My parents have been visiting for the past few weeks, and we've had a great time! They drove down from Washington State, taking a bit of time along the way to visit a few key locations and see some sights.
They've got some great photos from their trip so far, and I just had to download a few and share them with you -- they're so great!!
This is a photo Mom took out the window as they drove south through southwestern Montana. Regardless of where the photo was taken, the snow on the mountain is a nice, refreshing sight as we endure nearly 100 degree days here in Texas. Phwew...
Dad has some nice photos of Zion National Park in Utah, but this was my favorite. The blue of the sky against the detail of the rock walls and the silhouette of the tree make this a nice, graphic image. If you've never been to Zion National Park, I highly recommend it! It's a WONDERFUL park to visit! Lots of hiking trails, variety of nature and wildlife. It's a relatively small national park, and is well managed.
Of all the photos they took at the Grand Canyon, this one is my favorite. Dad did a nice job of capturing the depth of the canyon. It's amazing just how far you can see when you're standing on the rim of the canyon. Like Zion, if you've never been to the Grand Canyon, try to see it at least once in your lifetime. It really is amazing...
Here's another photo of the canyon that Dad took. Such a cool place!!
Mom and Dad plan to start their return trip to Washington tomorrow. They've got a whole list of places to see and things to do along the way, and I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful time! I'm envious!! I love vacations, especially to national parks!

Fantastic pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lora | July 11, 2008 at 06:15 PM
What beautiful pictures! I especially like the one from Montana, though I've definitely had enough snow for one year.
Posted by: Heather | July 09, 2008 at 10:31 PM
You get your talent from both parents. Thank you for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Laurie in MN | July 09, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Incredible photos! I can see where you get your photography talent! Makes me want to take a road trip. It's blazing hot here in So Cal, too, and I can barely stand it.
Posted by: Lisa | July 08, 2008 at 10:00 PM
What amazing photos!! Being from Nevada, I have been to both parks many times and always enjoy the next trip as much as the first, they are so breathtakingly beautiful! My husband and I like to travel in our 5th wheel to visit all the wonderful areas such as these. We hope our next trip to be in the Montana area. Our country is just exquisite!! Hope your parents have a safe journey home.
Posted by: Penny | July 08, 2008 at 08:52 AM
That top photo is from my neck of the woods. It looks like it could be in the Crazy Mountains. We have such beautiful mountain ranges here in Montana. It is pretty amazing this year that it is now almost mid-July and we still have snow on them. This may just be a year that there is still snow when it starts snowing again. Have wonderful day!!
Posted by: Chriis | July 08, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Wow! Beautiful photos! The whole family seems to have a photographers eye.
Posted by: Beth M | July 08, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Oh.. gorgeous photos Ana!!
Posted by: Vicki Chrisman | July 07, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Wowies! In just a few weeks my dad will be roadtripping the reverse....from TX to WA
Posted by: Novell | July 07, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Your parents pictures are breathtaking... reminds me of my favorite quote...
"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"
I see photography runs in the family :) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Pam D. | July 07, 2008 at 05:57 PM
These pictures are awesome. I also love National Parks. I've been to a lot of the ones out west. I love Canyonlands, but haven't been to Zion, yet!! I see where you learned your photograpy skills. I know you have had a wonderful time.
Posted by: Linda Palmer | July 07, 2008 at 04:22 PM
These are beautiful pictures! I love that snow capped Mtn of Montana
Posted by: Michelle | July 07, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Such beautiful photos! I've never been to Zion or the Grand Canyon, but really would like to visit (especially after seeing how breathtaking it can be!). Thank you for sharing......
Posted by: Sharon | July 07, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Wow these are breath taking photos!
TFS
Posted by: Lynn | July 07, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Awesome photos! I've tried to photograph the Grand Canyon, and can't get the color saturation your dad has in his photos -- they're great!
Posted by: Montannie | July 07, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Beautiful pictures!!! I can see where some of your photography skill comes from! Never been to Zion or the Grand Canyon....maybe someday! Tell your folks to have a safe trip home and take lots of pics and send them to you so you can post them! I can live the parks, etc through their pictures!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | July 07, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Stunning photos! I have been to the Grand Canyon and I think your dad's photo captures it beautifully! Thanks for sharing. I wish them a safe trip home!
Posted by: Cindy H. | July 07, 2008 at 08:01 AM
The first pic looks like somewhere along the Tetons! They just sort of erupt out of the plains! It sure is clear where you got your photography talent.
I miss my mountains in Washington, more than any other thing. If I could catch a glimpse of Mt. Spokane, it was a good day. And Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, and Mt. Shasta . . . 300' above sea level in Mt. Dora (oh, puhleeeze) is as high as Florida gets! Oh, and don't forget the landfill piles, mostly down around Miami. Sheesh!
Posted by: kathynruss | July 07, 2008 at 07:28 AM
The diversity one finds in this country is not only found it our people, but in the countryside. Lovely pictures. It makes vacationing in the USA a good idea.
Thanks for sharing your photos.
Pat
Posted by: Pat | July 07, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Anna, the photos are AMAZING - you got your eye from Dad, eh? *wink*
Seriously beautiful pictures. One day I'd love to see the Grand Canyon......
Posted by: QC | July 07, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Amazing photos! I wish taking amazing pictures ran in my family!
Posted by: Leticia Fournier | July 07, 2008 at 05:15 AM
Wow, I see the amazing ability to capture beautiful photos runs in your family! That first photos is amazing. Hi to your Mom and Dad, and safe travels home. -Molly B
Posted by: Molly B | July 07, 2008 at 04:12 AM
Wow, I see where you get your gift for photography!! Your parents' pictures are awesome! I know they have had a wonderful time with you...so sad they have to go! Tell them to be careful traveling home! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | July 07, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Gorgeous photos!
Posted by: Andrea | July 06, 2008 at 11:16 PM