Phoneix and the Carpenters

Our family had the opportunity to visit Amy and Jeff and Kaylie this long Memorial Day Weekend. We enjoyed so many things about our trip. We left home in the afternoon hoping that with afternoon naps and bedtime that the kids would sleep most the time there and we were right. Except for a 45 stop for running around and dinner we didn't have to stop except for gas one other time. Jake and I really enjoyed the road trip. We stocked the car with treats and drinks, and a few books on tape. Now that we often seem to have to travel 12 or more hours to visit family we try to have the philosphy to make the journey part of the trip as well. It was our first time driving through Kanab/ Page area and we thought it was one of the most beautiful parts of the country we couldn't believe was only a few hours away. We listened to "To Kill a Mocking Bird" and "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families" as books on tape since I don't have a CD player in my car. And it seems we always spend at least a little time while we are on a road trip talking about how things are going for our family and making new goals the make us even stronger as a family unit. In the end road trips always give me time to think and a small sence of renewal. Of course I usually only drive 1/8 of the time so perhaps Jake doesn't fell as positive about the driving as I do.
One thing that was really fun for me, was that even though Amy and I constantly talk to one another, seeing her life and home in Arizona was still different than I had imagined it. They have a beautiful home with a pool in the backyard and Amy is both a wonderful decorator and hostess. She has been in her home for less than 6 months and it still looks more put together than mine that I have lived in for 2.5 years. She also kept us well fed with tons of wonderful meals. Jake enjoyed golfing at the Truen North course with Jeff- his first golfing of the year where what amazed him most were the hundreds of bunnies roaming the course. And we had as many chances as we wanted to get Kate to swim. I had purchased Kate some new water wings before the trip and been talking about a swimming pool for days to get her excited. When we got there however not only did she think that water wings were what a swimming pool is, she screamed when we put her in the water. Three days later she was warmer to the idea, but still did not want to get in. This was strange to us since she has always loved the pool in Kamas. Their one year old however is going to be the next Michael Phelps. We spent time eating out, watching movies, at the awesome children's museum geared for kids under five and just relaxing. Just being away from the house is a vacation. I didn't think about cleaning or yard work or life.
We also had the chance to visit Jake's brother Joe and all four of his kids. He lives about 30 minutes from Amy, and it is always nice to get more than one visiting done on a trip. His children are growing up quickly and it was fun to see them if only for an evening.
We thought the Phoenix area seemed a wonderful place to live except for it was only May and I was melting. In fact I am pretty sure Kate had a mild case of heat stoke on Sunday until we pumped her full of popciles and gatorade. Here are some pictures from the trip.
The had an awesome noodle forest. Kate couldn't get enough of it.
Kate crawling through a play area at the museum
Kate and Kaylie painting the house at the museum
Sam slept most of the time at the museum but was happy when he woke up
Sam ready for swimming though he never got in.
Kate would point at pool toys and shout " a swimming poo"