New Years at the Hakes's Sand Box

So what did you do to ring in the new year? well, whatever it was, it probably wasn't as cool. ha ha, we had a great time, can ya tell. The traditional family pilgrimage to the dunes was a hit, as usual. I was SOOOooo happy i could go this year, cuz i've missed this fun tradition for 2 years now, i was not about to make it a 3rd! Everyone minus Randy&Erin's family, and J'bers were able to attend. Justin, having to drive up to Provo, was so distraught about not being able to make it. To ease his pain, faith and i made a little Mini cardboard cut out of Justin to take along with us. He was able to ride the quads, play the games, and even watch the football game with the entire family... so in a sense... he didn't miss a thing!

I know your going to wonder, "what's EME stand for?" Justin has a jacket just like this that he wears constantly, it's just a brand name. We just had to include it, it completes him.

Greg and Grandpa starting the New Year's Eve bone fire. That stack had to have passed 6 feet!

New Years consisted of board games, fireworks (provided by Dan's kids), 2 movies in our makeshift movie theatre (Gary's projector and speakers projected on the side of Danny's outdoor area tent, featured Wolverine and Star Trek), a night ride on the quads, food, and some tv watching of the events around the world in Ken and Dani's trailer. Yup, lots happened that night, and happily, most of the family stayed up till midnight! Or at least till AZ midnight! California is an hour behind.

Don't we have the coolest Grandparents!

Poor Grandpa, he was all worried about the trailer and didn't want to go and low and behold, it happens to break in the middle of the road on the way to camp! Not being one who speaks mechanics, i couldn't tell you what actually happened. All i know is we bought 2 new tires before we left, and i heard the words "springs", "wrench" and "axial". You make the diagnosis. :)

I am happy to report that this year there was no major injuries! Both my dad and Ryan were successfull in flipping their quads and breaking their flags, no major injuries to report of, both quads are ok. Grandpa's truck was successfully repaired with help from all his son-in-laws. It did get stuck in the sand on the way out, but with the help of my dad's truck, attached to Greg's truck attached to grandpa's truck... he was able to get out with very little trouble. What a blessing to have a little over 30 helpful and willing hands on this trip!

(Photos compliment of Jennie Hakes- I forgot my memory card...again!)