While Mom unpacked the car and got our bedrooms ready, Macie, Presley, and I swam with Aunt Hayley in the back yard.
Tired from our long day of driving and swimming, we ate a quick dinner and had a few laughs with Aunt Hayley before going off to bed.
Early the next morning, Macie and I got dressed for a fun week of Vacation Bible School at Mt.View! Mom had made our outfits that night while we slept, and we were excited to wear her new creations!
It was amazing seeing so many friends at camp! We didn't give Mom much of a goodbye when she dropped us off because we were too busy socializing.
After drop off, Mom took Presley and Nixon to the train park. Presley was SO excited when they pulled into the parking lot that she could hardly hold back her shrieks of delight.
To Presley, the train park is ranked up there with the happiest place on earth (Disneyland). What more could she ask for; trains, a carousel, playgrounds, ice cream- so many of the things she loves!
That smile never left her face...
After a long morning in the sun, Presley, Nixon, and Mom, were all exhausted and tired, so they went back home and took naps while Macie and I went to lunch with Miss Andrea and the Ketchams!!! It was sure nice to be back together with Dean and Graham.
After lunch we went to the pool at their Grandparents and swam for hours!
We ALWAYS have a great time with Grandpa Eddie and Grandma Joan!
Mom was grateful that we were able to spend time with such amazing friends!
The next morning I couldn't wait to get to church to spend time with my new friend, and BFF, Mia!
After VBS that day Mom took all of us back to the train park to spend time with my friend Aubrey!
It was great seeing an old friend again, and Presley enjoyed playing with her younger sister!
Despite the miserable heat (105), even Nixon enjoyed the afternoon outdoors!
We were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to stay at the Graham's home- it was perfect for our family. We each had our own rooms, and it made our trip so easy and convenient; each night Mom was able to get us to bed without a fuss!
Once all of us girls were in bed, she would spend quality time with Nixon. After eating dinner, Mom would bathe him in the sink, which he loved!
Listen to how much Nixon is babbling these days. Won't be long before he starts talking...
After bath time Mom and Nixon spend some alone time together. Now that Nixon sits up on his own he is much more fun to play with. He gets a good laugh out of Peek-a-boo, but is still working on waving and clapping.
We were so busy each day that the week seemed to fly by!
Presley was enjoying her daily trips to the train park,
and because the weather cooled down from 110-105, Nixon seemed to enjoy being outside (the poor kid was swelling due to the heat and his helmet was making him really uncomfortable).
Presley could have spent every waking minute riding the train and carousel- it never got old!
At the house Nixon was enjoying his new found mobility. Mom often found him underneath the dining room table...
He was quite amused with himself!
That Friday was our last day of VBS, and Mom enjoyed our end of week performance. Both Macie and I did a fabulous job on stage. I had a really hard time saying goodbye to all my friends, but am looking forward to keeping in touch with them all.
Macie and I went with Miss Andrea and the boys while Mom took the little ones home for naps. All four of us helped at the Grocery Store, and enjoyed picking out food for dinner.
Because we were all well behaved in the grocery store, Miss Andrea took us to Dairy Queen to get Jurassic Park Blizzards after we swam at their house.
When Presley and Nixon woke up, Mom met all of us at the Ketcham's and we had a nice dinner together. While the adults were cleaning up, the kids all piled on the couch to watch some American Ninja Warrior on the tv!
That night Macie and I had OUR VERY FIRST SLEEPOVER EVER at a friend's house! Mom was a tad nervous, but knew that Andrea and Jonathan would take good care of us. We all decided we wanted to camp out in the back yard, so Jonathan pitched a tent and we all made beds outside.
Neither Macie nor I made it long outdoors. Poor Miss Andrea had to shuffle kids to and from beds for a couple hours, but eventually everyone found a comfy spot to sleep for the night. In the morning we played dress up, and I really enjoyed all the great stuff the boys had. Check out my ninja outfit...
Mom almost didn't recognize me!
Mom came to the house around 10am to pick us up, and we were having so much fun that we didn't want to leave! 30 minutes later she managed to get us all in the car and the family drove down to the mall so that we could ride the train like the old days.
Mom and Nixon followed behind the train as we toured the mall. After riding a few times, we went to the food court and rode the carousel! Presley was having an awesome time and didn't want the fun to end!
After a mid day swim with Dean and Graham, Aunt Hayley came up to Scottsdale to have dinner with us. After Macie, Presley, and I went to bed, she had some fun with Nixon:
That next morning we went to church at Mt.View, and after the service Macie and I went down to Gilbert with Aunt Hayley. While Presley and Nixon took naps at the house, John and Hayley took us to a children's museum!
Macie and I enjoyed doing craft projects,
testing our hearing by blocking our eye sight,
and dressing up in various costumes to put on a show!
Mom, Presley, and Nixon met us at John and Hayley's house after naptime. We all enjoyed some downtime indoors while the adults made dinner.
Nixon hung out in his jumper (on the only door frame close by), so that he couldn't climb into the various cat houses and litter boxes.
By 6pm the weather had cooled down a bit (100), so we all went over to the barn to visit with Bugs! Everyone took turns riding him around the ring.
That next morning we got a surprise visit from Grandma Judy, who had flown into Arizona after traveling for a family wedding. We were so glad she was able to spend a few days with us, and Mom was beyond grateful for the extra help.
We spent lots of time swimming at Joan and Eddie's pool that afternoon!
We had all sorts of fun; swimming, movies, and playing with toys- it was a blast!
It never seems to get any easier saying goodbye to our friends. After 10 days in Arizona we were ready to be back home with Dad, but weren't ready to leave everyone behind. Mom promised we would come back for VBS each summer, so we are looking forward to making sure that happens. Our family is incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends that have continued to keep in touch with us!
Our summer itinerary is already packed full. We will only be home a few weeks before the family takes off to the beach. Mom is hoping for some relaxation at home before leaving but is doubtful that will happen...
