by Missie Hills | May 12, 2025 | North America
Tucked between the big names of Utah’s Mighty Five, Goblin Valley State Park was a lesser known stop on our itinerary. But from the moment we stepped into the valley, we realized we’d stumbled onto something magical. By the end of the day, all four of us agreed: this was one of our favorite parts of the whole trip.
Unlike the national parks, Goblin Valley doesn’t have structured trails or strict boundaries. Instead, it offers a giant open playground of strange and whimsical hoodoos, rock formations that really do look like goblins. The freedom to roam was a breath of fresh air. There were no signs telling us where to go or what not to do. It was pure exploration.
For three hours, we let our imaginations run wild. The boys played endless games of hide and sneak, ducking behind the rock goblins and jumping out with giggles. At times it felt like we’d landed on another planet, with reddish-orange rock stretching in every direction, casting long shadows as the afternoon sun moved overhead.
There was something so liberating about the unstructured adventure here. No trail maps, no hike mileage to track. Just open space, wild shapes, and the chance to be fully present in the moment. We climbed, we wandered, we made up stories, and we soaked in the quiet, otherworldly beauty of the valley.
It was a reminder that sometimes, the unplanned stops become the most memorable ones. We left energized and excited to explore our next stop, Capital Reef National Park.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Apr 14, 2025 | North America
We only scheduled one day to visit Canyonlands National Park. We soon learned, this was a mistake. And with only one day to explore, we had to focus our energy on the Island in the Sky district. Even with that small slice of the park, it completely stole our hearts.
The drive in hinted that we were in for something extraordinary, but nothing could have prepared us for our first stop, Shafer Canyon Overlook. As we stepped out of the car, we were met with a view so vast, so rugged, and so dramatic that it took our breath away. Towering cliffs plunged into deep canyons, and the desert stretched endlessly in every direction.
Once I caught my breath, mom mode kicked in. The cliffs here are no joke, and while the boys were excited to explore, my thoughts were filled with a picture of someone slipping off the edge. We paused for a family safety moment… stay close, no running, and always keep a hand in ours when near the drop-offs. From that point forward, it became a hand-holding kind of day. And with that we saw the next overlook, Buck Canyon, and we were back at peace.
Our first hike was a gentle 1 mile roundtrip to Mesa Arch, perched right on the edge of a cliff. The arch itself was striking, but what made it spectacular was the view through it… a window to a canyon so vast and layered it looked like a painting come to life. We couldn’t believe how much beauty was packed into such a short trail.
Next up was the White Rim Overlook Trail, a two-mile hike that brought us to one of the most stunning views of our entire trip… Gooseberry Canyon. From the overlook, we were surrounded on all sides by deep chasms and winding ridges, the kind of scenery that stretches all the way to the horizon and beyond. I felt small and infinite at the same time. The boys, of course, were more focused on climbing the nearby rocks and spotting lizards sunbathing on the rock. The trail was peaceful, a perfect blend of beauty and serenity, and just challenging enough to keep things exciting.
We stopped for lunch at the Grand View Point Overlook, soaking in the sun and the view while the boys completed their Junior Ranger books to get their second badge for the trip. And we prepared for our final and most ambitious hike of the day… Upheaval Dome. At first glance, the 2-mile trail didn’t seem too tough. The first overlook gave us a glimpse of the massive crater at the center of the dome, its mysterious shape and bright colors hinting at an otherworldly origin. Scientists think it might’ve been caused by a meteor impact. We debated other crazy options as well, including alien ship wreck. The second overlook promised even better views, and we couldn’t resist. The climb was steep and rocky, but the reward was worth every step: a panoramic view of the entire mysterious crater.
By the end of the day, we were dusty, tired, and completely enchanted. We only scratched the surface of this enormous park, but Canyonlands quickly became our favorite of the Mighty Five. Something about the scale, the solitude, and the sense of ancient mystery left us in awe. We’ll definitely be back. There’s so much more to explore. But for now, we set our sights on our next stop… Capitol Reef National Park.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Apr 13, 2025 | North America
Our Utah road trip kicked off with a mission: to visit all five of the state’s incredible national parks, affectionately known as the Mighty Five. It was a week of physical exertion, family connection, and extraordinary adventure.
Our first stop: Arches National Park.
As we drove into the park, it felt like stepping onto another planet. The vibrant red rock formations rose up around us, unlike anything we’d ever seen before. The Courthouse Towers loomed over the road like a grand king’s court, regal and ancient. In the distance, the La Sal Mountains stood in stark contrast—snow-capped and serene, like silent guardians watching from afar.
We began with a short loop around Balanced Rock, a towering boulder perched so precariously it seemed to defy gravity. The boys stared up in disbelief and wondered aloud if it might fall right on us at any moment. The desert landscape might have looked dry and barren at first glance, but I loved the details of the twisted and resilient plants all thriving in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. Nearby in the Garden of Eden, the boys scrambled over rock formations like it was nature’s own jungle gym.
We then made our way to Elephant Butte, which, with just the right squint, really did look like a slow-moving elephant parade. From there, we explored the Windows Section, a 2-mile trail where we saw our first real arches: North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and the spectacular Double Arch. It was the perfect place to catch the golden light of sunset as the formations lit up in warm, glowing hues.
That evening, we wandered around Moab, the eclectic and energetic town just outside the park. It’s a haven for adventurers from all over the world, and we loved the mix of tourist shops, cozy cafés, and friendly locals.
The next morning we prepared for a day full of hiking. Our big challenge of the day: the 3-mile trek to Delicate Arch. Along the way, we paused to admire ancient petroglyphs, giving us a quiet glimpse into the lives of people who had walked these same paths centuries ago. The climb itself was tough… 500 feet of elevation gain with some steep slickrock stretches, but the boys powered through. Ethan like a champ. Everett took some coaxing. We will make a hiking lover out of him yet. And the view at the top? Absolutely worth it. Delicate Arch rose in front of us, massive and majestic, just like the Utah license plate promised. A true bucket list moment.
Afterward, we rewarded ourselves with something a little more playful, Sand Dune Arch, a short one-mile trail through narrow passageways that led to a hidden cove filled with fine orange sand. The boys loved running and falling in the sand. We added an extra mile to see Broken Arch, hiking carefully on the fragile landscape as the rangers had taught us: “Don’t bust the crust!”
All day long, the boys worked on their Junior Ranger books, learning about geology, wildlife, and the importance of conservation. By evening, they proudly took the Junior Ranger Pledge and were awarded their very first badges.
That night, while the boys snoozed in the backseat, Jason and I headed back out to see the stars. We stood near Balanced Rock in total darkness, the sky ablaze. It was quiet, peaceful, and completely awe-inspiring.
One of our favorite parts of the trip wasn’t just the views, but the boys’ imaginations. They made up an ongoing game where each trail had a “boss” they had to battle: a dragon, a ghost king, a wizard, even the grim reaper. Every rock became part of a story. Every bird was a sidekick or a spy. Everett was especially enchanted with the ravens, and he picked out a stuffed one from the gift shop to remember his new feathered friend. We left Arches proud, dusty, and full of wonder… ready for the next stop on our Mighty Five journey: Canyonlands National Park.
Until Next time,
by Missie Hills | Jan 19, 2025 | Central America, International Adventures, North America
Our spring break adventure in California ended up being a little pricier than expected. So, we decided to skip our typical big summer adventure. But once the hot Texan summer was finished, we knew we made a mistake. We needed a getaway. We searched for a destination that had a balanced combination of relaxation and exploration. The search didn’t take long for us to settle on Belize, a Central American country often overlooked as a travel destination.
Our adventure began with a flight into Belize City, followed by an unforgettable experience on a puddle jumper plane to the island of San Pedro. It was our first time flying in such a small aircraft—just 10 to 15 seats squeezed into a narrow tube. While the flight was nerve-wracking, the stunning views made every moment worth it. The turquoise waters below hinted at the paradise waiting for us.
For our stay, we used our credit card points to book the newly opened Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection resort. The resort was a tropical dream, boasting multiple pools, delicious restaurants, and unbeatable views of the Caribbean. The resort was full of beautiful travel influencers, the women wearing their sexiest bikinis and the men showing off what they have earned for all those hours in the gym. At first glance, we wondered if we booked the wrong place for our family. But those worries quickly vanished as we found our apartment on the family side of the resort equipped with a kid friendly pool, playground, and fun family activities. We even enjoyed a smores buffet on the beach one night.
Even though the resort had everything we needed, we couldn’t resist leaving and exploring the island of San Pedro. The main way to get around the island is by golf cart. The kids loved exploring this way… so much so, that if you ask them what their favorite part of the trip was, it’s highly likely they will respond with an enthusiastic “the golf cart!”. Jason and I were more interested in the hunt for the best food the island had to offer. One restaurant we chose showcased the day’s catch right on the street, and we couldn’t resist a seafood platter brimming with crab, lobster, octopus, lionfish, and more. E was ecstatic — octopus is his favorite, and he declared it the best meal of his life!
Our exploration of the island led us on a bumpy hour-long golf cart journey to the Secret Beach. This beach used to be a local hidden gem, but now it is one of the top tourist destinations in Belize. Secret or not, the beach was worth the trek with crystal-clear water, beachside restaurants serving lunch directly in the shallows, and a floating obstacle course that kept the boys entertained.
Belize is home to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. We chose to take a half day snorkeling tour to explore the barrier reef. Beneath the surface, we were greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. While my attempts to capture the beauty on my phone failed, the memories are forever etched in our minds. From there, we headed to Shark Alley, where Jason and I took the plunge into a frenzy of nurse sharks while the boys stayed on the boat, gleefully tossing chum to make the sharks swarm toward us. It was equal parts thrilling and hilarious—a bucket-list moment I’ll never forget.
When we originally booked our trip to Belize, we thought we should stick to one area, take our time and explore. However, we couldn’t resist the urge to trade the island vibes for a dose of history and culture. Another prop plane whisked us back to the mainland, where we landed on a tiny airstrip surrounded by nothing but sugar cane fields and a lonely van waiting to take us to our riverboat for an hour cruise up the New River. Along the way, we spotted wildlife like green iguanas, howler monkeys, and bats clinging to tree trunks. Our guide shared fascinating stories about Belize’s culture, including the Mennonite communities who settled there seeking religious freedom. While their farming practices have sparked controversy, it was eye-opening to learn about the complexities of life in Belize.
When we reached the Lamanai ruins, we were awestruck. These ancient Mayan structures, surrounded by dense jungle, were breathtaking. We climbed the Temple of the Jaguar, marveling at the intricate carvings and the sense of history in every stone. The views from the top stretched endlessly, offering a glimpse into what life might have been like centuries ago in this thriving Mayan city.
On our final day in this beautiful country, we took yet another prop plane for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial tour of the Great Blue Hole, one of Belize’s most famous natural wonders. From above, the Blue Hole was mesmerizing—a perfect circle of deep blue surrounded by vibrant coral. We even spotted a shipwreck along the shore, adding a touch of mystery to the experience.
Belize exceeded every expectation with its stunning beaches, incredible food, and rich history. It was a trip filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments, unforgettable sights, and cherished memories. Leaving this beautiful country was bittersweet, but we left with full hearts and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the world.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Aug 25, 2024 | North America
After our vibrant stay in San Francisco, we hit the road and made our way to the tranquil town of Three Rivers, our gateway to exploring Sequoia National Park.
We rented a charming house right off the Kaweah River, which quickly became our peaceful haven. The serenity of the rushing river was mesmerizing; we spent our evenings by the firepit, listening to the water while staring at the night sky. Local restaurants were scarce, but we still found a couple great spots, including one spot that had the best chili I’ve ever tried (to my Texan heart’s surprise). Mornings were equally delightful, enjoying coffee by the fire with the fresh sourdough bread we had picked up in San Francisco, shaped like an adorable turtle.
On our first morning, we set out on the winding drive into Sequoia National Park. The road twisted and turned as we ascended the Sierra Nevada mountain ridge, and soon we were surrounded by a winter wonderland of snow. As we climbed higher, the mighty Sequoias began to appear, rising majestically from the earth. Their sheer size left us all in awe, a sight so grand it felt almost surreal.
We met our guide, Krista, at the visitor center, where she introduced us to snowshoeing, something entirely new to us Houstonians! The boys were thrilled, as it was Evey’s first real experience with snow. They couldn’t get enough of it, eager to eat the snow, make snow angels, and, of course, engage in a good snowball fight.
Our snowshoe hike took us deep into the forest, where Krista shared fascinating insights about the park, including the importance of controlled fires in ensuring the reproduction of Sequoias. The forest, draped in snow and veiled in a light fog, was breathtaking. One of the most memorable moments was sipping hot coffee under the towering Sequoias, surrounded by the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape.
This snowshoe hike proved to be a challenge for all of us. Evey had a mild breakdown in the last stretch and cried the whole way to the car. He is still learning to love hiking I suppose. We coaxed him on with promises of ice-cream and a chance to explore the warm visitor center. Even still, by the end of it we were all ready to go home and rest.
The next day, we made the drive up the ridge once again. We couldn’t miss visiting the famous General Sherman Tree. Standing at over 275 feet tall and more than 36 feet in diameter at the base, this giant Sequoia is the largest living tree on Earth by volume. It was humbling to stand before such an ancient and massive tree, a true testament to the power and resilience of nature. The boys had renewed their energy and were ready to play in the snow once again.
After our snowy adventure, we descended back down to warmer ground and continued to explore the park. We hiked to see ancient petroglyphs and a beautiful waterfall, immersing ourselves in the natural and cultural history of the area. That evening, back at the house, we took a leisurely walk along the river, searching for the best rocks to add to our collection for the rock tumbler back home.
The next day, we decided to venture onto BLM land near the river, a local hiking spot recommended by our Airbnb host. We were thrilled to spot wild horses, including a foal, grazing in the distance. The hike was peaceful and offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, a perfect way to close out our time in Three Rivers.
This trip to Sequoia National Park was a beautiful blend of adventure and tranquility. Our cozy house by the river felt like a home away from home, and we could easily have spent weeks soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. But the boys were already buzzing with excitement for our next destination… LEGOLAND! As we said farewell to Three Rivers, we carried with us the hope of returning one day to this serene and majestic place.
Until next time,
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