'Tis the season for family togetherness, and boy, do I love my family even though sometimes they're a lot and sometimes I'm a lot.
Our trip to Arizona for the week of Thanksgiving was much anticipated (and dreaded by some).
Overall, it turned out to be a decent trip with some lovely bonuses.
We travelled to Washington DC Sunday night in order to catch an earlyish direct flight to Phoenix Monday morning.
Unfortunately, Gavin and Rick were just recovering from colds, and the airplane pressure exacerbated Gavin's brewing ear infections. We got him an appointment at a (not-so) quick-care clinic, and after some shenanigans with pharmacy stuff and insurance, he had some antibiotics to treat a double ear infection.
Gavin's ear pain did not prevent him from getting in the pool at the house we rented. The kids and Uncle Danny played in the water the first day, but after that first exposure, they didn't feel the need to make swimming a daily occurance.
The rest of us preferred sitting in the sun. We played a few board games outside. I didn't win any of them. :)
One morning, I went on a drive to find a wildernessy hiking trail. Unfortunately, I didn't think to take my wallet, so I couldn't get into the state park, but I found a way in through a little neighborhood behind a Walmart. It looks isolated, right? It's not, but it was enough of a taste of Tucson-like scenery to make me a little wistful.
Our biggest surprise and bonus occured when we learned Logan's family were sick, Emily and family weren't going to Price for Thanksgiving as they had originally planned. We finagled them some flights to Arizona. Hudson was a heart melter for the next few days.
Andrew met Hudson for the first time, and became a quick fan. He could not suppress the baby love that bubbled up inside him despite his attempts to pretend otherwise.
It wasn't easy for Andrew to take a week off work knowing his coworkers were carrying a heavier load. It also wasn't easy for Andrew to have so much family time without a car of his own to escape when he needed to. He appreciated being relocated to Grandma's house so we had room for Emily and family in the rental. I think he had an okay week--especially when he got Uncle Andrew time.
We went to Goldfield one day for some entertainment. It's a rebuilt historic mining town. When I went last year with my mom, Danny, and Cathy, I thought it was cute and fun and that the kids would enjoy it. This time, it was so packed with people! I think people had an okay time there--better than not having anything to do and sitting around the rental, but I'm making a note to myself to avoid going there on holiday weeks in the future.
That evening after our Goldfield visit, Sean and Gavin had quite an argument over who owned this souvenir penny. They both got one, but we could only find one of them in the rental. Let me tell you, this argument was ridiculous and dramatic. What's more ridiculous is that since we have been home, neither of the boys has even mentioned the penny.
Another place I love to visit is the Mesa Temple visitor's center.
I really wanted to get a whole family picture sometime during the trip. I was glad the missionaries there accommodated. I haven't decided though, if it's Christmas card worthy. I also haven't decided if I want to tackle the project of Christmas cards at all this year. Every year I have this debate with myself.
Me and Grandma. I like to get this picture every time I go.
Me walking with Jesus. I also like to get this picture every time I go.
And, that's about it. Our journey home was long and exhausting with a layover in Nashville. We got home around 3:30 a.m. We had the special blessing of a snow day for the kids the next day, so most of us slept in and didn't feel one bit guilty about not being at school.
Now, we get to look forward to Christmas when this little guy and his parent will pack their bags again and travel across the country to see us. I bet we will see more of Uncle Andrew than usual too. :)
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