California Dreaming on Such a Winter's day... day 3

First off, a reminder about the give away... I've loved the knowledge from it and am grateful for the chance to give it to one of you.
I got a little distracted from this line of posts so if you missed days one and two on our little adventure, and care to check it out, they're here.
This could almost be a wordless Wednesday post, the pictures tell quite a story. But I have a cute story to share with words before I turn this over to the pictures. 29 Palms is pretty much military. Marines. And there were quite a few staying in the hotel we were, I'm assuming waiting for the more "permanent arrangements". We love staying at the Holiday Inn Express whenever we can, because let's face it, with half a dozen kids a decent continental breakfast saves quite a bit.
While we were eating Tayler leans across the table and asks, "Mom, why are all these people wearing these costumes?"
I have quite a bit of military in my family, so I didn't hesitate to explain what the uniforms stood for. What they represent. The hard work, sacrifice, the freedom. Through our stay there my kids happily said "hello" to the Marines as we passed them in the hall. I hope they know that I know, that my kids' future depends on them.
On the morning of the Jane Wayne Day we met up with West's cousin (the Marine) and his wife, and his aunt and uncle and two cousins who had also traveled to be there for it. We strapped on flacks (why are they not called helmets? I have no idea) and vests, and West, being the man child that he is, did a little tire shopping. No babe, I promise, those REALLY would be too big... The ride was hot and dusty and I almost fell out. Leave it to me. But once we got there, to the middle of nowhere, in the middle of nowhere, we were surrounded by all sorts of vehicles and guns. We watched tank demonstrations and then got to play on and in them, and even ride in them. We shot guns and had a BBQ lunch. And by the time we were done we were ex.haus.ted. We thought the ride out was dusty, it was nothing compared to the ride back. We had to hold shirts to our faces to even be able to breathe. Can you imagine doing that every day? A million thanks to our military. Every branch. Everywhere.