GO WEST, YOUNG GIRL

Zion, Utah is the most beautiful area of landscape ever created on the earth’s surface. With its color-changing leaves, and its snowy mountaintops during winter, it is like coming home. Zion is not only home of pretty plains and wonderful scents, but it is an adventurous landscape so interesting, it’s nearly impossible to keep away from.

Why I love Zion is because of its lovely flowers and interesting sights. Our entire family went from Phoenix, Arizona and trudged happily down to the Zion plains to have a family reunion. We went on high zip cords and had paintball fights and went on horseback rides with each other. We had a terrific time.

Our cabins started out small and quaint. Then, we got upgraded to a huge cabin. They’re luxurious - small or big! Our miniature cabin was placed directly in front of a frisbee-golf course where a nice little family was having a marvelous time catching and throwing a frisbee into hoops.

My first activity was the paintball fight. At first, I was a little unsure about it, but then I became very excited to participate. I ended up hitting my uncle, and my cousin. Then, my other uncle hit me, and I was out. The fight was easy, and painless.
When I returned from the mountaintops where the paintball fight had taken place, I saw flowers to pretty to speak of, and ferns that were green and twisted up neatly like a confused pretzel. My heart skipped a beat as I went into happy mode. The mountains grew beautiful, and then I heard a low motor and looked below to find my two cousins racing each other on quads. The field was perfect and round, and looked like a baseball diamond. My dad somehow read my mind and suggested a family baseball game should be taken place there. Everyone agreed.

That night, we went to get dinner at the cafe, and felt so happy. Their food is delicious, and I’m not kidding. After that, everybody rushed down to the field with bats and softballs. We played a happy game of softball, and my team won. We proudly walked off the field bragging loudly so my aunts, uncles, cousins, and brothers could hear.

I think Zion is a number 1 choice of vacation area, because it’s good for the family to get to know each other and strengthen a relationship.

Go for Zion, Utah

VIVA LAS VEGAS
By: Sarah, 12, CA (AKA __Sweetie__)

Some find the lights and sounds of Las Vegas annoying, but I think they rock! There’s always something happening and always so much to do. Different hotels have different activities. Caesar’s Palace has three unique pools and a mall. The Flamingo has exotic animal exhibit and waterslides. To beat the day time heat, spend the day at the pool or walking the Strip. The M&M store is always a must, along with the Bellagio water show. So next time you go on a vacation, suggest Viva Las Vegas!

LEAVENWORTH- SMALL BUT WORTH IT!
By: Rachel, 13, WA (AKA Pink_Punk)

Recently, I visited a mountain village called Leavenworth in Washington. Everyone there is so friendly! You feel right at home in the shops, and everyone has a smile for you. A lot of the shops are family owned and have been passed down for generations, and it’s nice to hear about it if you ask. Everyone’s always willing to help you out and talk to you if you have a question or are curious about something. It’s a HUGE tourist attraction but it’s very nice. The hotels there are all nice. And if you go there in the winter, it’s all snowy! And be sure to get a brochure, because they have festivals often and you can’t miss ‘em! I haven’t been to one myself yet, but I’ve heard great things about them!

Also, in winter, a short drive takes you to a great place to go skiing or sledding! Even snowboarding. I’ve only ever been sledding and it’s FUN. Except that snow-down-your-shirt when you go down on your belly. But even that’s fun. Just dance the cold out of your system. But get out of the way first, it’s very popular! And in Leavenworth I think is the best place to be. I loved walking around the most. Visconti’s, the Italian restaurant, is a must-go-to for dinner. Starbucks is nice for cold hands and just the rest of you. For adults, there’s a wine shop. For young’ns, there’s a toy shop. There are plenty of other shops as well. Beautiful items, and only the best and friendliest service. As you can see, any time of the year, friendly Leavenworth is the place to be.