Mixed Monday

We started the day by waving Spencer off, back to school for his last term.

Dave then set up the archery which Ross really enjoyed. 

Calvin assumed his role of BBQ chef.

We didn't leave the house until at least 2 o'clock and we headed to the mountain park for a walk, and a sit down!  Ross found a great tree to climb too.

 We were planning on driving to Bakersfield to shop but in the end no one wanted the long drive and we decided that Tehachapi had all that we needed.  

(Especially if you were to need giant camping chairs)

We took Dave and Amy out to eat and they chose their favorite Mexican Restaurant.

The food was so good! 

(sorry about the blurriness--my camera prefers to be outside)

Although this was a rest day we crammed lots in and were exhausted by the end of it.

Get ready for the start of holiday number 3 tomorrow

Easter Sunday

We woke to a beautiful Sunday morning and ate breakfast on the decking before heading off to Sacrament meeting.  I forgot to say yesterday that Spencer had come home for the weekend to spend time with us.

After church we drove to red rock canyon.  It was really hot but Ross and Spencer decided to climb to the top.  The rest of us explored the lower levels and found a little shade.

We had a hot dog picnic which was really fun.

We then drove out to this mining ghost town, Randsburg.  It was fascinating if a little eerie. 

Shooting, Fishing, Paddling and the Most amazing Views

So now we are in California with our friends the Jernigan Family.  Their son Spencer served the first part of his LDS mission in our little branch in Milford Haven and spent his first Christmas away from home with us.

This is the view that we woke up to!

And this is the magical cabin that Dave and Amy live in.  It is so peaceful and was the perfect place to relax after our long journey.

They had lots of boys stuff planned for our first day.  They live in a gated valley and the shooting range and lake are part of that community.  

This was the best kayak in the world

Amy, Martha and I went into town while the guys did their thins and in the evening we just chilled out with a movie.  This place is different from the first part of our trip, it felt like a completely different holiday. 

Goodbye and Hello

It was time to leave Arizona and our great hosts, Rex and Linda (and Grandpa)

We were sad to leave them.  They and their family and friends were so welcoming to us and went out of their way to make sure we had a fantastic time.

We had a few tears as we said goodbye.

Here we are in Joshua tree National park and this is a Joshua tree.  Not quite what some of us expected.....ok so it was me, I thought that there was only one Joshua tree in the world, hence he U2 album title, THE Joshua Tree.  There are however millions of them.

Here is our attempt at the afore mentioned album cover.

The making of this photo was very amusing as the wind was blowing very hard, there should be a hat in the picture but it blew away!

These roads seemed to go on forever.

We passed through 29 Palms (Robert Plant song playing as we drove into the very strange town)

Also we made our second tiny trip on Route 66 in Barstow.

Eventually we rolled up at our friends, the Jernigans, in Tehachapi in the dark at about 8pm.  Can't wait to show you the view that we woke to on Saturday morning

Family Day

We spent Thursday with my Grandmothers cousin, Phylis, and her son Tracy.  We had such a great day.  They showed us around their complex on the golf buggy.  We were fascinated with all the facilities they have access to.  They made us feel so welcome.  I have met Phylis before when she has been over to visit and it was like we were never apart, she and Tracy made us so welcome and we got on really well.  You can really see the family resemblance in her to my Granny.

Later that day we were able to take Phylis to the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple.  450 church members take part in this portrayal of the Saviour's life.  It was marvellous and I was so glad that Phylis could be with us a bit longer.

We interrupt this broadcast.......Birthday Alert

Taking a quick break from the holiday......

Martha and Calvin are celebrating their birthdays today.

 Here is the cake, a book for the book worm!

if you look closely you will see where it broke in half as I was getting it out of the tin!

Recharging, Retail therapy and Rockin' R

We were all really keen to visit the Mesa Temple while we were there, it is beautiful.  It looks very different from our Temples in London and Preston.  Even though it is in a busy area it is so peaceful with lovely gardens all around, it was a great place to recharge ourselves as we were all quite tired from the day before.  Linda took care of Martha and helped her buy presents for her church primary class and teachers while calvin and I took the boys inside. 

In the afternoon we headed out to a western clothing store for Calvin to have his "midlife crisis" and purchase his cowboy boots.

"Do my legs look short in these?"

An excellent choice!

That evening Rex and Linda treated us to a western dinner show at "The Rockin' R Ranch"

Here they are chilling with Gareth and Calvin.  He wore his boots as you can see.

We all enjoyed the whole evening. I panned for gold and found some! The boys shot pistols, Calvin was called up on stage to twirl ropes, Ross loved the food, Gareth enjoyed the music, Martha got to wear her hat and bandana and we all learned the Arizona State song.

oooooo, ooo, ooo, ooo, Arizona.