Solitude

It was a great Friday! Maria has been sick the last few days but we decided it was too nice a day to stay in. Hopefully the fresh air did her some good. Joe has been working like crazy the past month and got the day off. Heavenly Father is an artist. This was truly such a blessing to experience.

 

We piled in the truck and had a wonderful ride. We played games and sang. We colored and enjoyed the barren desert all around.

We parked the truck... and went for a short hike.

 

Which led us to the playa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There was nothing there. It was beyond description. There was so much open space. The sky was gorgeous. The sand was speckled with gold dust. The weather was perfect.

The kids are so clever. Within seconds they were digging in the dirt finding wish rocks (chunks of dirt you can make wishes on and if it breaks when you throw the wish comes true). After a while Maria suggested playing tag since quote, "We can't play hide and seek out here."

 

 

 

I love these guys!!!!!!! They are the best!!!

 

 

We got to see a few wild horses.

 

And had a super fun time with Christina's bow and arrows. I didn't realize it, but she does pretty good! Maria is getting the hang of it too!

 

This is my brag shot because I've never shot a real bow and arrow and on my 3rd try I got the closest to our target!!! Woooooooooo!!! Talk about skill... or OK, maybe just a lucky shot!!

 

We had a fun time on the way home. The girls were actually begging to play the quiet game!!! I was doing my very best to try to make them giggle but they are champions! Talk about self control!

And this little love bug is the happiest and easiest guy around. He didn't even cry once the entire trip!! Someone loves the desert!!!

 

WE DO!!!!

 

Black Rock desert was definitely awesome. I can see why they have Burning Man there. But to me personally, I think what made it so amazing is that we were all alone. It was pretty freaking cool. Next time we go wearing pink fur and shooting flame arrows!!!!!!

Another 4WD Outing....

 

You know, my dad made an excellent point at dinner tonight. Just because you have 4WD doesn't mean you have an off road vehicle.

 

Eli sported his new $1 hat from Ross.

 

Little did I know it would be so muddy. I wore flip flops, so I stayed in the car.

 

The kiddos hiked a bit. At one point Maria was a little scared of how bumpy it was. Christina said, quote, "You mean you don't mind skipping and running down a steep cliff, but the bumps scare you?"

It's so true. Maria was running everywhere.

 

 

 

 

Don't ask me where we were. I have no clue. Somewhere in the east.

 

 

Good action shot of Maria.

 

What? Mommy is banning us from doing this again. Yes. Yes I am.

 

We now have a large stick to paint from the outing.

 

It was a beautiful sunset. It was one of those that just lights the sky on fire.

 

Earlier in the morning I had gone to the temple. It was a great session. I sat next to Shirley Pasco and the Abbotts took me through to the Celestial Room. I had a funny realization when they first start the session you are asked to be alert, attentive and reverent please.... which would be AARP!!!

 

More Truck Adventures- Up Behind Olivia's House

 

It was such a beautiful day. We headed for a "drive in the mountains" with daddy. 

Drive in the mountains with daddy= FUN!!!!!

It was gorgeous. The snow had this hair-type texture. It was sparkling and just plain awesome being outside!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... the day after.

We got snow!!! The day after!!! And since daddy has 4WD we had to go play....

Now Mommy was thinking a little hill....

But daddy was thinking a trek into the desert.

Hungry Valley.

It was a little worrisome, but was wonderfully fun!!!

We got to sing with coyotes.

Sled.

Throw plenty of snowballs.

Enjoy the gorgeous earth.

AND... no one got whiplash!!!

When did my daughter grow up and get so big!!

We love vacation with daddy!! Seriously... he is such an adventure ALWAYS!!