Mud Anyone?

On Saturday we had planned to go to the lake. Apparently we hadn't checked the weather report. We woke up to a flooded back yard (by Arizona standards) and freezing temperatures (again by Arizona standards). By the time I arose from the dead, Anden was already in full force enjoying the abnormal weather.

We quickly scratched the lake idea and decided we would go out riding instead; once the rain ceased. Jeremy was too excited and apparently couldn't wait until the rain finished to teach Anden how to drive the big quad...in our backyard. Obviously his exhilaration overtook the battle with common sense. Arizona has 2 inches of sparse grass desperately holding on to the 2 inches of zero nutrient dirt/clay beneath it. So driving a large machine back and forth repeatedly on 20 feet of wet surface is probably not the best method to spruce up your landscaping for the summer.

After a quick reality check by the Buzz Killer (me), the vegetation destroying activities moved out to the street. The wide open space was a better environment for mastering driving skills. Although the back yard experience did make Anden a pro at putting the quad into reverse. I'm sure that is a talent that will haunt us later.

(Notice the grassy tires. I still mourn every blade we lost in the battle.)

Taylee wanted more than anything to join the boys in their rainy and brilliant escapades. We assured her that with a Dad like hers; her time would inevitably come soon!

Since we were already out, the boys decided to go ahead and load up the trailer...in the rain. Then we would be ready to head out when it stopped. The boys worked while the smart girls sat comfortably in their chairs within the safe confines of the garage and watched.

The boys were struggling to get everything they wanted onto the trailer. This was taking quite some time. The rest of us lost interest and went back inside. They finally came in to report we were loaded, rain had stopped & we were ready to go. The timing was impeccable. It was now nap time instead. So the kids went off to wonderland. We would head out when they awoke. The boys immediately said "great, that gives us more time to keep loading the trailer!" Katie: "Huh, I thought you said you were done??" Jeremy: "Oh there's always more we can do". When we finally walked outside to load up, this is the nightmare I saw parked in front of my house.

I'm sure our neighbors are still wondering what hick town these rednecks moved from! Apparently Jeremy really took to heart "No man (or toy) left behind!". I would have rather forgotten the white trash moment but Lyndsay took a picture to immortalize for our posterity.

Humbly, we climbed in and off we went to the nearby desert. The sun was shining and it was going to be a beautiful day after all! After an eternity of unloading everything (yes, the vertical quad as well), gearing up and strapping everyone in, we were FINALLY ready to ride! The adrenaline was kicking in. We revved up the engines and then I abruptly noticed my windshield was suddenly wet. "WHAT?!" I exclaimed! "It's been sunny and dry for 3 hours but NOW it starts to rain!!!" Well there was no way we were turning around now. I told Jer to grab the rain jackets and we would be off. Minor detail, he forgot the rain jackets back at home. Too bad for them, at least the women & children were well protected in the rhino! So off we ventured in the pouring rain. I suddenly had a great appreciation for the invention of windshield wipers...seeing as we didn't have any!! So forget the protection of the windshield, I still had to lean my head out the side into the harsh pelting rain! Let's just say it wasn't only rain hitting me in the face. We happen to have large tires on the rhino that forcefully throw up mud while you're driving. Good times.

Well the idiotic adventure continued. We were at the back of the pack and had no choice but to follow along. Unfortunately we were sliding like we were on skis rather than on tires. I looked down and immediately figured out why. Slick mud on slick mud isn't the most effective method.

After we stopped, we weren't able to get enough traction to move the beast forward. Anden was begging to get out and play. How could I deny him such a thrilling experience? So we dumped him in the mud alone while we sat in the rhino waiting for the boys to realize we weren't behind them! Anden was ecstatic that after 2 seconds walking around, there was as much mud on the bottom of his feet as there was on the tires! He had suddenly hit puberty and was growing taller right before our eyes!

Needless to say, we were immediately nominated for Parents of the Year. My 2 year old was swimming in mud and my 6 month baby was wrapped in a soaking wet blanket splattered with mud spots while sitting on my sister's lap, not in a car seat and in the front seat.

We eventually decided we better end the misery (absolute joy for others) and head back to the truck. Jeremy continued to lead the way on his dirt bike. He must have gotten amnesia because he was picking winding paths in between trees, catci, other poky objects that were clearly not wide enough for the rhino. I did my best to squeeze through. It obviously wasn't a success. I glanced over and noticed Lyndsay quietly sitting there without any knowledge she had been violated.

We finally made it back and began loading up. Suddenly, and conveniently, Jeremy realized he "forgot" to close the gate. So he just had to be a responsible citizen and go back. As if a cactus was going to escape? So the girls stayed behind while the boys fulfilled their civic duties.

I had a brilliant idea and told them just to drive the rhino back all the way home while we drove the truck/trailer. My selfish motives were ultimately so that the trailer wouldn't have to become a duct tape contraption again. We all agreed and off we went. Anden really wanted to go with the boys. I gave him a tight muddy hug and prayed I would see him again in this life.

Luckily my prayers were answered! They made it back to the house safely. The only strange thing was that his shoes/pants were soaking wet. Jeremy proudly beamed that he had already washed the mud off Anden's shoes ...by having him jump in big rain/mud puddles. Stellar idea! I'll make note of it next time I need to wash your laundry!

Overall it was one dirty wet infested adventure. Upon realizing it would be 115 degrees soon enough, we immediately enjoyed the beginning to harden mounds of mud solidifying to our belongings!