Lightening in Liwa

Feb 26: We got quite a group together for a final (for us) Liwa camping trip. The difference this time was the weather - there were dark clouds gathering as we approached, and even some rain. Rain in the Empty Quarter?! I guess it happens :) 

Colby liked the freedom of sand in every direction, and walked all over the place. He never strayed too far from his parents though.

OK, sometimes he crawled too:)

Hailey was in the rare position of having a pack of little girls to run around with - it was cute to watch them band together and make up games.

At the top!

Sand soccer

As is the case on these trips, we had some "unanticipated" events. Owen got sick (sand absorbs throw up - I knew you were all wondering) and had a pretty scary experience with a camel. It rocked me enough that I didn't even take pictures for the rest of the day, which if you know me in a beautiful location, then you know that never happens. Owen was ok though, and the trip was still a success.

That night, we were treated to the most awe inspiring lightening storm I have seen in a long time. Ken and I took a walk, and seeing the constant flashes of lightening over the tops of the dunes made it feel like we were at the edge of the world. Fortunately, the storm ended up going around us at about midnight, so we could enjoy the lightening and thunder without too much rain :) With a sleepless Colby and a sick Owen, we were prepared extra early for sunrise! 

The camels trekked across our campsite early in the morning. Those baby camels were pretty cute!

Here's a view of some of our "campsite." I think we had 11 families out there!

This dune provides the perfect entertainment for kids with boundless energy. That is one of my kids with his friends, I just don't remember which one!

The storm left us an extra pretty sky.

Will was so excited to try sand boarding again, and was thrilled our friend would let him try on his own. He carefully waxed the board, then carried it up. He didn't get too high, since the sand was already heating up, but he sure was proud of himself!

I feel pretty blessed to get to live this life I have with all of these little people! (Hailey was running around with her friends and couldn't be bothered to take a photo with mom :) 

Goodbye Liwa, thanks for all of the fun memories !