Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire State Park is one of our favorite places. The orangey-red rocks are so beautiful especially at sunset. This is the kids' third time here, but they don't seem to remember the other visits. I don't know how they forgot it but it's fun to watch them see it again as if for the first time.

We camped in the Atlatl campground (seen below) which is so fun because the sites are nestled among the rocks. We always enjoy climbing right there in the campground. The kids and I climbed from our site to these rocks which gave us a nice view.

We stayed in a special camper that Daddy built for us. The idea was that we'd find a summer job in Alaska with housing provided. We'd leave the big RV and drive this little camper to Alaska making the trip there and back much more comfortable and side trips, once there, easier. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a job with housing.

It's pretty well designed with our bed on the bottom and the kids' bed situated sideways and raised above our legs. There's even enough room for the dog inside. It's well insulated and padded on the floor, has a vent with a fan on the top and windows that open. I now realize I should have taken a photo of it with all of our bedding inside. It's a cozy little camper and we're disappointed to not get a chance to use it now. Still trying to decide if we should sell it or keep it for quick trips the next time we're in Vegas.

Exploring around the visitor center. 

Our friends, Anina, Russell, Kylie, Alyssa and Wyatt, met up with us to hike the Rainbow Vista trail.

Aptly named- look at this colorful desert!

Asher found this freshly shed snake skin under a boulder!

Asher's love for this place is serious. He was so disappointed that we only stayed one night. He was practically in tears when we left and told us he wanted to stay, "for a hundred nights". This is his newest favorite place, though he thinks it's called "red rock" because, well, all the red rocks. 

Don't worry, my little one, we will return again!