California here we come

After sufficiently stuffing ourselves with homemade Costa Vida at the Beckers, we hit the road.

We thought we could make it all the way to Irish Beach, CA. Which by the way if you tell anyone about this place, noone claims to know where it's at or heard of the place. Great.

934 miles from Laveen, 16 hours 7 min according to Google Maps

Added drive from Beckers and the possibility of 'Car-mageddon' in LA, but we'd buckle down and make the drive.

We could do it, no problem. Didn't need to be to Irish Beach until Sunday for check-in.

We made it to Kettleman, CA - it's only visible on Google Maps if you zoom in REALLY close. (almost 9 hours into the drive) The only thing for miles around and we HAD to stop. Ammon had screamed for at least an hour.

My new bumper sticker: We survived 'Car-mageddon', but couldn't outlast a screaming baby.'

Our options for stopping: 1 hotel for $189.99 or hotel #2 for $69.99......sadly we chose the $69.99 Super 8. It was only worth about $19.99.

Besides the 2 hotels, there was an In-n-Out and a gas station. Hopping town.

Oh I forgot we drove past the new Gilbert Temple!! So exciting!

 This was before all the screaming......

 still happy. :)

 movies, leapsters, so much fun!

 Jeff plugged into half a library worth of CD's: John Denver and more oldies

 here come the tears.....but it's still daylight and we didn't stop til is was almost 10 pm.

And so it begins...

Let's start at the very beginning. It's a very good place to start. (can you name the movie this song line is from??)
Started our trip with a trip in the wrong direction. Always a good start - at least this time it was.

Our little friend Ethan Becker was getting baptized on Saturday July 16th
We had time to get to Cali, so out to Gilbert/Chandler/almost Mexico, we went.

 Lucas was there too.....just not in any pictures - it's hard to keep track of that kid.

 Grandpa Becker, Grandpa Hammon, Geoff, Ethan, Uncle (don't know his first name) Rich, my Jeff

Congrats Ethan!

Ate delicious food - thanks so much! Perfect send off to the beginning of a LONG trip. :)

Happy early birthday

Since Lea's birthday was going to spent in a car - for 11 hours......we decided she needed to celebrate early. And since she didn't complain about celebrating early, we had a family party for her. The big 8!!

 Traditional birthday song - brings some to tears, others to laughter......

 her very own sleep mask - helps her to not get distracted when she's trying to sleep and also in the car when it's the middle of the day. :)

And sunglasses so she'd stop taking Abbey's. haha! Also got a swim suit and new coverup - ready for the lake, beach and pool.

Happy birthday Lea girl!

Last and final day of swim lessons

I am so impressed with my kids and how well they swim. I have never enjoyed swimming (something about having to perform in front of others and get my face wet....), just never liked it. I like the water, but swimming was not fun. Jeff and I are both determined to make sure our kids can safely swim and enjoy the water without fearing it.

 

 After swim lessons, we head to the Community Center down the street and grab a free lunch, then head back to the pool for more swimming. This time, a fire truck came while we were getting ready to go swim again. The kids wanted to wait for the firefighters to come back, so we waited. Hoping to get a chance to see in the truck.

Lucky kids! Not only did the they get to be in the truck, but they got to try on the helmet (was hoping noone had lice....haha!)

 Thanks to the men and women of the Fire Depts!

Pre-vacation

Before we headed out on our long journey, a few more activities to finish up. 

Took Lucas and Lea to the dentist and I had a check up too. Turns out all the soda and ice I like, really is  bad for your teeth. I have 6 teeth that need some repair.......can't wait to go back.

It was Lucas' first time so he brought along his soft blanket and frog. Next time he told me, he would leave them home. Awwww, so big! :)

We bring our own shades cuz we're just that cool! :)

A trip to the Aquatic Center and to Palfreemans - I went on my own hoping Jeff would come later.....alas work took over on Saturday.

My kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! the diving boards. Scott was disappointed his friend wasn't there to play with him, but he never ceases with the amazing tricks off the board. :)

updates are coming

Complete with picture overload. As soon as I can collect them all, you'll get to see all the fun things we did and why we drive more than 3000 miles to visit these places. And it's not the places that make it fun and worthwhile, it's the friends and family. Can't wait for next year! :)