We’ve crossed a few more state lines since the last update. But not just any states, a couple of the most exciting states in the country!
I only wish we had another six months to explore the enormity of California. From national parks to incredible food and the gorgeous west coast, I think California would literally blow my mind. However, with a two and four-year-old in tow, we decided to keep our visit brief and plan to come back someday.
Arizona concluded with a short stay at an RV park resort. We stayed in a little mobile home, comparable to a tiny home. We did our best to stay outside in the sun and enjoy the lake and park nearby. Oddly enough, throwing rocks and sticks into the water is one our best past time as a family. It’s the little things. Getting outside is the only true key to survival on a road trip with two littles.
A few seconds into crossing the state border from Arizona to California and we were HIT with skyrocketing gas prices. The price jumps from three bucks to over five bucks a gallon! It was shocking. We scored a few discounts through sign up bonuses on the gas station rewards apps. Otherwise, our only hope has been cashback on Upside to help cut gas costs. And luckily, we filled up right before crossing the border, so we attempted to get gas as little as possible while in California.
Our main attraction in Caliornia was Joshua Tree National Park. It was more beautiful than anticipated! After visiting Saquaro National Park in Arizona, I was a bit worried about another flat, “boring” park for the kids to be disappointed by. Don’t get me wrong, I love looking at a good cactus, but without exciting terrain and giant boulders to climb, the kids got bored quickly.
I’m happy to report that Joshua Tree had much to climb and an abundance of sights to captivate even the littlest eyes. Levi brought along his digger and dump trucks so he could enjoy the sand as well. Once the kids are older, maybe we can attempt some of the longer hikes with even bigger boulder sightings.
The car rides are getting harder and harder as the trip goes on. I’ll be honest in saying it’s really just one particular two-year-old who is growing increasingly discontent on the road. I don’t blame him, but we gotta get home somehow, so he’d better brace himself for the month ahead. Our only hope on long car rides is these travel trays – the ONE thing we can count on to keep lunch on laps, hold a load of Magnetiles, provide a table for coloring, and make Play-Doh activities more fun.
After much crying and whining from California to Nevada, we finally arrived in Las Vegas. I was SO nervous taking the kiddos to such an “adult” city. But the Lord put my fears to rest after just a half hour on the strip. Yes, it’s a little crazy, but that’s the exciting part. The kids’ eyes just about popped out of their heads as they took in the ferris wheel, double-decker buses, dancing waters, a pyramid, and self-driving cars all around.
We somehow forgot our affordable little Airbnb in Las Vegas didn’t have a full kitchen, so we’re exceedingly thankful for SO MANY food freebies in the area. Our list of FREE sign-up offers has reached an all-time high in Vegas after signing up for at least a dozen restaurants and gas stations. If I had to guestimate, I’d say we got at LEAST $100 worth of free food, if not more. Just look at this delicious food we’ve been enjoying at absolutely no cost!
Speaking of food, I made one of my favorite college meals this past week. We really had NOTHING but a few pieces of fruit and some pantry leftovers. But that was all I needed to whip up this Sweet Protein Wrap, which kept me full for hours. Add extra peanut butter or yogurt for more protein in each bites. It may sounds like a weird combination, but trust me, this recipe is a winner.
Per usual, thanks for keeping up on our family adventures. We miss everyone back home, but look forward to the friendly faces we have yet to visit during our final month of traveling.
Heading to a new state this Friday! Drop all your UTAH suggestions in the comments below.
See ya on the road!
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