Our trip to the desert...

 When we get the inclination, we like to pile the gang into the van and make a trek out to Utah.

The definition of desert according to Samuel is as stated--
"The Desert is a place where rain hides and the sun never sleeps...and where my cousin Audrey stays."

 

"Why is Utah far, far away?" --Russell

The drive there always reminds me how much I dislike driving for 16 hours. Though, one might ask oneself, what would I enjoy for 16 hours?

but, we do always manage to catch up on some much needed rest. Which is nice before the storm of traveling with children.

 

This trip was truly the beginning of our summer vacation. There was so much fun to have that we had trouble scheduling it all in. 

Here are the highlights:

Bowling

This adventure had great potential and I think most everyone had a good time. 

 Evelyn, on the other hand was done after 1 or 2 bowls. (the picture above was right before her first bowl) I spent the whole time holding her and 'making' her participate(I'm such a nice mother:) 

 Funnily enough, her ornery attitude didn't seem to affect her game

 Swimming 

The boys talked about this one for days.(before&after) We swam at a local rec center that had an amazing children's play area. We're talking lazy river, jungle jim area, 2 really cool slides and more. The one negative part was the 30 minutes we had to wait outside of the pool while the really strong chemicals were dispersing themselves around the poop infested area.

 It's really too bad someone pooped in the pool. 

Ha Ha. 

It wasn't my kids. 

No really, it wasn't.

 Movie Time

 

I've got my popcorn, candy and big fountain drink. This is so great MOM!

 

 

The movie was cute. I enjoyed it even though I had to leave 3 times in the middle of it. Not really sure why we couldn't get together on those potty breaks, but I'm telling ya it never hits at the same time. 

Playing around

Sometimes our unstructured play ended up being the most fun of all. There's nothing better than playing with cousins and enjoying the thrills of summer.

Popsicles:

 Bounce house at Christa-belle's

 Watching movies:

 Bubbles:

Catching Chickens:

Learning chickens don't like watermelon

 

 

Astronaut training

 

and Indoor camp-out's every night

We've since returned home. Sad as we were to leave those we love, we welcomed cool ocean breezes and being home with open arms. 

Our travels home are a blog post in and of itself.

Note:

Tired, or exhausted children = very annoying noises. I won't even try to describe what happens if you add hungry to that equation. That's a live and learn lesson people. 

 I'd like to advise anyone I know to avoid learning it.

Suggestion:

vacation alone.

Just kidding.