It was't till the mission with our desperate attempts to make every free Monday epic that I realized how easy it is to let those beautiful sights close to home be taken for granted.  I met many Germans who raved about the gorgeous nature of southern Utah and Northern Arizona, yet I had never even visited Zion's!
So far Labor Day, Mom and I took the windy roads and explored.  After 2 year's of Europe and Hawaii's humidity, I was hit full blast by the dry heat, but it was so fun walking with my mother through the red sand lining the canyon bottom.  I think it's a fair shot to say she's my best friend.  We can talk about literally anything and everything.