Last summer I went on vacation with my family. Our trip was not some huge ordeal; instead, it was a trip to Utah in order to drop my brother, Taylor, off at BYU. On the way, and once we arrived, we did fun activities that were not over the top, but allowed us to spend time together as a family. On the way up, we passed the World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker, California. This may sound somewhat like Weird Al’s “Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota,” but my family loves visiting unique places like that. Our plans included a one night pit stop in Las Vegas (I know what you’re thinking-so typical). This was my first time stopping there for something other than a bathroom break, so it was a new experience for me. We stayed in the Golden Nugget Hotel. That night in Las Vegas, we drove down the Strip to see all the lights and different types of buildings, statues and decorations. We also drove a little ways from the Strip to visit the Las Vegas Temple. It was beautiful.
The next day we bought a yummy éclair for the road, then started the long drive. On the road is probably one of my least favorite places to be. If only people could teleport to the places they wanted to go! Up in Provo, we stayed in a house belonging to a family friend. Of course when we were there, Taylor had to check in and buy all of the books he would need for that semester. We went with him to do this at the Wilkinson Center, which is where the bookstore is., While there, we met two of the Kid History guys. (Kid History is a funny YouTube video series). They were promoting a premiere event for Episode Six of Kid History. We ended up buying tickets online for said event and drove to Cottonwood High School where we met more of the cast and learned a little bit more about the production of Kid History. While we were there, I bought a Kid History T-shirt, which is now one of my favorite shirts.
Back in Provo, we helped Taylor move in and get situated in his apartment and were able to meet his roommates, who were pretty chill guys. Also in Provo is the BYU Creamery. The ice cream there is delicious! (I have been told that I know my ice cream). At one point towards the end of our stay, Taylor had a class to go to, so my mom, dad and I went to Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City where we bought salt water taffy. The parking lot is across the street from the mall. They have orange caution flags to hold while you cross the street, so we had fun using them.
We eventually left Utah (leaving Taylor behind). I have come to the realization that my brother no longer lives with us. He will always have a place in our family home in California but just to visit and spend time with us. Now I must cope with being the only child at home and with my big brother growing up and being on his own.
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