Trip to Cali -- On the Road

So, we headed out to California for 

Great-Grandma Wessel's 80th Birthday!!

On the way, we saw a lot of fires like the one we had in Saratoga Springs...

Only there were many houses that weren't as lucky.

(This one was counting its lucky stars.)

In this area, the fire was controlled, but you could see where the fire jumped across the whole freeway.  

Blackened grass on both sides of the road.

Then we arrived in ARIZONA!!!

which is having its Centennial this year...

1912-2012

The kids had fun with the new treats/activities along the way...

Through Nevada, and Then FINALLY to CALIFORNIA!

Then through Tehachapi (happy to get past Mojave Desert) where it's famous for the windmills.

We stopped to fill up with gas here, and I couldn't help myself...

I had to get a bag of fresh picked cherries!!!

(That's a big reason I miss California!)

When we finally made it to GGpa and GGma Wessel's house, they were sure surprised!

(We didn't tell them we were coming...)  

They were so excited that we had been able to make it!

(Looking back, I'm thinking, ya know, we are so lucky she didn't keel over from a heart attack.

Note to self:  GGma and GGpa should probably not be surprised anymore.)

The next day, we decided to let our pet/friend lizard out so it can be back with its family and friends.

Good bye lizard... Welcome home!

We'll miss you!

Then we headed up to Fresno where we spent an AWESOME time with Auntie Virgie and Roberto at the Storyland and Playland!

We rode the mini train...

And got WET at the splash park!

Not to mention getting to ride a bunch of carnival rides there!

We headed back home that night after a long, long, but fun, fun day...

And on Sunday, we got a visit from Uncle Chris/Aunt Leesa and Uncle Mike/Aunt Pamela!

Chris and Mike went out to help the kids find some lizards.  And they actually caught one!

Way to go!