Vacation during an Economic Downturn

We haven't been immune from the financial downturn as I'm sure you haven't either. Lance's hours were cut significantly when he started working on his new TV show and we've been scrambling ever since. I had wanted to go to Southern Utah and take my kids to see a play at the Tuachan outdoor amphitheater for Fall Break. I figured it was impossible to do it but a few great things happened that allowed us to go. I have a friend in our ward that owns a condo in Mesquite and she offered to let us stay there for free. My parents generously offered to pay for our play tickets and VOILA, vacation on a dime (well, more than a dime.) It was a quick, rainy trip. The drive was long and included me getting pulled over for speeding between Las Vegas and Mesquite (the usual.) Thanks to Jackson's friendly personality, I got off with a warning. We hit all the hot spots, the St. George Outlets, Cafe Rio, Nielson's Custard and Smashburger, and the St. George Temple and visitor's center. We even went to Deseret Industries to buy blankets to keep warm during the play and I found a bunch of great deals on children's clothes. We took the girls to see Grease and they loved it. Thanks to my parents and my friend Yvonne for making it possible. And thanks to Lance for staying home and working so we could go in the first place.