, Friday, those who want to can leave backpacking while Wayne and Vickie take K, G, and R to ABQ or to St. George. The backpacking trip will last until Sunday morning when we will drive from Death Valley to St. George. Then we could get a place by Brian Head and maybe ski or something for a few days, then the Houston Coxes will drive up to Utah for two or three days before returning to Lagos.Option 2: Fly into Las Vegas, SLC, or ABQ on Dec 19. Then after a few days, maybe a few days before Christmas, drive to Death Valley to start backpacking trip. Wayne and Vickie can bring the kids down on Christmas Eve, and we can all camp out on Christmas Eve and go back to St. George/Brian Head on Christmas Day (hot showers for Christmas!). Then we can spend a few days/week at Brian Head. Then the Houston Coxes would go to SLC for a few days before flying back home.Can everyone do the following:1.) Indicate your level of interest in spending a few days in CA.2.) Indicate your level of interest in going backpacking.3.) Indicate your level of interest in camping out on Christmas Eve.4.) Indicate your level of interest in spending close to a week at Brian Head.Happy B-day Ty.

WEATHER and DRIVING CONDITIONS

2008-08-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is just my opinon: I think the LA to SLC leg, including the STG part is pretty clear. Sometimes we get some rough weather, just north of Cedar City, but you can usually keep your eyes on the weather and get through when it's clear. As far as STG to NM, I don't think that's a problem either. There's two routes you can take and one is clear in the winter...the worst you might run into is right around Flagstaff, but again, I think you can watch the weather and get through when it's clear. Dad will have to answer about NM to SLC because I'm not sure about that. Hope that helps! Are you getting close to buying ticks?

Driving

2008-08-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ola to everyone. A short question on the weather.

What are the odds of not being able to drive from SLC to LA for a return flight?

What are the odds of not being able to drive from NM to LA for a return flight?

What are the odds of not being able to drive from St. George to SLC?

What are the odds of not being able to drive from St. George to ABQ?

What are the odds of not being able to drive from ABQ to SLC?

Thanks.

Ty's last day

2008-08-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

We believe Ty's last day of school is the 19th of Dec.

Go head ...

2008-08-18T20:52:00.001-07:00

It appears that Ty begins school on Jan 12. But, I think you ought to make your plans regardless of his schedule. It is just too far out for him to know whether he will need to work during the holidays.

Alison's Opp

2008-08-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for posting your dates, etc. and getting things going on this.

I've posted everyones dates out to the right, as I know them.

As for Chad and I: I have to be at work to take photos of the kids during each calendar week. This can happen as early as Sunday or as late as Friday, but cannot happen on Saturday. So ours are flexible, but keep that in mind. I posted two options for us over to the right, but we could also bump it later, if Jill is going to try to go to Rome, and that would help...anyway, we've got some flexibility. Im going to talk to Mom and get the name of Ty's school, so I can put up his dates...

Thanks again. I hope this is helping.

dates

2008-08-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

hola...
I can either take off ~Dec 20 to Jan 1, or about Dec 24 to Jan 9-ish. I will FOR SURE be off from Dec 24 to Jan 1, but S, I would consider going to Rome with you before that (if that's what ya'll are going to do), or doing something after Christmas with everybody. I'm pretty flexible.

Vacation

2008-08-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

We're closer to buying tickets. Can everyone post the dates that they think that they will be off or could be off? Ty doesn't think that the will work, so we need to look up his last school days (Mom?).

A., can you post all the days in one post or maybe off to the side under Mom and Dad's picture?

We're still planning to buy tickets at the beginning of the month (I get paid on the 31st).

WHAT's NEXT?

2008-08-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

Spencer,
Do you feel like you have enough information to be able to buy your tickets, or are you still waiting on info from people? I kind of feel like I'm just waiting on dates from you before we finalize/buy tickets/etc. What does everyone think???

Mom,
Can we go ahead and make plans without knowing Ty's schedule? Is he going to be able to work around our plans, or should we wait till we know????

Thanks all! Love you!

Christmas

2008-08-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, everyone, It's going to cost me about $40 (for everyone) to go to SLC instead of LAX. I didn't query ABQ, but assume that it will be about the same.

TY

2008-08-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

I don't think Ty has very regular internet access, so he'll probably only get to check this sporadically. I don't know if Ty is going back to his old job (Albertson's) or if he's going to get a new one...so that probably depends... ???? Mom said she's going to try to get some information from Ty and put it on here. Go, Mom!

Christmas Eve/Day with Ty

2008-08-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

I think that we need to find out if Ty is going to be able to travel for Christmas, even if it's only for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Does Ty have a job that will expect him to work? If worse comes to worse, Ty could drive on Christmas Eve to LA, then go back Christmas afternoon.

Ty, where are you????

A's Opinion

2008-08-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

...I am happy to go to LA. If tickets are cheaper/better for you to fly directly into SLC or ABQ, I could work with that, too, but I think there's a lot more for us to in the LA-area. I'm totally interested in Sea World. I'm also interested in camping in Cali OR in Death Valley or around Utah...Zion might be a camping possibility also, if you're not afraid of snow.

So, S., does that mean that Christmas Day would be in LA?

By the way, thank you for using this blog for its purpose. This is wonderful.

2008-08-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

J,
5, 6, 7, 4 would be our preferred departure dates from the US. If we flew into LA and we were finishing in UT or NM, we would have to include a driving day to get to LA (hate to miss those international flights by only 5 minutes).

If we went to Rome, we leave Lagos, fly to Paris, then probably take the train to Rome. The train is 14 hrs, so it might be best to fly. We'll have to work out some of the details later. Anyone that wants to meet us in Rome is welcome.

It looks like we could go camping in Death Valley if we wanted. The low is only 40F, so it won't be too bad at all. It said that Thanksgiving to Christmas is the least busy time of the year.

Hi

2008-08-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hello family.
S, so does that mean that you're headed back to Nigeria around the 3/4/5? So most of your vacation time is going to be prior to that...
Like Alison said, I am off from Christmas to New Year's. I would be up to taking off a week before Christmas or something. I think LA would be fun too. Basically I would love to do anything. Also, when are you guys thinking of going to Rome?