Spring Break '09: Planes, Trains & Automobiles!

This year for Spring Break we decided to surprise the kids with a trip to Arizona to visit Travis' parents. Although this may be the longest blog in the history of blogs, we had a great trip and wanted to share it with everyone!

Chapter 1: And We're Off!

Because our Spring Break is more like a "General Conference" break, our kids only get 2 very short days off of school, we decided to fly to give us more time in Arizona. We did however, have to drive down to Salt Lake to catch our flight, and then again from Las Vegas down to Bullhead City, Arizona.













The trip started off great, less than half a mile from our house we saw these two cute little moose enjoying some new golf course grass. How crazy is that?













3 1/2 hours later, the first leg of our journey was finished. We parked at the airport, hopped on the bus,












checked in our luggage, and boarded the flight! Lucky for us there were only 30 people on the entire plane with us, so finding a seat was not a problem--unlike most trips we take!:)












As we were getting off the plane in Las Vegas, Lexie noticed that the man a few rows in front of her had dropped $40.00 in his seat. She called to him and returned it, and as a thank you, he gave her $20.00 back--wouldn't it be great if we could all be so lucky in Las Vegas?












Because of all the people and craziness in the Vegas airport, we walked right past Nana Bear, but when we finally met up with her everyone was soooo excited!!












Chapter 2: We made it!!

After 9 long hours of traveling we finally made it to Bullhead City, Arizona; and we were so glad to be there. The weather was absolutely beautiful! The kids and Travis decided to take advantage of the warmth and toss around the football.
















Of course it wasn't too long before the ball was in the neighbor's back yard












and on Bear's roof. I guess their arms had gotten a little rusty over the long winter.
















Tonight we decided to gather up the entire family, Travis' brother Kurt and his wife Lacey as well, and we went to a place called Scooters--We had a blast!! First we played miniature golf. Papa Beav, Nana Bear, Jaden and Lexie were on the first team.












Kurt, Lacey, Chloe, Travis and myself made up the second team.
















Chloe did a great job, but by about the 14th hole she was all tuckered out!












Next we rode go-carts and I tell you what, I haven't giggled like this since I was a kid! Bear and Chloe decided to go "granny style" and took a nice Sunday afternoon drive around the course.












Lexie, on the other hand, was out for blood--she went peddle to the medal and rocked it!












Jaden wasn't quite tall enough to drive so he got to be my co-pilot. We drove as fast as we could, but we were no match for the folks driving the single cars--TRAVIS!












To wrap up the evening, those brave enough stepped into the batting cages.

















It's obvious that my kid didn't get their athleticism or guts from me!












Chloe would have loved to take a swing, but being the small fry that she is, I convinced her to sit out and chill with Papa Beav instead.
















Chapter 3: To and Fro, Here We Goooo!

Today we thought that while we were out and about it would be fun to eat 3 meals in 3 different states. We started off the day in Arizona











with breakfast









Next, we made our way to California












for lunch.
















Lastly, we hit our most favorite spot in Nevada for dinner...












In-N-Out burger, YUM!!












We didn't just eat today, although it seemed like it. We went up to Lake Havaseu because the kids wanted to go swimming, but when we got there it was so windy and the water was freezing! In typical adult fashion, we sat on the wall












while the kids got in the water; even if it was only for a second!
















After our short stint in the windy sun, we took a stroll over the "real" London Bridge. Yep, the actual London Bridge resides in Arizona--who'd a thought.












Chapter 4: The Beautiful Grand Canyon

This morning, after some mass confusion, we boarded a train in Williams, Arizona and headed for the Grand Canyon.












The ride was about 2 hours due to the slow speed of our train (45 mph) however, the scenery was beautiful and the entertainment on board was delightful. The kids had a great time singing and clapping along with our "Singing Cowboy."












The Canyon was absolutely beautiful--pictures just don't do it justice! (but I'll try)












You'll notice Jaden's cheeks and nose are a little pink; it was FREEZING! I was thinking that with the Grand Canyon being in Arizona that it would be warm, maybe a little breezy; boy was I wrong! All I packed for us was light sweat shirts--BIG mistake, it had actually snowed up there the night before.












Chloe was sure she was going to "freeze to death" so Travis, being the great daddy that he is, zipped her up in his jacket.












It appeared that when trees fall down or die, the park people just leave them there, for obvious reasons, and they turn out to be the most fabulous backdrops--a photographer could have a field day just taking pictures of the twisted, fallen trees.
















As our day at the Grand Canyon came to an end, Lexie decided she needed to take a picture of Travis and me before we re-boarded the train to head back to Williams.












Shortly after leaving the station, Jaden and I fell fast asleep only to be rudely awoken by TrAiN rObBeRs, they had guns and everything!

















We rounded off the evening by letting the kids take a swim; in warm water this time,













followed by a quick stop at a sign marking the name of the city that was named after my ancestors. (totally kidding, I don't know who the city's named after, but it sounded good--right?)








Chapter 5: General Conference

Today, being Sunday, we just kind of hung around and enjoyed each others company. Kurt and Lacey came over to watch conference with us, and in between sessions they were kind enough to make dinner for everyone--it was FABULOUS!!












After Dinner Lexie spent some time playing with the new friends she had made.












Jaden spent some time sitting on the fence and soaking up the sun while playing his gameboy
















And while closing her eyes for the closing prayer of the afternoon session, Chloe fell fast asleep--must have been a pretty long prayer.












As the sun started to set, Travis decided to take the kids for one last dip in the hot tub












before sending all the kids off for a sleepover with Nana Bear and Papa Beav; good thing they have a California King sized bed!













Chapter 6: Being On Time is WAY Over Rated!!

This morning while Travis and I were packing and trying to get ready to leave, Nana Bear colored Easter eggs with the kids--she is very festive like that!











Just before we left we said goodby to Aunt Lisa and her roommate Stacy, who were finally able to come down from Vegas last night and stay--It is always GREAT to see them!












Because of all of this mornings "festivities" we got somewhat of a late start to the airport, not that it would have mattered much considering we sat in dead stopped traffic for over an hour and a half! (cars are lined up as far as you can see road)
















The kids were getting pretty restless, which wasn't necessarily a surprise, but not good considering the distance we still had to go.












Needless to say, by the time we got to the airport, our flight was long gone. The Southwest gate agent was awesome! Instead of making us standby for the 4:30 flight, she gave us confirmed seats on the 6:30 flight making it possible for us to have just a little more time in Las Vegas with Lisa and Bear. Hard Rock Cafe, here we come!
















We ate yummy food,











Said one last good-bye,












And this time, we made it on our flight with plenty of time!














Chapter 7: That's All She Wrote!

After we landed in Salt Lake and got our car, we stopped in Bountiful to see Great Grandma and Grandpa Schwab before hitting the road.












After a wounderful visit with the Great Grandparents, and 5 fabulous days with the Grandparents the kids were exhausted--What a vacation!