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! :)

4th of July!

 Lucky Jeff got to work from home on Monday the 4th. Thank goodness we had swim lessons, then headed to McD's playland for 2 hours. We had plans to go to Sorensens, but they canceled and it was shaping up to be a lame holiday for us. I love the 4th and normally we celebrate in Idaho Falls, but the last couple years have been here. Last year was a blast, but for whatever reason, firework shows were held up to 2 days before the 4th......so we missed them. But I tried my best to make it a fun day even if Jeff had to work.

 so, we stuffed our little faces

 crammed in the play place for a photo op

 posed for more photos

 After playing there - I'd reached my limit on the noise and the food - it was time to go. Headed home for naps. Thankfully Angie called and said they were ready to party - yeah!!! Still Jeff had to work, so out on our own and very late in the evening, but we still swam, then ate outside until we were attacked by a bat and the kids were FREAKED OUT! me too, but I braved the outside to collect all our swim stuff. Jeff finally arrived around 10 and we made our way outside to play with fireworks.

 Abbey wanted nothing to do with this - notice she's not in the picture, she ran in the house before we even started.

 I finally convinced her to watch and watch she did. just like that - the whole time. haha! you'd think with how loud they(my kids, not the fireworks) are, that noise wouldn't bother them.

 SPARKLERS!

 

 Ammo not so sure

 

 What's a party without jumping over flames?!

 slightly smaller flames

 Jeff needed to get in on the 'blowing things up' party

 sweet girl

'are we almost done?!'

one of my favorite pictures of the evening - ammo just chillin' with his dad.

Happy 4th of July!