It was time for another Summer vacation in Utah!
I guess we couldn't get enough of that place last year.
First we needed to go to church before hitting the road.
We had planned on doing that originally, which ended up being a good decision.
After an unexpected visit from the stake presidency, Casey was
released right then and there on our couch from the bishopric.
They then called him to be on the high council.
They were making the big change on Sunday.
It was good to be apart of that and to hear Casey's testimony
on his experience and feelings while serving the ward.
He will do great on the high council and is stoked to be
able to speak in different sacrament meetings more than usual;)
Not really.
In fact, that was the sole reason why he
never wanted that calling!
I can't say I envy him.
We took the kids out of primary 15 minutes early to miss the commotion in the hallways.
Somehow it takes 20 minutes to get home from church!
After changing clothes and a quick lunch, we were in the car ready
for a week of fun!
I had it all planned out.
Della would take her usual 2.5- 3 hour nap in the car.
I had snacks, stickers, suckers, movies to occupy her until
we got to our first pit stop, Vegas.
Easy, breezy!
I was wrong.
So very wrong.
Della did fall right to sleep.
Unfortunately only for 25 minutes.
NOTHING was making that girl happy.
Anything I gave her as a distraction was chucked right back at me
in retaliation for making her sit in her car seat for hours.
And she wasn't quiet about it.
About 3 hours in, I had a returning flight booked for me and her
at the end of our trip.
I couldn't fathom repeating this nightmare on the drive home.
12 hours of that would push anyone to their breaking point.
Plus, with her flying for free it was a no brainer.
When the Vegas skyline appeared I think we all cried tears of happiness!
The plan was to let the boys ride the NY NY rollercoaster, eat dinner, walk around,
then drive to St. George where we would spend the night.
A very excited crew ready for a break from screaming h. e. double hockey sticks.
I couldn't tell what this replica was made out of.
Gum? Candy? Marbles?
Anyhow, Lindi was all about the photo opportunities.
Finally! A child willing to pose and smile without me forcing them to!
We walked up to where the roller coaster entrance was only to find out that Rusty was
too short to ride it. By a lot.
UGH! Really?
He is 8, and way over all the height restrictions everywhere else.
The signs made it clear that you will be measured without shoes.
Such a bummer!
Luckily he didn't seem to mind much.
The $10 arcade game card to compensate could have also been the reason.
While Casey and Lane were on their ride...
… I got to hang out on the arcade floor with all the stellar adults wasting away their life savings.
I thought that's what the casino was for?
I was surprised at how many games the kids could play.
I thought they would get to pick 2 and the card would be empty.
They played a solid hour almost.
I later saw a sign saying games were .25- .75 cents that day.
Luck was in our favor for a bit!
Almost like we were in New York, almost.
They really need to get a Levain bakery to make it totally authentic.
We were starving. Luckily I googled a Shake Shack that was in walking distance.
This was the first time any of us had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge!
Crossing off lots of firsts already:)
It was nutty crowded. Go figure.
Everyone coming out from under their hangovers, fueling themselves
for some more partying.
We split up into 2 tables.
Do you spy them yonder over by the window?
After herding the kids across crazy town,
and warning them NOT to take any flyers from anyone (oi),
we made it to the M&M store.
You would have thought we were at Disneyland!
They were so excited to check this place out.
Lindi told me she wanted me to be in the picture with Mr. M&M.
It was as exciting as a kid in a candy store, lol!
It was pretty cool to see all the different flavors and colors they make.
We gave them each a bag and warned them that if they went passed
the line we authorized them
to fill at, they would be walking to Utah.
It was a good thing, because just 3 of those tiny bags cost more than a huge
Costco sized one... that happened to be sitting in our car.
It was quite comical to see the massive shopping bags leaving that store.
People really must love wearing M&M paraphernalia.
They felt like they struck gold or won the lottery.
Memories.
It's all apart of vacation, right?
I was crossing my fingers Della had gotten all of her wiggles out
and would be content the rest of the drive to St. George.
That was a laughable thought!
She did finally conk out for the last 30 minutes.
A long enough cat nap to make her wired and not want to go to bed once we got
to the hotel.
I think after midnight we all got some shut eye.
