Elisha's brother, Shea, lives at Fort Irwin, CA with his wife and son, Cat and Alex (just 5 hours away). Elisha dropped Jason off at the Vegas airport to attend his annual English convention, and headed out with Harrison and Kendall.
Vegas and I are not friends. I coincidentally found the freeway, but missed the I-15 south exit. Frustrated, I made a crazy, car-chasing turn and got on the right direction. Shea wanted to know step-by-step where I was, but I felt too flustered to call. Finally, I was feeling that all I had to do was drive, and I'd get to Shea's. Unfortunately, Jason called to inform me that my $50 gas money was still in his pocket - 45 minutes in the other direction, and in Vegas. I pulled to the next, and last Vegas exit. In tears, I explained the situation to my mom, who thankfully agreed to transfer money to my account. It was time for Kendall to eat, so we got out. HA! There was no where to sit inside, even with restaurants, so outside I went with my 3-year old and baby. Luckily there was a bench.
On the road again! We made it to the exit, which appeared out of nowhere. Shea's instructions were to go right and drive until I saw a small building before the gate. Well, I wasn't sure I was going the right way as I was literally in the middle of nowhere. But I figured seeing this sign, I was headed the right way:
Finally I saw the gate, and pulled to the left at the small building, which can only be described as a rest stop restroom-looking building. Again, Shea's instructions were, "Do not exit the vehicle until we approach you." Does that not sound like strict, Army talk? After my travels, I was already on edge. Well, as I pulled in, I found myself in a handicap spot. That would probably get me thrown in timeout, so I freaked and drove around the building to look for an appropriate parking spot. There weren't any. Luckily Shea was there, chasing me by foot. Whew! I then told me that I'd need my ID, the car's registration, and proof of insurance. Oh, and the kid's ID's. HA! I told him I'd be leaving, then. Luckily he was joking, but I wasn't laughing.
Now to approach the gate. After my evening, I was already on edge. The guard was nice, and said that Shea told him to give me a hard time. I nervously laughed. Not funny. The boys and I followed Shea around the fort to his beautiful home. Success!
Living in the middle of the desert means nothing to stop the weather, so the wind blew the whole time. Our first full day, Wednesday, Shea and I played with the boys while Cat went to work. We headed to the store to get out. Shea managed to get my 2 car seats with his 1 into his SUV. Left right was Alex (2 years), Harrison (3 years), and Kendall (1 year) (ages approximate).
The boys loved sitting back there together. Here's Alex and Kendall loving Harrison while he sleeps.
Shea and I had a system getting the boys in and out. To get in, Harrison would crawl in with Alex, and I would buckle him and Kendall in while Shea did Alex. To get out, I would unbuckle Harrison and he would crawl out Alex's side and go with Shea. I would go around and get Kendall. The wind did not make this enjoyable at all.Seeing lots army soldiers at one time was different. It was hilarious when people would tell Shea his kids were really closely aged. He was quick to point out his ONE and my TWO. Too funny.
On Thursday, Shea mentioned there was a Route 66 and train museum that he'd been wanting to see in Barstow, about 45 minutes away. So, we made the trip. There were trains, on tracks, right in the parking lot! How cool is that? Well, unfortunately, the museum was closed. The boys would have loved it, dang it.
So, we headed to the base museum. As I unbuckled Harrison, Shea got the umbrella stroller out and set it up near Kendall's door and came around to get Alex out. As I got out of the car, I saw the stroller sailing across the large, empty parking lot due to the immense wind. All Shea heard was, "Oh!" and when he turned around he saw me chasing the stroller. As he laughed hysterically, I lassoed the stroller with the camera strap and walked back to the car. It really was hilarious.
Wouldn't you know it Kendall had a blowout and needed a change of clothes at the museum? Oh, and no changing table or change of clothes on hand? Poor baby had to wear his onsie with towels around the legs, then go out into the wind afterwards.
The museum was interesting. Harrison loved the helicopter and Jeep. I would have loved to take my time and see what all the areas were about, but 3-year old's don't wait.
In between here and there is an incredible mountain of boulders. Each one is painted by the platoons that come to train at Fort Irwin. Each element is a symbol. They're very interesting!
Alex and Harrison had a blast the two days we spent together. They literally ran all day long. When we left, Alex was taking a 3 hour nap! Definitely wiped out!
Alex and Kendall also had fun with all the toys and learning together.
Kendall hanging out with Cat (notice the boys running?) Kendall loves Cat. He just snuggled with her.
Here's Alex chilling. He loves the story "Love You Forever." He carries it with him everywhere.
Harrison's enjoying Alex's kid recliner
Thanks, Shea and Cat for a wonderfully relaxing, enjoyable time!
