~Utah Vacation 2011: Arrival!~

On July 1st we once again embarked on a long journey across the United States.  Only this time we were heading west, the opposite direction of our previous months travels.  The kids were troopers all night long in the car, and Nick and I got into a good sleeping/driving rhythm.  It's all about the switching between music and books on CD, along with the occasional Five Hour Energy.  Those things are NASTY but they work like a charm on us!  This drive was a lot less daunting than the drive to NYC, and we actually arrived at my parents house a mere 15 1/2 hours after we left our own.  We were so happy to see everyone!  

The kids were greeted by a smiling Robert who showed them all the pirate gear he made for them, along with a giant brown box pirate ship, The S.S. Horrible!  They were in HEAVEN!  I was exhausted and my camera battery was sadly dead so there are no pictures, but believe me when I say it was pretty magical.  Then it was time for snacks before heading off to see the Stadium of Fire fireworks outside my Dad's office.  The older kiddos were so tired they couldn't even make it through the 8 minute drive before they fell asleep.  That's okay.  We had plenty of blankets. ;-)

Though none of my brothers were able to come, my parents were good sports about it all and braved the crowds and horrendous traffic (I still stand by my statement that Utah has some of the least courteous drivers in the world) all so we could see some Independence Day weekend fireworks.  It really was a pretty spectacular show.  Nick and I had a great time oooohing and ahhhing and catching up with my parents.  Luckily the kids slept through the 70 minute ride home. (Yes, you read that right.  What took 8 minutes to get there took 70 minutes to get home.  Nasty!)

It was a beautiful night and (despite the rude drivers) a great way to 

kick off our vacation to Utah!!