We’re finally home from our annual Spring Training trip and I am beat. Our plan this year was to space things out a little more. We usually go to a baseball game every day, but we decided to change things up. We scheduled two days of baseball, and figured we’d spend the rest of our time at the pool. We did get in some pool time, but we ended up doing a lot more exploring, which is easier to do now that the kids are a bit older.
On one of the days, we all hit up Rawhide Western Town, a kitschy old west town that has dirt roads, gun duels, and a jail, among other things. The kids really enjoyed it:
James looks 12 in this picture.
The kids panned for gold and other treasures:
They also spent some time behind bars, which I’ve always felt was inevitable.
A few nights later, we went to a new (to us) restaurant called Rustler’s Rooste, where you go down a slide to get to the dining area. Unsurprisingly, the kids were very very into this.
Mike and my oldest nephew also ate deep-fried Rattlesnake. I did NOT. No thank you, sir.
On our lonnnng drive home, we did stop briefly to show James the Pee Wee Dinosaurs of Cabazon. This was a huge thrill for our little dino-lover:
Ah! Dinosaur!
The last time we stopped at the Cabazon Dinosaurs, James wasn’t even born. Look at little Annie! She’s still the same little character.
Now we’re home, although we’re not totally back to real life as Annabel is on spring break for the rest of the week. I’d like to hope that means she’ll sleep in until 8:30 am every morning, but I’m sure she and James will be up at 6, raring to go. Hold me.
Until next year, Arizona!
Lorraine says:
I live in Scottsdsle, AZ and Rawhide has been a favorite of our families since we moved here as kids from New York. And Rustlers Rooste is so much fun!! Next time you are here, try The Sugar Bowl for ice cream in Old Town Scottsdale. Very close to the SF Giants stadium.
Katrina says:
What a FUN trip!!
And why do kids get up at the crack of dawn on weekends and school breaks? when during the normal school weeks we have to drag them out of bed? I don’t get kids.
AuntieMip says:
I appreciate that you allowed Annie a little SF Giants gear, given your blood runs Dodgers blue. I equally appreciate that it is stylish…LOVE that argyle.
Related your family baseball rivalry always gives me a bit of a tickle
Unrelated…where did the pop math quiz as a requirement to post go? I got really good at my times tables during that vaccine event.
BIANCA says:
I went to Rawhide when I was about 12 and your pictures bring back loads of happy memories. I’m from the UK and am not likely to be back anytime soon, but maybe if I have my own kids someday I’ll have a chance to take them
Lisa says:
They moved the entire place a few years ago! Heard it is just as great…..
Ellen Grasso says:
Hi Heather, Check out this Distractify list of April Fool’s jokes – Mike & Annie made the list at #34
http://distractify.com/humor/2016/03/30/kids-april-fools
Mike says:
Hi Ellen!
That post was actually entirely stolen from one I did for BuzzFeed:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/37-brilliant-april-fools-day-pranks-your-kids-will-totally-f#.ti1bzZPobp
Not cool, Distractify.
Ellen Grasso says:
Totally not cool!!!! Sorry I missed it on BuzzFeed….
Nellie says:
Great post and pictures to match! Can tell you all had a fantastic time.
My husband and I had rattlesnake when we were in Arizona many moons ago and it was delicious! Doesn’t look all that appetizing or sound appealing but it really is fantastic.
aqua6 says:
I have fond memories of visiting Rawhide during a family trip, almost 30 years ago. Glad to see it still exists. All I remember of our trip to visit distant relatives: the western town, ripe oranges everywhere in November and the many many fountains of water all over town.
Lisa says:
Brunch next year?!
Alisen M says:
Rawhide is one of my favourites! And Rustler’s Rooste is definitely my favourite restaurant! The salad and pork chops are to die for! You made my heart long for AZ in these photos. Glad you had an amazing time!