#26 GOLDFIELD MINE

Today was field trip day to Goldfield... an 1890's reconstructed town near the Superstitions. Originally, we were going to head out of town today but instead changed our plans. The warm weather and desert beauty is calling us to stay, and we will spend some time this weekend with our friends again.

Someone stole my seat today!

We arrived at Goldfield around 10 o'clock (it is right down the road from Lost Dutchman State Park) which was a new get up and go record for us! 

Our first adventure was riding the narrow gauge train, where we learned about the history of Goldfield.

It was awesome to learn about the gold mining and an added bonus is that the ghost town is dog friendly! 

We took Willow and Titus on the train ride, mine tour, and Mystery Shack tour.

After spending three hours there, and still not seeing everything, Steve and I were ready to hit the road. First, a stop to get some ice cream and fries, and a few fun souvenirs.

Then we made a quick run into town to buy a couple supplies. Steve really wants to buy another Jeep Wrangler, so we went to check out a couple... but really, it's not the best move for us at the moment. There is adventure enough in just having the rv. Perhaps next year we will add a jeep to tow behind and to adventure off-road with ♡

This sweet girl is super tired and is currently watching the old school "Beauty and the Beast" movie while the boys ride bikes. Next up for all of us: showers, dinner, and family game night!

SERIOUSLY!

LOST DUTCHMAN... SUNSET HOUR

#25 SUNSHINE ON OUR SHOULDERS MAKES US HAPPY

 

A lot of swimming 

and not enough sunscreen 

will get you a little sunburned. 

And, 

if your Dad throws you a full bottle of blue Gatorade 

and you fail to catch it, 

you may end up with a red mark below your right eye. 

 

Today has been a mellow chill day. We are still at Lost Dutchman State Park... it's warm, sunny, and breezy. I left the dishes in the sink last night because I knew I'd have all day to wash them. No traveling for us today! This is what our afterparty clean up looks like!

I covered the kids with sunscreen this morning... Alex rode his bike while Sierra and I took a very short walk to see a Saguaro up close.

Willow is shadow obsessed. 

A woman nearby told Steve about some snakes that have been out, so we are keeping an eye on the dogs vs just letting them wander on their leads.

And, Titus is laying low. We think he's having a small flare up with his IBD, and he is limping a little. As the months go by, Tman gets a little more quiet and moves a bit slower. I think he likes being inside the rig today, as it's shady and cool.

The kids are having a quiet day as well. They've played with modeling clay- Alex sculpted a part of the Grand Canyon and Sierra created shapes. 

 

After lunch, Steve and I talked a teeny bit about where we should to head next. We have a little under 3 weeks before we need to make it to Monterrey to meet his long lost cousin, then we will head up the Cali/Oregon coast. Colorado was in the plans, but we want to avoid the snow, ice, and cold temperatures... so perhaps Moab, Tucson... who knows! All I do know at the moment, is that we are all wearing shorts and I am relaxed.

Someone may have laid down for few minutes to stretch her back after lunch. And that someone may have woken up to discover it was suddenly 4:30 pm! Mr. Adventure closed the door to our room and, with the air conditioner running, I slept hard... dreaming of RV travel with the family & going into a convenience store to buy red licorice? (which we never do). Funny!

 Tonight we will definitely be eating outside in the sun! The menu is Costco rotisserie chicken mixed in a green salad. Easy and tasty! Can't wait to watch the sun set around the Superstition Mountains ♡ and to see more stars!

SUNDAY GOT EVEN BETTER

We love that Alison and Albert came out to Lost Dutchman State Park with us this evening. The kids played, we ate dinner, and Steve and the kids played games and hung out, while Alison and I sat under the stars. There's nothing better than connecting with an old true friend ❤ Awesome night!

#24 SUN DAY FUN DAY

 SUN day FUN day it is!

This weekend we are having a blast 

with Sean, Alison, and Albert... 

and a Mexican food marathon! 

Awesome food and awesome company!

Sierra had pancakes and strawberries... 

that's about as crazy as she gets with food.

So fun for the kids to pick oranges from the trees today 

and Alison helped them make fresh squeezed orange juice. 

The BEST tasting juice ever!

 And, as soon as the kids saw the sunshine, 

 they wanted to go swimming again! 

As they swam, we played DJ 

and rocked out to their Bluetooth Block Rocker. 

We have to get one of these when we get home. 

It's a large Bluetooth speaker on wheels!

Albert is an amazing dancer. He has got moves!

So blessed to spend time with our special friends ♡

 

#23 WATSON LAKE & GRANITE DELLS, AZ to GILBERT, AZ

Oh so happy! Our sea level bodies have finally adjusted to the higher elevations. And, I actually had dreams last night. We were able to adjust the sleep number bed too. Totally helped! Steve had the idea to move our old mattress into the rig and I am so happy he did. The bed is a queen and we can each have our own setting. He likes to sleep on concrete and I like a pillow. Perfection!

And, we had a super fun day today! Woke up to Arizona blue skies & sunshine, packed up, and headed over to Watson Lake. The kids, and Steve, loved scrambling on the Granite Dells. It is an incredible place of beauty. The dogs and I hiked around the trails while Steve, Alex, and Sierra boulder hopped ♡

After hiking, we headed south and stopped at Bumble Bee to have a quick lunch in the rig. The kids were super happy to see Saguaro Cacti!

And the day got even better when we arrived in Gilbert, AZ and reunited with my dear friend Alison and her family. They have a beautiful home and gorgeous gardens! The kids went swimming, we had an awesome meal, and we were all smiles.

 Titus and Willow were so happy to chill and relax without having to be tied up. Thanks Alison and Sean for inviting our 'entire' family into your home ♡

Alison and I have been friends forever and it feels like no time has passed, even though it has been many years since we've seen each other. I wish we could connect more often! Our kids had a blast together and tomorrow we will hang out again ♡