We have now 'done' all the National Parks in Utah and what a great experience it was. The kids have been troopers with no moaning and have appreciated the greatness of these surreal landscapes, canyons, and weird rock formations despite it making their father very nervous if they go too near a canyon edge or two! We have tried to do a small hike in each park though it has been difficult in 40 degree heat with little or no shade from the beating sun. We buy a tray of 24 bottles of water every few days which we have in the car and all go through at quite a rate.
Utah is different than the other states with its high percentage of Mormons' and all that goes with that - it is the state with the highest rate of non-smokers (smoking, alcohol and tea and coffee are banned in the Mormon religion). Family is paramount and as a result a lot of shops are closed on Sunday and close earlier in the week. Also the strict alcohol laws prohibit sales in supermarkets and if you want to drink you must pay to drink at a 'regulation' bar after someone 'votes' you in. Poor Tim - he has missed his wine!