We too, Stayed in two rooms Pool Side at The Holiday Inn. One Night we cooked on the Coleman. The next night, Churchs poolside.The third night the Hotel restaurant.
My 4 children went riding with patrick. (The only stables in the Park) Patrick needed to sign them in at the visitors center(only before 5p) and they proceeded on a two hour adventure throught the magnificant canyons. They experienced cattle drives, seeing the natives tending their gardens, and wild mustangs everywhere! Approx 15.00 a hour No TAX cash Only
They came back dusty and blistered and begging to go the next morning again. Meanwhile my husband and I walked the 2 miles or so down to the whitehouse to see the cliffdwellers former digs.Many opportunites to support the local economy The Arts and Crafts are accompanied with stories and explainations by the artists.
The atmosphere of Canyon De Shelly (Shay) is remarkable, even medicinal to us. With the amount of Sheriffs and panhandlers, you soon realize the strive these Navajo's endure(within their own culture)this is when Social studies come alive.
We believe a must do in the West, Nice people (so are the Blackfeet of Montana). I went to the local parish to get a Mass schedule and got a lesson on making flatbread. The kids enjoyed flatbread at the restaurant with honey and sugar.

Got 2 weeks vacation?????
We would fly into Durango Co, shoot two hours south, then cross over about six hours throught the WHoDOs to Lake Powell(Bull Frog Resort) for a most memorable family vacation.
Come back through Zion/ Dinosaur Monument. This vacation will thrill the youngest to the oldest in your party.
This was a very nice portion of a 5 week Western National Park Trip Summer 2007.