A long weekend trip.

Welcome back friends and family. Just a little update on our past few days.

We had planned a trip to the valley so I could get my dress altered by my mil. Also, we had to leave the dogs back in the valley because it was getting too hot in our un-air conditioned trailer for the girls to hang out all day.

Vicky falling asleep snuggled into my arm on her last night in the trailer.

Smog makes such a pretty sunset!

Vicky hogs the backseat!

Once in the valley, we picked up our (my) plants from our wonderful friend Michelle who was watching them for us but who is moving back to Kansas soon!! I am so thankful for her help with the plants!! Something you wouldn't really think about when moving. But they all would have been dead if she didn't help us out! Thanks Michelle!!

My plants at Nancy's house. They take over!!

My African violet...my great uncle grew these in his house. Prolly from a linage 80+ years old.

Hello Mr. Brown. He is very social-

-ly awkward...

So I still haven't posted the picture of the truck. Raymond. This weekend we went to get Raymond "fixed". 

Here is Raymond up on the lift. Getting a smaller muffler. Boys and their toys.

 On our ride back to the valley, we found out our friend Adam was graduating from Embry Riddle on Saturday!! We decided to go up for that little celebration. We couldn't make it up for the ceremony but in time to go out on Whiskey Row!! What a night!! We really enjoyed Prescott and both think it could be a wonderful place to live someday! The hotel we stayed at was awesome...wished Cade and Camden were with us at the pool. Check it out!

All the animals sprayed water!!

After our night on Whiskey Row, we were headed to the Snowflake/Show Low area. Our cousin-in-law and dear friend Creston lost his mother earlier in the week at the young age of 53. Drew and I both had the pleasure of meeting her at Cade's birthday (Drew had met her before this a few times). This was a sudden loss and so sad. It was the least we could do to drive up to the area and help in anyway we could. On our drive, we went through Strawberry, a place Drew's family use to have a cabin. A drive down memory lane for Drew. 

Driving over from Prescott to Snowflake. Some of the fire damage.

Drew's cousin Kim was up in Snowflake too helping out. The three of us watched 5 kids for most the night then 10 kids toward the end. I have officially decided we will never have more than 4 kids. More like 3 or under. 


The next day was the funeral. I was on Cade duty. A boy who likes his peace and quiet was not a fan of a packed funeral. She was a very popular lady!! Cade slept nicely for me during the service. I got to sit outside the church in a comfy chair and listen to Creston and his siblings honor their mother. What a wonderful lady!!


Before going to the burial, we stopped by to see Ethan. We had not seen his grave before and had the privilege of going with his mom on our first visit. A few pictures.

Drew had to turn off the sprinkler so we could get next to the stone.

Nice little bush next to his stone. His father's twin brother is buried next to him.

His 8th birthday sign.

We had the pleasure of being in the company of one of the happiest babies I have ever met. Ethan's younger brother Brady. What a cutie!!

Love that tie! And the hair!! (Drew has the same hair!!)

Camden and his cousin at the burial with flowers from the casket.

Finally, we headed home via "the trail"...the Coronado Trail (former highway 666 in Arizona). I have never been carsick in my life. Love roller coasters. And have never felt like this in a car (truck). My belly was aching. I just needed the trip to be over!! We finally made it past the curves when we got to Morenci about 1.5 hours later on that road alone. Crazy. But we can say we have taken that road. 


Poor Creston and Cynthia left their house keys at his dad's house in Snowflake and realized it too late. So they stopped by on their way home to grab our extra key. We told them they didn't need to make up this elaborate story to get their key back...they could just ask for us for the key back and to stop using their house as our own. :) We are so blessed to have such wonderful family so close!! It has been wonderful getting to know them better and enjoying their family with them!! We are truly sorry for your loss.

Let this be a small reminder to take advantage of everyday you have with the ones you love. Take every chance you have to say how you feel. 

Have a great day everyone!!