When we take a trip we make sure that it is anything but boring. On the way to Alamosa Colorado, we stopped at the Four Corners (see Ara in all 4 places at once). We also stopped in Durango. It was a really cute little city along the way. We were able to stop and see some waterfalls along the way too.

Before we knew it, we were at Gram’s place. The first thing that Gramps did it walk up to her house, knock on the door and when she opened it he gave her a kiss (on the lips) and walked inside. I didn’t think it was too crazy, but the wife was like… WHAT?! hahaha, she said she was glad she missed that.

Here are a few more photos of that visit. Arabella was all smiles after meeting her Gramps and Gramps just a few days apart from each other.

On the way back we stopped at the Petrified Forest National Park. Once back in town we took them to Fountain Hills and found a water park for Arabella to play in.

They mentioned that they enjoyed the visit to me so I hope that we can have them out again. The time that they spend with Arabella and Maryia is rare, which makes it very special.

After they left we went to pick up some free Diamondback tickets. Free is free and Arabella had yet to go to a professional baseball game.

It was fun and the photo would have turned out if Ara would have kept just a little more still- but – she is a ball of energy.

Monsoon has not been disappointing. We got 1.64 inches of rain (the prior daily record was 1.46). The thing about when we get rain, it usually happens in 20 or 30 minutes. Sometimes less. It makes for great walks in the rain.

The last thing before I forget – MONOPOLY IS BACK! One of the best games around to play.

just Pray

note: this post was published on 09/30/22 but moved the publish date back to the end of September 2014 to keep chronological order.

It is hot in September. A lot of people don’t think it is still hot in Arizona at this time. Our cool weather doesn’t really begin until the end of October or the beginning of November. Right about that time is when we get great weather.

See what I mean?

It isn’t all bad. With the hot temps, you get storms.

We encountered a very well-formed Haboob rolling into the valley. I love monsoon and the storms it brings. It brings life to the otherwise barren desert.

One of the nice things is that typically with a strong storm like this you also get a bunch of rain. As we did!

Another nice thing is the beautiful sky that is spotted with clouds. I took this photo before going to work. I wanted to add a photo of Jake, because I get sent photos of Arabella, or Jake, or sometimes Arabella and Jake. Either way – this one is typical Jake. Cuddled up on the couch and waited for someone to come to pet him.

It is crazy that September 11th is here. I wasn’t aware that American Express was impacted by it- or at least I didn’t ever think to look it up. This year they had a memorial in our center in memory of the employees who died that day.

We went to Walmart and got something for Ara to hold (so she doesn’t get into anything) and she lit up with a football in her hands. I think she remembered going to see the Cardinals.

We rented a car in preparation for the upcoming visit of Gramps and Ellie. I have been trying to convince them for some time to visit- I finally said you know what? We will book the tickets, there is no excuse to not visit. Come out whenever you can and we will make it happen. We want to spend time with you. We would also like to do a trip with you.

That is all it took.

They arrived at Sky Harbor International Airport (arriving from Portland) and we made our way up north.

We took them to see the Red Rocks of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and more. Here are just a few of the photos we took along the way. We aren’t done yet. We will be going to visit Grams (Maryia’s mom) over in Colorado. Let’s get this show on the road!

just Pray

note: this post was published on 09/30/22 but moved the publish date back to the middle of September 2014 to keep chronological order.