by Missie Hills | Dec 6, 2025 | Asia, Europe, International Adventures
The Hills and Autens… together again! It had been two years since our last group adventure to South America, and we missed our travel friends deeply. A lot had changed in those last two years, but once we were together it felt like we didn’t miss a beat. This time we chose to explore more of Europe. I was itching to revisit my favorite city in the world with the kiddos.
We started this trip with a little gift for the parents, an immediate adult night out with the help of a local babysitter. This was a great way to beat the jet lag and a wonderful start to the break from our daily grind. Taksim Square was buzzing when we arrived. At night, it felt electric. We wandered down the main strip that runs along the iconic tram line. The street had everything. Luxury fashion, tiny boutiques, spice shops, Turkish delights, and more street food than any of us could resist. We found a little alley restaurant, grabbed an outdoor table, and listened to the city swirl around us as we caught up on old times. Then we grabbed fried sardines and warm roasted chestnuts from street vendors. We walked until our feet gave out and somehow ended up right back at our hotel without ever needing a ride. It was a perfect first night to kickstart the fun.
The next morning kicked off the first official day of our adventure. Since Jason and I had been to Istanbul before, we wanted a mix of kid-friendly stops and things we missed last time. We braved the local bus system to Topkapi Palace. It may sound silly, but I feel a sense of pride every time we successfully use a local transit. Getting into Topkapi Palace proved to be a bit harder to get into than I thought it would be. After following multiple directions from palace staff, we finally found a tour guide to get tickets. Once we made it through the massive gates, the chaos was worth it.
Topkapi was much bigger than I expected, layered with courtyards and rooms that seem to fold into each other. Built in the 15th century, it was the home of Ottoman sultans for almost four hundred years, and it feels like a world unto itself. Tilework covers nearly every surface. Colors everywhere. Calligraphy, domes, ornate doors, and relics that stopped me in my tracks. We took our time wandering through every corridor, finding myself wonderfully lost in the details.
After we finally surfaced from the palace, we walked through the gardens with the Blue Mosque on one side and Hagia Sophia on the other. Seeing them again lit me up. The kids were full of energy ready to explore. So from there we slipped underground into the Basilica Cistern. It was dark and echoey and a little eerie, the perfect environment for my boys who love all things spooky. They had the best time searching for Medusa’s head.
We grabbed lunch at a small restaurant with a great view. After we were full and relaxed, Jason and Adam disappeared for their Turkish bath appointment. Jill and I took the kids on our own adventure. It may have started with a taxi driver scamming us and charging double… but it ended with a unique experience that I’ll never forget. Jill had heard about a very special church, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols. It’s the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has always remained Greek Orthodox, never converted to a mosque. It’s tucked behind a tall wall, not open to the public, and the only way in is to find a hidden door and ring a bell like you’re in some kind of secret society.
I thought she was a bit crazy when she told me about the secret door. But I followed along as we searched through a maze of narrow alleys. Suddenly she stopped, examined a very average looking door and pressed the doorbell. A woman actually answered. She looked at us, she looked up and down the alley and seeing that we were alone, she let us in with a quick You have 10 minutes. The church was small, warm, and full of energy. It felt like discovering a little pocket of history no one else knew about.
After that surprise win, we grabbed Turkish coffee brewed in hot sand and chocolate-covered strawberries from an adorable cafe tucked into the side of staircase. We wandered through a tiny local market full of handmade goods. It was a quaint neighborhood, and a new side of Istanbul I hadn’t met before.
Determined not to be scammed again, we once again braved public transit back across the strait to meet the boys near Galata Tower. We stopped for cheesecake, and the kids got that famous Turkish ice cream where the ice-cream vendor plays tricks. He has the kids laughing in stiches. When the boys finally arrived, pink and shiny from their hammam, we all climbed the Galata Tower just in time for sunset. The whole city glowed.
The next morning we flew to Cappadocia… I’ll save that story for another post. But we did return to Istanbul for one last night. This time we explored the port, and the kids loved watching the boats and spotting the tiny jellyfish drifting near the edge of the water. We tried more street food… corn, stuffed clams, and fresh seafood. E even ate a fish eyeball, which he’s still bragging about.
We met the babysitter one more time so the adults could squeeze in another night out. We found a restaurant that served tray after tray of incredible food in the cutest hidden food court off Taksim Square. We drank Turkish Raki and toasted to our friendship. Then walked through the lit-up streets, soaking in the energy of a city one more time. An energy that somehow felt both ancient and alive in the same breath.
Every city I visit I assign a word that represents that city’s essence. The first time Jason and I visited Turkey 10 years ago, I gave Istanbul the word charm. That night I confirmed the word still fits perfectly. I fell in love with Istanbul all over again. The City of Charm has fully secured its position as my favorite city in the world.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | May 16, 2025 | North America
Our journey through Utah’s Mighty Five ended with Zion National Park, one of the most well known and talked about parks in our nation. Zion greeted us with low clouds, rain, and a dusting of snow, veiling its towering cliffs in a soft mist. The weather made it hard to take in the sweeping views the park is famous for, but in a way, it added a certain magic and stillness to our time there.
We began our visit by hopping on the shuttle and riding it all the way to the end of the scenic route, where we hiked the Riverside Trail at the Temple of Sinawava. The canyon walls rose dramatically on either side as we strolled beside the river, the rain adding a gentle rhythm to our steps. We reached the entrance to the Narrows, one of Zion’s most iconic hikes, but with the rain and risk of flash flooding, it wasn’t meant to be this trip.
Making our way back, we stopped at the Weeping Rock, in hopes of spotting the elusive California Condor. Though we didn’t see the endangered bird, we had a fascinating chat with a wildlife expert whose job is simply to watch for condors every day. Jason and I agreed… dream job material.
Our next stop was the The Grotto. We wandered along a trail to the iconic Zion Lodge, spotting wild turkey and deer along the way, unexpected companions in the misty quiet. And at the Zion Museum, we learned more about the park’s geology and history.
That evening brought an unexpected gift… a light snow, blanketing our guesthouse and turning Zion into a peaceful winter wonderland. As the family rested, I slipped outside into the quiet night and looked up to catch a lunar eclipse through the falling snow, a once-in-a-lifetime moment of stillness and awe.
The next morning, we ventured back into the park, this time greeted by clearer skies and a magical snow-covered landscape. We took the iconic scenic drive on the Mount Carmel Highway. We tried and failed to hold our breath through the tunnel into the mountainside. On the other side, we hiked the Canyon Overlook Trail, with snow dusting every ledge and branch. It became Evey’s favorite hike of the entire trip. Turns out he is an expert hiker after all.
Later, we explored the Emerald Pools Trail, where melting snow turned waterfalls into silver curtains tumbling over the red rock. We weren’t expecting the not one but three waterfalls that greeted us on the trail. We took our time to see them up close and personal… starting at the bottom, where the water crashed down into the emerald pools below, and then hiking our way up to the top, where the steady streams of water cascaded over the cliffs.
Our final stop was to the Court of the Patriarchs, a fitting last stop that left us quiet and grateful, gazing up at nature’s cathedral one last time.
Zion was our least favorite of the mighty five. Not because it lacked beauty… it definitely didn’t. Not because the cliffs weren’t grand enough… they definitely were. But perhaps because the weather kept us from experiencing the park at its fullest. Regardless, it still gave us something unforgettable… a different kind of wonder, quieter and more introspective. The snow, the eclipse, and the contrast of soft stillness after days of scrambling over rocks and exploring sun-soaked canyons gave us a unique experience we could call our own.
From the towering arches of Moab to the fairytale spires of Bryce, from the deep canyons of Canyonlands to the ancient stories carved into Capitol Reef, and finally to the misty cliffs of Zion… our Mighty Five adventure gave us more than we could have ever hoped for.
We saw ravens and fossils, hoodoos and arches. The boys became Junior Rangers in every park and created their own imaginative trail games, battling bosses and climbing like wildlings through rock gardens and canyons. They earned badges, found fossils, and adopted new stuffed animals who became part of the crew. We hiked over 30 miles, stood beneath natural cathedrals, and shared family moments we’ll carry forever.
And on the way to the airport, we made one final detour, Hoover Dam. A fitting, monumental end to an epic road trip.
This journey wasn’t just about checking off national parks. It was about connection. To nature. To each other. And to the part of ourselves that still believes in wonder.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | May 13, 2025 | North America
If Capitol Reef was soft and serene, Bryce Canyon National Park felt like we had stepped straight into a fairytale.
From the moment we arrived at Sunrise Point, it was clear we were somewhere otherworldly. The hoodoos, those whimsical rock spires Bryce is famous for, stretched before us like the remnants of a forgotten kingdom. Some were thin and tall, others short and stumpy, and each seemed to have a personality of its own. It didn’t take long for us to start imagining that this canyon was ruled by fairies, goblins, and ancient stone spirits.
We began our adventure hiking down into the canyon via the Queen’s Garden Trail, one of the most magical hikes we’ve ever done. As we descended, we felt like we were shrinking, entering a secret realm far below the rim. The orange sandstone softly changed shades with every step, shifting from bright orange to soft coral to blush red. It was extra beautiful with the fresh dusting of snow covering the crevices between the hoodoos. It was easy to imagine that we walking into a fairy queen’s court.
Along the way, we spotted the regal rock formation known as The Queen, watching over her garden. We stared and stared looking for the queen, but we just couldn’t see her. After a couple of minutes of searching, she emerged like an optical illusion. There she stood, so regal, overlooking her court. As we continued on the Rim Trail, we were transported into forest, with the hoodoos as a backdrop. Finally at the end of the Rim Trail, we spotted Thor’s Hammer, standing tall like a mighty protector. We eventually ended the trail, exhausted from the long windy path up, at Sunset Point. It’s hard to describe how surreal the landscape looked, as if someone had painted it by hand. Even the wind felt enchanted, carrying the distant rustle of stories told by the hoodoos.
After a quick snack, we drove to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, where we gazed out over the canyon from above. The sweeping views made us feel small in the best way, like part of a much larger story.
Before leaving, we made our way to the visitor center where the boys earned their Junior Ranger badges. It was a proud moment, especially when Evey went a step further and adopted a prairie dog through the park program. He named him Perry, and proudly carried his new plush prairie dog around the rest of the trip, our tiny, furry reminder of the magical day we spent in Bryce.
Bryce Canyon may be one of the smaller parks in the Mighty Five, but it cast one of the biggest spells on us. In just one day, we found ourselves enchanted by its beauty, its mystery, and the feeling that anything, dragons, fairies, even talking rocks, might be possible here. We said goodbye to the magical land and then set our sights on our last park, Zion…
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | May 13, 2025 | North America
After our playful afternoon in Goblin Valley State Park, we rolled into Capitol Reef National Park ready for a slower pace and found ourselves completely enchanted. From ancient carvings to vibrant rock formations, sage-scented trails to volcanic boulders, this park offered a little bit of everything.
We kicked things off that first afternoon by stopping to see the Fremont Culture petroglyphs, rock carvings etched into sandstone walls over 1,000 years ago. The figures depicted people, animals, and abstract shapes, giving us a glimpse into the stories of the people who once lived in this rugged desert. It was humbling and mysterious, the kind of sight that sparks both wonder and curiosity. We wandered through the historic settler orchards, still covered with fruit trees and tucked into the greenest pocket of the park. It was a reminder of the resilience of those who chose to farm and live in this isolated canyon. We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking the Sulphur Creek Trail, where the desert came alive with color and scent. I kept catching whiffs of something earthy and sweet. We later identified it as wild sage growing along the river. That smell became the heartbeat of the park for me. It was a beautiful contrast to the dryness of the surrounding cliffs.
We closed out the day with a short hike to Sunset Point. The weather was perfect, cool, clear, and calm. Even though we arrived before the sunset, the view was still full of so many colors shining on the rocks ahead.
The next morning, we started strong with a view of The Castle, a stunning pink rock formation that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel. From there, we headed out on the Hickman Bridge trail, a 2-mile hike that quickly became a favorite. Along the way, we passed black volcanic boulders, carried to the area from ancient glaciers. The kids were fascinated. When we reached Hickman Bridge, we tucked under the massive natural arch for a snack. Throughout the hike, we could see the white dome-shaped rock formation that inspired the park’s name. Some say it looks like the U.S. Capitol building.
In the afternoon, we drove the Scenic Drive, winding through canyons, cliffs, and colorful rock layers. We made a stop at an old uranium mine before ending up at the Pioneer Register Trailhead. This 2-mile hike was something special. The trail followed an old path used by early settlers as a detour around the rocky cliffs. Along the walls, we saw names etched by pioneers, carved deep into the stone more than a century ago. At the end of the trail, we reached the Pioneer Tanks, large natural water basins that once stored fresh water for travelers. The dry creek bed we followed was full of surprises. We even spotted a few fossils, which we admired and left in place. After all, the boys are Junior Rangers now and take their duties seriously!
By the end of our stay, Capitol Reef had quietly worked its way into our hearts. It wasn’t as dramatic as Canyonlands or as iconic as Arches, but there was something gentle and grounding about this park. The smell of sage, the pink cliffs glowing in the sun, and the quiet stories etched into the stone. Those are the memories I’ll carry with me the longest. Our family waved a heartfelt goodbye to the beautiful park as we made our way to park number 4, Bryce Canyon.
Until Next time,
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,
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