On October 15, 2025, our entire family gathered at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, nestled near the east entrance of Zion National Park. Our group included my wife and me, our seven children, their six spouses, a girlfriend, and eighteen energetic grandchildren — a full and joyful house. We spent several memorable days together, departing on Monday, October 20.
Except for the first evening, the weather was perfect: crisp mornings in the 30s, pleasant afternoons in the mid-60s, and endless blue skies. Down in Zion itself, the temperatures ran nearly ten degrees warmer, making for ideal exploring conditions. We filled our days with biking, canyoneering, games, hiking, and laughter, and each night we gathered under the dazzling canopy of stars, soaking in the hot tub and the quiet beauty of the high desert.
At Zion Ponderosa Ranch, we stayed in the Kolob Cabin, a spacious retreat that comfortably sleeps 35 guests across eight bedrooms and nine and a half baths. Nearly every adult bedroom includes an attached bathroom, while two bunk rooms—each with eight beds—provided the perfect setup for the younger cousins. The home features a large, well-equipped kitchen, an enormous great room, expansive decks, a relaxing hot tub, a barbecue area, and plenty of parking. It was an ideal home base for our adventures in and around Zion.
On October 16, our family made the short drive to Springdale, Utah, where we equipped everyone with e-bikes from EBikes Zion for the day. The younger children and infants rode safely with their parents. From Springdale, we rode our bikes into Zion National Park, following a few sidewalks before reaching the main park road.
Because private vehicles are not allowed on that section of road, we shared it only with the occasional park shuttle. The ride from the west entrance to the Zion Narrows trailhead was peaceful and memorable. We rode at our own pace, taking in the towering cliffs and quiet beauty of the canyon. Not a single vehicle passed us from behind, and only a few shuttles met us coming the other way. It felt as though the park belonged entirely to us that morning and afternoon.
At the Narrows trailhead, we locked our bikes, enjoyed lunch together, and took the short hike up the river canyon and back. Afterward, we continued down the road to the Weeping Rock Trail, where we again secured our bikes and made the brief walk to the overlook just below the rock face. Looking out across the valley, the gentle spray of water gave the sense of standing in a light rain. It was a simple but beautiful moment.
As the afternoon went on, some chose to return to Springdale to browse the shops, while others rode once more toward the Narrows, enjoying the downhill run back through the canyon. Eventually, we all gathered again in town, returned our bikes, and had dinner together at Oscar’s Cafe. That evening, back at the cabin, we ended the day with games and laughter—a perfect close to a day none of us will soon forget.
On October 17, our family decided to spread out a bit and enjoy a variety of activities, each at our own pace. Early in the morning, a few members of the group headed to Keyhole Canyon for a canyoneering adventure, returning to the cabin around 11 a.m. Once they were back, another small group set out for Pine Creek Canyon, eager to experience its unique challenges. Meanwhile, the rest of the group enjoyed a slower start, spending the morning relaxing at the cabin, enjoying the crisp mountain air, the warmth of the sun on the decks, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.
Linda and I, along with ten others, chose to join the second group and descend into Pine Creek Canyon. From the very first step, the adventure was thrilling. We navigated a series of rappels, carefully balanced on boulders, hopped from rock to rock, and waded through chilly pools of water. The canyon demanded attention, patience, and teamwork, but it rewarded us with excitement, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment—we also froze our butts off. The final climb out was short but steep, testing our endurance and leaving us exhilarated… and finally, warm.
By the time we emerged from the canyon, muddy and smiling, it was hard not to wish we could do it all over again. The combination of natural beauty, challenge, and camaraderie made it a highlight of our trip—a day that perfectly captured the adventurous spirit of our family in Zion.
On October 18, our family took a well-deserved break. We slept in, enjoyed a slow morning, and savored the chance to simply relax together. But soon it was time to prepare for a very special event: our long-overdue family photo shoot. It had been years since our last formal photo, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to capture all 34 of us together.
We gathered on the west side of Zion, near the exit for the Subway Trail, where a professional photographer, Jimmy Bishop of Gideon Photography, was waiting. With his guidance, the entire family moved through two carefully chosen locations, taking full advantage of the “golden hour” light, from 5:30 p.m. until sunset at 7:00 p.m. Even the few snapshots we took on iPhones were breathtaking, thanks to the stunning scenery and the warm, glowing sunlight.
While none of us are naturally inclined toward standing in rows and posing for the camera, the shoot went surprisingly smoothly. Laughter and gentle encouragement kept the mood light, and everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. We left with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that the resulting photographs would be cherished for years to come—a lasting memory of our time together in Zion.
After the photo shoot, we found a place to enjoy dinner, El Rancho. We tried several other “fancier” places, but none of them would take a group of 34 with little or no notice. While El Rancho was a physically small place the food was amazing and the staff were very kind, helpful, and professional. Several of our group intend to eat there again in the future. While most of us returned to the cabin, three members of our party departed for their homes, a gentle reminder that the long weekend was beginning to wind down. Though bittersweet, the day closed on a note of contentment, as we reflected on the joy and togetherness that had defined this special family gathering.
On October 19, we began the day with a leisurely breakfast before heading to church in Orderville, Utah, for the 11:30 a.m. Sacrament Meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a special experience to attend together as a family. The congregation was small, but with our group of nearly twenty additional attendees, we brought a noticeable sense of energy and joy to the service.
After Sacrament Meeting concluded around 12:30 p.m., we set out to visit a local site called the Belly of the Dragon. We wandered through its winding tunnel, marveling at the rock formations, and then made our way back to the cabin. The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying a late lunch, playing games, and preparing dinner together.
Just before our evening meal, three more of our loved ones departed for home. Each goodbye tugged at our hearts a little, yet it was impossible not to smile as we remembered the joy, laughter, and shared experiences that had made this long weekend so memorable.
On October 20, we all pitched in to complete the check-out procedure before the 10 a.m. deadline. With that accomplished, we set out for our respective homes. Four of our party traveled south, six headed west back to Springdale for a bit of shopping, and the remaining twelve of us journeyed north with a detour to Bryce Canyon National Park.
At Bryce, we enjoyed a picnic lunch, fed birds and small mammals, and took a short walk to Sunset Point. The canyon’s dramatic hoodoos and sweeping vistas were breathtaking—Bryce Canyon may well be my favorite of all the national parks. After soaking in the scenery, all twelve of us continued on to our homes, bringing to a close a truly perfect long weekend.
Gathering the family in this way was a remarkable and meaningful experience. It brought unity, laughter, and love to a growing family. Cousins were reunited and had the chance to get to know one another, siblings shared stories and created new memories, and parents and grandparents delighted in seeing everyone together. I hope that during the rest of my life, we can continue to enjoy such gatherings. I also hope and pray that, long after I am gone, these types of reunions will continue to bring these cherished sons and daughters of God together in unity, love, and joy.