Chillaxing...

Ahh, its that time of year again.  When the stress of work melts away, the summer temperature rises, virgin swamp water is made to quench the thirst, and these two kids head off into the sunset to get wet and wild at the closest theme park only our budget can afford!

ITS laGOon TIME!

Tips for next year:
1 - make sure the car is tuned up before travelling lengthy distances
2 - make sure Temple recommends are up to date before arriving at the temple, and go on a day that is less chaotic than a weekend with all the sealings happening over summer breaks.
3 - pack plenty of favorite hydration methods, including Aloe water!
4 - make sure Russ has an appropriate length and comfortable white dress shirt to wear for Sunday with the heat in mind.
5 - potentially melty candy always gets left in the travel cooler, thus avoiding sticky messes elsewhere.

one of Russ's new favorite fruity drinks

6 - food on the go should never go. Icecream on a stick is also considered this topic.
7 - always take advantage of the local flavor
8 - although the camelbacks were a great idea, most ride attendants told us NO BACKPACKS ALLOWED!  We ended up renting a locker to put our stuff in, and buying cold drinks anyways.
9 - exploring & going to some of the exhibits earlier in the day proved a cooling factor.
10 - Naps are always nice, essential in the heat.  Take a siesta.

Sarah found a stuffed TAMA!

11 - bring along stronger cloth/plastic re-usable shopping bags to pack wet clothing, instead of the normal plastic variety that can tear

2 drowned mice

12 - the best souvenirs are memories, pics, suntans or blisters, and maybe the occasional water bottle or keychain.  Unless a collector's item is involved.
13 - camping and season passes might be worth investigating for stricter budgets.
14 - tether all loose articles on any velocity rides.  Consider leaving any valuable items with a trusted non-participant or in a locker.
15 - sunblock is ALWAYS necessary, except in one's eyes.  Ow, ow, ow!
16 - road trip music is a must, as well as a soundtrack to any summer activity like swimming!

Last of all but certainly not least - take a vacation, after the vacation!