The Trip in Pictures, Part One

One of the things that Josiah remembered (and David probably thought he remembered, too, since Josiah talked about it so much) from our last trip to California (February 2007) was the Star Wars video game that his cousin Sebastian had.  At the time, Josiah didn't even know what Star Wars was; regardless, he thought the video game was really cool and eagerly looked forward to being able to play it this time.  He wasn't disappointed.  Sebastian had lots of Star Wars video games and cheerfully shared the controls, giving both Josiah and David plenty of opportunities to play.  This is how Josiah spent hours of his vacation...

...perched on the comfy couch, controls in hand, intently playing the game, determined to learn everything, capture all the gold, and succeed!

David spent quite a bit of time trying to play the game, too, and did fairly well, although he would get frustrated when he couldn't do something as skillfully as the big boys or when they got all the gold before he even got a chance at it.
After a while though, even if Josiah was still determined to press on in the game, David's interest would wane; and he would look for something more physical to do.  He didn't have to go far...

...just to Sebastian's bedroom, which apparently looked like the best bedroom ever to my boys.  To me, however, it seemed more an unbelievable toy store than a place to sleep.  :)  Every toy weapon currently on the market (and lots of non-weapon toys) were in his room, I believe; and Josiah and David must have thought they had found paradise!  :)  The laundry hamper to the left in this picture was chock full of nerf guns of every variety; and even better to young Star Wars fans, Sebastian must have had at least 20 light sabers.  I didn't even know they made so many different kinds.  

The boys would go pick out their weapons and then begin to fight.  All kinds of duels and battles were won and lost during our week of vacation.  Injuries, both minor and serious, were inflicted and miraculously healed.  Lives were taken and new lives given.  These warriors were serious!

Besides the Star Wars video games and weapons, there were also Star Wars movies...and the costumes, of course.  I didn't get a picture of anyone in the Darth Vader outfit, but it was truly impressive.  David liked this Obi-Wan Kenobi outfit just as much (I had to look up Obi-Wan Kenobi just now to see how to spell it!).  I think Sebastian wore Star Wars t-shirts the whole time we were there.  :)
And then, of course, there's the Storm Trooper helmet.  Jeff put it on Tobin; and although I thought it was hysterical to see him in that, he didn't think too highly of it so before I could snap a better picture, Jeff had mercy on him and released him from it.  :)
By the time we visit again, he'll probably be old enough to follow his big brothers' and cousins' example and be enthusiastic about all things Star Wars!

Vacations are all about a change of pace and, to some extent, indulging in items or activities normally limited, right?  In this case, we let the boys indulge themselves freely in Star Wars, knowing that when we returned home, they'd have to go through a minor withdrawal to recover from their obsession.  :)