Gardner Vacation 2011

After waiting and wishing we finally were able

to make the trip to Disney Land. We left

Utah and all it's snow and slush and headed to

Las Vegas. We are not much of drivers in our

family. So we decided to break up the long drive

and spend the night in Vegas and visit our friends

the Jolley's.

We got as far as St. George to gas up and

enjoy the sunny weather. Owen ate play ground

bark. And Riley found a pecan tree. Riley

and Brandon said they tasted pretty good.

We then met up with the Jolley's and showed the

girls the lion exhibit at the MGM Grand Hotel.

We were lucky and got there right at the time

they feed them.

Riley wanted this picture because her

long term school substitute helped design

the statue of liberty in Vegas.

After dinner we said our good byes to the Jolley's

and Brandon and I wanted to show the girls

the water show at the Bellagio. They thought

it was awesome, but were very tired.

The next day after a good rest we were all packed

up and ready to make the drive to California.

When we got to our hotel. We checked in and

headed up the elevator to our floor. When

we stepped out of the elevator there waiting

in the lobby on the couch was Grandpa & Grandma

Gardner. The kids had no idea they were coming.

Paige stepped off first and was in complete shock.

They were not sure if they should run and hug them.

But quickly the shock wore off and it was all smiles and giggles!

Since it was Sunday we did not do much.

So we headed to the nearest beach. We walked down

the pier and watched all the people fish and also

got to see a wild sea lion, who kept stealing

all the peoples bait off their poles.

It was a little breezy and chilly.

It was the first time my kids had seen the Ocean.

I taught them how to chase the water down the beach

and how the water chases you back up the beach.

Of course the water was cold.

Grandma kept Owen all bundled up.