One of the great things about being on vacation is that you can spend a lot of time relaxing and doing things you’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I spent a lot of my vacation time reading. One day, Ryan spent an entire afternoon building a block tower. He keeps telling me we need to buy some good old blocks for Nathan but I think they might secretly be for him.
He was kind enough to let Nathan knock it over when he woke up from his nap.
Wednesday, the 22nd was a really great day for me. Ryan, Nathan, and I drove up to Scottsdale to visit my Grandma Beverly’s grave. We were going to meet my Uncle Jimmy there (I haven’t seen him in close to 20 years!) but he had unfortunately just had surgery and couldn’t join us. Beverly was my mom’s step mom and she passed away in 1979 so I was never able to meet her. It was a very sweet and spiritual experience for me to be there and feel like I finally got to “meet” her. I know that she played a big role in helping my mom be the woman she is today, and mom has likewise done the same for me. I owe a debt of gratitude to her and I’m so grateful for eternal families!
Her grave is right beneath an olive tree that was planted when she was buried. It was only a few feet tall then!
The other big thing that happened that day? Ryan and I went out. As in “on a date”. Big. I know. We actually went out with Ryan's sister, Janelle, and her husband, Dan, and both their parents. We went to a fun Karaoke bar where Dan and Janelle are regulars. We were the youngest ones there by a long shot, but it was really fun. And did I mention it was a date? Plus, Nathan got to spend the evening with all his cousins, two dogs, and a cat. I’m pretty sure he had a good time too.
See? Proof! It really was a date!
Everyone- minus Janelle (she took the picture)
Dancing!
It’s kind of hard to see, but REALLY?! Palm trees with Christmas lights on them?!
On Thursday, the 23rd we took advantage of the sunshine and went to the Phoenix zoo. It was probably 70 degrees and our family was baking in our jeans and t-shirts. EVERONE else there had sweatshirts on! I even saw a child with a scarf. Craziness!
Nephew Jarin (and his friend) sitting on a gorilla’s lap!
Our family and AN ELEPHANT?!
Ryan and Kallie in a nut shell . . . I mean clam shell!
Nathan “driving” the tractor
Petting the “doats” in the petting zoo.
Nathan’s favorite part was the little people playground.
Nathan and Avery.
Still more to come!
3 comments:
Thanks for sharing the picture of Grandma Bevely's grave! I have a pic of me and her when I was one which I cherish, but I don't really remember her. Thank you!
The zoo was such fun! Can you believe the weather?! Miss you all!
Yes thanks for sharing about Beverlys grave - I have never seen a photo of it and added it to the family history photo archives! Have you read her life story - truly AMAZING - let me know if you need a copy! She died right before I was born so I like to think we passed each other to and from earth (: The rest of the activities looked so fun too! Did you sing any karaoke?
Post a Comment