Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Land Travel West - Phase Two

ARIZONA
Not only was it difficult to leave family in New Mexico, but there was some trepidation about leaving the cool weather.  Regardless, we strengthened our resolve and boarded SWA for a visit with so many loved ones in Phoenix, Arizona…in July.  Thankfully, God gave man the intelligence to make air conditioners.  We were pleasantly surprised that temperatures stayed below 110 degrees during our visit.

 Jen and Jody were kind enough to let us stay at their home, and their teenage daughter, Kylie, gave up her room and moved in with her 9 year old sister, Ashlynn.  Their dog, Dax, and their cats, Lyric and Melody, put up with us as well.  What a sweet and generous family, especially since we would sometimes not get home from visiting with other families until 11 pm.  They called us party animals.  Truth is, we were just trying to jam in as much family time as possible.
We got to see Irene, Julie, almost all the Mailo’s and relatives, the Benners, John and his momma, the Ojamerayes and relatives, Tony and Mary and the boys.  Plus we squeezed in several doctor visits.  Dr. Sam was pleased with our test results, except a few aspects, which we concluded were a direct result of our New Mexico overdose adventure on chili rellenos.

We were all over that valley, from Cave Creek to east Scottsdale to Apache Junction to the west side.  We got to attend church where Jody leads the music worship.  Kylie and Ashlynn also introduced us to Kinect games by X-Box.  What a blast!  I think Ashlynn was a little shaken when ‘grandma’ (me) jumped in to do cheering routines next to her.  I still claim there will be no permanent psychological damage.

The only downside to the visit was a severe lack of photographical evidence.  Grant’s hair did not even fit in the picture.  He plans to cut it when he nears the time of his interviews and college graduation.  I hope I have convinced him to donate those impressive locks, it seems long enough and would out produce at least eight of us normal women!
Jen, Jody and Ashlynn were great sports and got up at 4:30 am to see us off to the airport, Kylie was at an all night youth lockout.  It was hard to believe it was already time to head for central California.
Love to all,
Dena

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