Don't ASSume There's Nothing To Do In The Desert

Actual Date: Friday, July 8, 2011

After Brian got off work on Thursday afternoon we packed the car (more like stuffed every nook and cranny of it) and headed for California.  The GPS said we'd reach our destination in 21 hours and 53 minutes.  Should be a breeze with 3 kids and a dog right?

It wasn't too bad really.  We've done that drive enough times that we've got it down pat.  

And for the most part the scenery is pretty pleasant for most of the trip.  Then we hit the Desert... And this is pretty much what it looks like.  It's beautiful in it's own way.  

Since we left at a later time we went through the desert in the day instead of the way early morning.  I told Brian that it would be fun to stop at a little place called Oatman, AZ .  I had been there before with my family when I was a kid and I thought he and the kids would get a kick out of it.

You drive on old Route 66 to get there.  It's kind of a narrow, curvy road when you get close and it's amazing to think of those old trucks being able to drive on them back in the day.  The kids loved it though.  I told them that this is the road that Lightning McQueen got lost on in the movie Cars.  Ava said "It's even bumpy like in the movie too!" 

It's like an old ghost town where Donkeys walk right down the main street.

They're so used to people that they let you come right up to them.

And sometimes they come right up to you.

Don't laugh!  We had to.  We were on Vacation!

We bought some Hay Blocks in on of the stores to feed to the Donkeys.  They told us to be careful because sometimes they will chase you down if they think you have them.  And sometimes they fight over them.  

Also there was a ton of babies that were just born the week before and they warned us not to feed them because they didn't have their back teeth yet and they would choke.

Ava LOVED feeding them.  That girl has no fear.

Brooke found one of the Babies!

Look how tiny he is.  They were so cute and fluffy.

This guy was begging at one of the store doors for some treats.

Conclusion: Oatman was worth it.  If you are ever out that way you should check it out!

After a few more hours we finally pulled into my Grandma's drive.

Ava and Parker were a little shy at first.

But Brooke and Garenn picked up right where they left off.

It didn't take long for Avers to come around.  A few pushes from Grammy on the swing and she was good.

Look at that creepy little fuzzy Caterpillar she found.

You're so silly Baby Girl.