Short But Still Oh So Sweet

With our trip in May again this year, it seemed like a longer wait until we were headed south for our annual trip. Jackson was pretty excited to be riding on an airplane to “Air-zona”. Sadly, since Ellie is now in school, we felt the need for a shorter stay so she didn’t miss so many days of school. And with late flights in and early flights out, we were limited to three days to soak up the sun, swim, and do a few other things.

Since the younger ones missed the memo about sleeping in, plus with the time change, we were up early the next day and at the park walking LuLu by 6:00 am Arizona time. There was a definite need for a coffee stop on the way to the park for us older two gals, and we not only packed snacks for the birds, we were sure to tote along a second breakfast so we didn’t run in to any little hangries and have to leave early. Ellie knew the routine and Jackson was never able to catch a duck. Of course they both wanted to walk LuLu at the same time. I think it is great to see them play on the same playground each year and see just how much they grew in a year.

It was a nice relaxing morning at the park but we had a busy afternoon ahead of us. Sherri surprised Ellie with tickets to the theatrical musical Annie along with a red Annie inspired dress. They both thought the show was amazing and were singing the songs when they got back in the car. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep the boy entertained for the whole show so Jackson and I dropped them off curb side and headed north.

Two freeways and a nap in the car later, we found ourselves at Ann’s house just as they were getting home from church. And now that Auntie Carol lives just minutes from Ann’s house, we were able to pop in and see her new home too. The girls were happy to keep Jackson entertained and we all even piled in Auntie Carol’s new golf buggy for a tour of the new neighborhood. It is a very nice home and is easier on the mind knowing that they live much closer together now.

Unfortunately we couldn’t stay long and soon had to navigate our way back down to Tempe. I was very thankful there wasn’t any traffic jams or construction during our drive. We made it back to the Gammage Theater just as everyone was walking out. Next on the list was to grab a snack and drive out to the east valley and visit Great Uncle Delwin, who just moved down from Alaska a few weeks prior. We had a wonderful dinner and visit with him and as hectic as it sounds, I never regret making time to see my extended family while we are down there. It was a great way to spend Mother’s Day.

The next day was also an early one, waking with request for swimming. We however decided it would be best to hit the Phoenix Zoo since it was going to be the coolest day at 85°. By the time we got our tickets to do everything at the zoo, we were already hot and glad we decided to take in the scenic views and animals by way of the shaded safari train.

Our tickets also included a relaxing ride on the Endangered Species Carousel full of hand crafted animals. It was almost just as fun watching it go round while waiting in line as it was to actually climb up and take an animal for a spin.

By the time we got done with all of that it was surely time to cool off in one of the two splash parks at the zoo. Ellie was quick to get drenched but Jackson wasn’t so keen on it. By the time we got to the 4D Theater, they were completely dry again.

We headed back, took a little cat nap, ate again and then we finally got to put on our suits and head to the pool before it started to cool off as the sun went down. All of the day’s excitement ended with good sleeps and two kiddos ready to hit the pool again after breakfast the next morning.

After our refreshing dip it was once again time to rest and get the chlorine out of our eyes before heading out to do a little shopping and eat dinner at one of our favorite shopping centers, the Tempe Marketplace.

We shopped til the sun dropped and realized we had better get to bed for the early flight home the next morning. Traveling was a bit easier this year since the kids are getting older and we were lucky enough to not have to pack car seats thanks to Sherri’s resourcefulness and some generous neighbors.

Even though it was a quick trip we still enjoyed many of our favorites — EXCEPT we realized we didn’t eat at a Mexican restaurant — a little shocking, I know, but our time was limited. Next year Jackson will need his own seat on the plane and everyone, Ellie especially, keeps asking when Brian plans to visit Arizona. I think we just might have him convinced to join us since we are down to shorter trips. Plus Auntie Sherri has a big excursion in mind for next time so we will be excited to make a family trip out of it.

Of course we couldn’t be more grateful that we are able to make the trip again this year and visit with everyone that we got to see. Thank you to all who helped to capture the big and wonderful memories that we create in doing so.

The Rest Of The “Air-Zona” Pictures

Click SL below for Slide Show & FS for Full Screen

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