Farewell Arizona, hello England!

We woke up Sunday morning and started to put the finishing touches on our stay in Arizona. Stuart vacuumed and I struggled to stand and do anything. Because I had thrown my back out a few days prior, I was a mess and traveling seemed cruel treatment on this day, but too bad. I had to get on with it. 'Suck it up, buttercup' was what I had to say to myself. 

I stripped the bed and cleaned the bathrooms upstairs, in my feeble, back wrenching way. We finished packing and Stuart vacuumed the house. We relaxed downstairs with our last bits of coffee and me with my pumpkin spice creamer, until next year. 

G&P came over around 10:30 am and brought the kids. We sat around for a while and Grammie and Pop played with the kids. We decided that instead of going to Chipotle for our last meal, we would go and get it and bring it to our house. Grammie and I went to get it while the men stayed home and played with the kids. 

Once we had eaten and all the baby doll playing was finished, we left for the airport around 1 pm. Once we arrived we checked in and went to the gate. We had some time so we got bagels for the kids and Starbucks for the adults. At about 3 pm, we said our farewells to Grammie and Pop and headed to security. As we were leaving, of course I was crying and Jack said, 'Why are you crying? You're going to see each other in two weeks!' Although that was true, it was hard to explain to him why I was crying. He's just all about the next adventure. 

Our plane to Minneapolis was relatively uneventful. Stuart sat with Jack and Millie sat with me. We were on a plane with two seats and then three seats. We thought it was best for each of us to sit with one kid. That way no one fights, we hope. We didn't want the kids to sleep on that flight so that they would sleep all the way to London. 

We only had a little over an hour to catch our plane to London after arriving in Minneapolis. It was a super tight but we made it with a bit of time to spare. The flight was fairly empty so we ended up moving to the middle seats. Between two of us we had three seats. One flight attendant told us we should move because when people noticed the seats were open they would rush to them. I was very appreciative of her information and moved immediately. Then a second flight attendant warned me that there were still people boarding the flight and that I might want to wait another 10 minutes or so before moving. So of course I had no choice but to throw flight attendant #1 under the bus by telling flight attendant #2 that #1 had told me to grab the seats quickly. It was my only choice. 

Neither Stuart, nor myself slept very much at all on either flight. The kids slept for most of the 7 hour flight, which was good but not too long that they would have trouble sleeping that night a Grandma's, or so I thought. They were able stretch out because of our seat move, which was really nice. 

Once we landed in London if I didn't know any better I would have thought we were on a domestic flight. It was only a 25 minute process from the time we landed until the time our club class cab driver met us just outside of the duty free shops. By far that was the quickest I had ever exited an international flight. God was watching out for the kids. He knew the wheels were about to fall off the bus and that their mama's nerves might not take much, being sleep deprived and all. 

Once we were in the car, the journey was about two hours long. Neither kid slept, but allegedly I did and I was accused of snoring, which I highly doubt happened. 

Once we were at Grandma and Grandpa's the kids gave big hugs to all and started asking questions. When can we get the toys out? When can we go up in the woods? Stuart took them out to the back garden (yard) to play around a bit but neither would go out their on their own. Because the woods backs up the to garden, it is a bit scary to Jack. The tree covering makes it appear dark at the back of the garden. Although Grandma has assured them there are no creatures in the woods, Jack's still not convinced. 

Around 5 pm both kids got baths. My back was aching so I took some prescription-like pain medication that Karen had given me. Unfortunately I also drank a couple of glasses of wine with the meds. There will be more of that story later. 

Once the kids were clean we went downstairs to have dinner. We conned Millie into thinking the pulled pork was chicken, for the second time since leaving Al Ain, and she actually ate some. By 6:15 pm, Millie was fast asleep in my arms. I thought for sure both kids would sleep through the night mainly because they hadn't had that much sleep on the plane and 6:30 or 7:00 is their normal bedtime. Clearly I underestimated their internal clocks. 

Stuart and I forced ourselves to stay up until almost 10 pm. We showered and then hit the sack. The first tiny person, Millie, woke up screaming (mainly because she didn't know where she was) at 11:45 pm. I went in to sleep with her. She would not go back to sleep. She wanted to talk, eat, drink water, go downstairs, or anything else she could think of that would keep her from sleeping. I insisted she lay down and then I dozed in and out of sleep in her twin bed with her for about an hour and a half. Then she decided she wanted to go and sleep with Daddy. So, because Stuart and I were sharing a double bed, I told her she could go but I would have to stay in her bed. She agreed to that so I took her to our room, dropped her off and went back to her bed covered in Peppa Pig sheets. 

She lasted with Stuart about 30 minutes, then I heard her crying. I went in there and he was trying to console her. I picked her up and started to rock her, which got her quiet but still she wouldn't sleep. By this time it was somewhere around 2 am. Fun! We finally went back to her bed and the last time I remember seeing her bug eyes was just before 3 am. Whew! Finally! And she slept until almost 9 am. 

Once Millie was asleep I went back to my bed, only to be awaken around half past three by the larger of the children, Jack. He said, 'Can I have the iPad?' When I told him 'no', he almost cried. I explained that it was still the middle of the night and that he needed to go back to sleep. He then said, 'Can I get into bed with you and Daddy?' Did he actually look at the bed and think this was possible?  I told him he could get into the bed, but I would have to go to his bed to sleep. He said that was fine, so we switched beds. His twin bed is in the same room as Millie's. 

He did finally go back to sleep, although he insisted he wouldn't be able to do so. I got up just after 7 am and felt terrible. I had a headache and I was nauseous. 

Now for the story of the winning combination of medication I have never taken coupled with a couple of glasses of wine. Naturally, since I really didn't drink that much I didn't associate my illness with alcohol. But clearly it was a factor. 

We got up and got ready and headed to get our rental car. We dropped Stuart and Jack at the rental car place and proceeded to do some shopping in Bexhill. As Karen was driving on the road, I got that 'feeling', which I absolutely hate. I said, 'Karen, I need you to pull over. I am going to be sick right now.'  She instantly pulled over on the road, not worrying about who was behind her. I got out, gave Mother Nature a bath of coffee, pulled pork and other lovely brown things, and got back in the car. Thank goodness Jack wasn't with me. He has sympathy barfing pains and probably would have had to joined me on the side of the road. 

Oh my goodness! I instantly felt better but then had a pounding headache. I was still rough most of the day, and sadly was not good company for Karen's birthday lunch. But her Mario Andretti driving and the way she pulled over in a flash, really did save her car a lot of damage. Stuart would have said, 'Let me find a safe place up here in the next mile' and therefore would have had vomit everywhere, maybe on him out of spite. Ha!

Once we were home from the shops I went upstairs for a little while to nap. It helped a bit but when we went to the pub for lunch all I ate was a bowl of chips (French fries). I couldn't stomach anything else and there was some lovely food to have. Too bad for me. Stuart's Grandma had come with us as well. I was horrible company and felt really bad about that. 

Millie so far has really turned on the charm in England. It's a good thing too because last summer she was not a fan of anyone's but Grandpa. Fortunately she has seen the error of her ways. This picture is of her and Granny (Stuart's grandma that Millie is named after- Millie Audrey Grace Telford). 

On the drive home I started to feel a bit better. The chips obviously did the trick to a certain extent. We stopped to get a phone top up card and my efforts were spent trying to keep the kids from sleeping in order to avoid a similar night as the previous one. I did manage to keep them awake and once they were at the house they played around a bit. When Grandpa had finished his work for the day they went out into the woods. We bought them some wellies because the rain had made things muddy and I wasn't willing to let their tennis shoes get muddy and gross since they were brand new. It was easier to buy them wellies and then leave them at Grandma's for other kids who might visit. 

The woods was all they expected and more. Stuart didn't have to carry Millie one time. While they explored the woods, I took a nap in the living room and Karen and Audrey (Stuart's grandma) had coffee and a chat in the same room. I was clearly wonderful company. I felt so badly about it all but hated to leave the room to go upstairs. At least I was a part of the family, even though I was asleep. Ugh!

After the woods the kids took a bath, ate a dinosaur peanut butter and jam sandwich with some grapes, and we're off to bed. Millie woke up around 10:30 pm and then again at 11:45 pm, but then made it through the rest of the night in dreamland, and Jack slept through the  night. Thank goodness for small favors. We needed them both to have a good night's rest in order to be refreshed for our London adventure. 

Once we were all awake on Wednesday morning, we headed to the train station. We had planned to meet some of our Al Ain friends in London and the kids were very excited. We met Henry, May and their mum, Clare (the Richardsons), as well as Cathy and her girls, Kayleigh and Claire. 

Here the kids are outside the Battle train station. 

We found out that Millie was a free traveler on the train and the underground, once in London. And Jack was free on the underground. We saved about 16 pounds. Glad we didn't buy the tickets on the internet after all. 

Train up was a fast train so there were very few stops. Once we arrived at Charing Cross Station we had to take the underground to Tower Hill. We then walked to the Tower of London and waited for our friends to arrive. 

The reunion was oh so sweet. It was really great to see everyone. Jack was beside himself with Henry at his side and of course, after a bit, Millie wouldn't let Kayleigh or Claire put her down. It relieves Stuart and I of a lot of carrying for the day.  

Pictured from left to right: Claire, Henry, Jack, May, Millie, and Kayleigh

Once the tickets were purchased we headed into the Tower. Of course the kids were into all the stories of heads being chopped off and torture taking place. We went into some of the towers where famous prisoners were held. Sir Walter Rayleigh was one of those men. I told everyone the old joke 'Do you have Sir Walter Rayleigh in a can? Well, you had better let him out.'  No one laughed because no one knew he grew and sold tobacco. Joke was lost on them. 

Here we all are in the Tower of London with the Tower Bridge on the background. Cathy is the adult left of Stuart and Clare, Henry and May's mum is to the right of me. 

We saw where Anne Bolin lost her head and where the Ravens are housed. The legend says that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower of London that the London government will crumble. No chance in that happening because the Ravens are kept in a cage and their wings are clipped. 

The kids love the White Tower where all the armor was housed. King Henry VIII's full armor was also on display. The kids got a kick out of the ever so obvious cod piece that protected the king's 'parts'. 

The kids had a great time. Kayleigh and Claire entertained them and carried Millie around most of the day. Since we decided that this was the trip we no longer needed the stroller, it was nice to have some extra bodies to carry her around. 

After we saw the Crown Jewels we decided a meal was needed. We hit a local favorite, Witherspoons. After nourishment we headed to Leicester Square to have a look around. There was a street performer there who was amazing. In fact, between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, the next place we went, we had an amazing amount of entertainment. 

This was the Leicester Square performer. 

This was the creepy Alice in Wonderland guy who invited Jack for a tea party once he put a pound coin in the bucket. 

This magician folded up a 20 pound note that Stuart gave him and ended up finding it in a lemon. It was crazy! 

Once we left Covent Garden we walked for a bit to find something for the kids to eat. It was around 7 pm and the day had really flown by. We ended up finding a TGIFridays and everyone was rather sedated because of the exhaustion of the day. 

We rushed to pay the bill and get the 8:45 pm train back to Battle station, otherwise we would have had to wait until 9:45 pm and by that time I'm pretty sure the kids would have been a little cranky. We hoped in a cab outside of the restaurant and told him we needed to go to Charing Cross station to which he replied, 'You know it's just around the corner, right?'  We told him we knew, but the kids wouldn't deal with the walk and we had 10 minutes to catch the train. Plus, they got to ride in a London taxi, which was fun for them. He literally rolled around the corner and let us out. It was kind of funny!

Our train journey home was uneventful, and Millie didn't close her mouth all the way home. Once we hit the car to drive back to Grandma and Grandpa's house and her seat belt was clipped, she fell right to sleep. 

We didn't wake up until almost 10 am on Thursday morning. We were wiped from our previous day. However, it didn't stop us from venturing out to Battle Abbey where the Battle of 1066 took place, where the Normans defeated the British. We walked the whole battle ground and listened to an audio of the events. Jack listened quite intently, whereas Millie listened a little less enthusiastically. 

This was standing outside the Battle Abbey. You really can't go to England without having your picture taken in front of a read telephone booth. 

We walked the trail of the battle. 

The picnic Grandma packed hit the spot. 

This was the Abbey erected in honor of those who lost their lives in the battle. 

This was inside the living quarters of the Benedictine Monks who lived here. 

After the tour of the battle ground and the abbey, we stopped and had something to drink at the pub across the road from the abbey. 

Grandma bought Jack a book about the kings and queens of England, and she bought Millie a princess pencil and this adorable princess hat. 

Once we returned home, Stuart and I went for a Sansbury run. This is my UK equivalent to Target. The kids stayed at home with Grandma and Grandpa. As you can see below, Grandpa managed to entertain them. 

After our Sansbury run we sat outside and watched the kids play in the garden. Jack played with the football (soccer ball) and then both kids rolled down the hill of grass. 

Once it got too chilly to be outside we took the kids in and I bathed them. Once they were clean we ate dinner and then they were off to bed. We followed shortly because we seemed to all be wrecked from the previous day. 

We were all up and about by 8 am on Friday morning. We hung some laundry out to dry, spoke with Uncle Matt and cousin Josh from Australia, and watched Paddington for the hundredth time. I hung out some washing while the kids played in the garden. Around 1 pm we made our way to the Queen's Head pub for a bit of lunch in the garden and the kids had a run around. This was the same pub we ate in earlier in the week but I only managed to have chips. This time I had a proper meal of crab cakes. Delicious!

After lunch we made a stop at the garden shop and then home for a walk in the woods with Grandpa and Daddy while Mama brought in the washing, got the kids bath stuff ready and had a little rest. 

After the kids returned from their venture in the woods, I bathed them while Grandma got their fish pie in the oven. I'm a little bit amazed at what Grandmas and Grammies can get kids to eat. They ate on the patio, although it was a bit chilly for our little desert rats. As soon as Jack was finished eating, his second portion and ice cream on a stick, he jumped out of his chair and said, 'Are we going to read books now?'  The boy knows when he needs his sleep. So up to read books we went and in no time they were both asleep. 

We had a late dinner and then all retired. I stayed up checking Facebook and trying to get the last episode of the Bachelorette on YouTube, but I couldn't find the complete episode. I saw enough to know who she is engaged to...for now. It's trash. I know. It's shameful. I know. 

While I was laying in bed, the one I am now sharing with Millie because Stuart and I finally came to our senses and realized her little body was better in a double bed with me than Stuart's 'little' body, I couldn't help but stare at Millie in total amazement. Saturday we had a birthday party for her with some of the extended family. That was her second of 4 parties that she is going to have. I suppose by thinking she was going to be neglected because of her summer birthday and us traveling every year, we may have over compensated a touch. As I looked at this tiny, yet sassy, little angel next to me I couldn't help but reflect on August 9, 2011 (3 days after she was born). The day we had been waiting for had arrived and we were being called to come and visit our daughter in the hospital.  It was a total shock. We were called that morning and asked to come to the hospital at 2 pm. I marvel at how much love I instantly had for this little girl, even though while we sat there I told Stuart if she needed a chin implant we would make it happen. Her chin looked as if it didn't exist. It must have been the way she was laying. I totally laugh about that now, but I actually did say that. I'm happy to report that the implant wasn't necessary after all. 

I never thought I would ever be a mother. After the age of 35 and still being single, I just kind of put it out of my mind. But then It was as if God said, 'Kidding!' He gave me a wonderful husband, a gorgeous son and a beautiful daughter.  

I now am blessed to travel all over the world and provide experiences for my children that I could have never dreamed possible. Millie will b 4 years old in a few days. I know this blog has usually been about reflecting on our activities but sometimes I need to reflect on our love for each other. One day my children will read this crazy account of our lives and I want to make sure they know that everything we did was to make sure their lives were wonderful. God is the reason we have what we have,and His grace has been abundant to my family, for which I am thankful. May I never take for granted the little foot that digs into my lower back while I sleep, or the big boy who pounces on my lap when I have to pee. I know these days and times are fleeting and I never want to miss a moment because I'm too busy. Sorry for the sidebar, but I'm just putting my heart on this post, which doesn't seem to happen much, at least in my mind. 

I did finally go to sleep on Friday night, around 1 am, so early birthday party day came too quickly. Everyone was expected to arrive around noon time. Millie was bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7 am. Yahoo!

We rolled out of bed and started to prepare for the day. The kids watched movies and played while the adults prepared food, set out dishes, wrapped presents, and tidied up. 

All too soon the guests arrived. Granny came first, followed by Barnes (Stuart's step brother) and Anna, his wife, and their three children, Bella age 5, Sophia age 4 and Eliza 5 weeks old. Millie and Sophia instantly because two peas in a pod. Of course Jack was enamored with Bella's flowing blonde hair. They played all afternoon and had so much fun. 

The kids performed a song for Grandma as a late birthday present. It didn't have words, only Jack played the bongos and the girls danced. So I'm not exactly sure that it qualifies as a song, but it was adorable. 

Here is the lot of them; Bella, Sophia, Baby Eliza, Millie and Jack. 

Millie loved Eliza and must have held her for 10 minutes. 

We had delicious food, baked Alaska pie, birthday cake, sang to Millie, who nearly caught her hair on fire because she kept blowing the candles above the flame, therefore not putting out the flame, and of course presents from Granny, Grandma and Grandpa, and Auntie Cheryl (Grandma's sister and Stuart's aunt). Stuart's cousins, Bradley, Richard, and Amy were there as well as his Uncle Ken. 

It was a wonderful party and Grandma made sure it was lovely for Millie. By the time everyone left and the kids bathed, it was nearly 7:15 pm. They came downstairs and had a bite to eat and then Jack asked me if he could go to bed. The play so hard. 

We stayed up for a couple of hours and then retired ourselves. Another great week in the lives of the Telfords. 

Birthday week! And the end of our trip😪

I woke up Sunday morning, frantic about getting the blog posted and totally forgot it was my birthday. Then Facebook so gently reminded me. If you feel you are lacking friends just check your Facebook page on your birthday. Those posts may not be from true friends, but who cares. At least they think enough about you to write a little note. 

Millie had slept over at Grammie and Pop's and Jack was at Gavin's, so I got up just after 6 am and made coffee so I could finish the blog post. 

Millie was dropped off at out house just before 9 am and we picked Jack up around 10 am. We headed back to G&P's for a bite of lunch, and then were off to the Heard Museum. The kids were tired so had a cat nap on the ride to the museum. 

The markings of a successful holiday is dozing in the car on the way to another activity. Bless them!

The Heard Museum was really crowded. It took us forever to find a parking space. Once we were there we entered the museum and started to look at the Native American artifacts. However, since we were told the dancers would start at 2 pm and every show for the entire summer had been packed out by 1:40 we decided to head that way. 

The show was about 30 minutes in when we had to evacuate the building because there was a fire alarm going off.  It reminded me of my school in the first term of school last year, but not really because he alarm only went off once instead of 25 times. Ha! 

We decided not to wait around to go back in so we took the kids to the super hero exhibit and they loved it. Stuart and I helped them make capes and masks. It was the best part of the day. 

They were ready to show their special power. 

Once we left downtown Phoenix we decided to get some dinner. We ended up at Red Robin, where burgers seem to be the main item on the menu. The food was okay, but the restaurant and the service were absolute crap. In the end I didn't even get my ice cream sundae for my birthday or a birthday song. Boo!

We decided to take the kids home, shower them and get them in their beds. It was the first shower they had taken at our house since we arrived back in Arizona. They had either showered at my mom's or not at all. Ick!  After showers we came downstairs and I opened my presents from the kids and Stuart. The kids got me a new Fossil wallet and Stuart got me a new Fossil hand bag. I might have already know about both items because I might have been with Stuart when be bought them. I still acted surprised and still loved on my kids for their part in the gift. 

Once the kids were in bed Stuart and I attempted to watch a movie on the television in our room. That was a failed attempt for sure. In the end I turned the movie and tv off and went to sleep for the night. 

I was awaken by Jack who claimed to have peed in his underwear. It was about 2 am and I just told him to go to the bathroom, thinking he would go, change his underwear and then go back to bed. That was not my luck at all. He came back into our room 3 times because I didn't make a move to get up to help him. After the third time I got up and followed him into the bathroom, then went to his room to get his underwear and check to see if his bed was wet. Thank goodness it wasn't. That would have meant another 15 minutes out of bed for me. As it was I knew I wouldn't get back to sleep for at least another half hour. 

We woke up Monday morning and went to see The Minions. What a cute film that was, but very geared toward adult humor. After the movies we went to G&P's to eat lunch, swim and put together Legos. Although I was 'helping' Millie with her Elsa castle, I ended up doing most of it by myself. 

Jack built his Star Wars ship while I built the ice castle.

Swimming with Uncle Mitch was a highlight of the week. 

Monday evening I went to dinner with my weight watchers friends. I realize the irony, thanks! Debi (far left in the picture below) used to be our leader. Liz, Sue and I sat on the front row every Saturday morning for a couple of years. It seems to be the battle in life that I can't quite concur. However, through my attempts I have made some wonderful, life long friends. They make me laugh and help me be a better person   Two of them (not calling you out Liz, but clearly calling you out) read this blog faithfully with their Sunday morning cup of coffee. It thrills my heart to hear them talk about event that happen in my life as if they were there, but simply know about the happenings just from reading my silly stories. We had a fab evening!

Tuesday Russ came into town just for the day. We decided to go to the Musical Instrument Museum in Scotsdale.  

We seldom take a picture together. Wish Stuart would have shot my 'thin' side. 

I had never been to the Musical Instrument Museum but had heard it was phenomenal, and it was. There were musical instruments from all over the world. It was organized into continents, which also gave me a geography lesson. The kids hung in there for a bit and then wanted to go to the experience room. Once they were able to play some of the drums, they were happy as could be. 

After the museum my brothers decided they wanted to shop, so we took the kids to get a bite to eat. Just after we got the kids their food my phone rang and everyone had decided to go to eat Mexican food for a late lunch. The kids finished eating and then we went to eat at Tia Rosa's. 

We went back to G&P's to swim with everyone. The kids had a blast with Uncle Mitch and Uncle Russ in the pool. We played ball and everyone cannonballed, which was hysterical.  We called it a night just after 7 pm and took an extra lap around the neighborhood so Millie could fall asleep. 

Wednesday morning we went to eat breakfast with the whole family. We then came back to G&P's to chat and relax before the boys (Russ and Mitch) had to head to the airport. Once the uncles were off to the airport, we went to Wild Horse Pass outlet mall. Russ was heading to Las Vegas to recruit and Mitxh was heading back home to Chicago. 

At the mall we purchased a few more 'much needed' items. We headed to pick up my mom and dad. We then went to the Beck's house for a swim and dinner. They had just had their yard flooded from irrigation, so the kids (including their son Kevin) went out to play in the irrigation. Ick! They ended their fun in the pool so at least they washed off the muck. 

Jack was diving for a catch in this picture. After the swim the kids played in the basement with Kevin so we could visit with Sally and Rob. It was a great evening. 

Thursday morning we said goodbye to Liz. She was heading out of town and wouldn't be back until after we left on Sunday. I cried and so did she. We are so appreciative of what she does to take care of the house while we are out of the country. But leaving her this time was as hard as the first time. 

Thursday was a busy day. We went to the Farmhouse for breakfast again with Mary, Mack, Steve and Julie. We enjoyed time with all of them again but had to say farewell after eating. Boo! Goodbyes stink. 

We went home and I made one last trip to Target just to roam around. I kind of needed some 'alone' time so Stuart said he would stay with the kids. I did, of course, come home with some items that would need to be packed in our overcrowded bags. Oops! I just can't help myself. 

We did some packing of our way-too-many bags and then the kids and I headed to Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center to meet Jack's old daycare buddies from Miss Robin's, Bode and Stella. 

We swam for a bit and then ate lunch.  Stuart had dropped us off at the pool so he could go visit his old school. When he picked us up from the pool we took the kids to Grammie and Pop's for the evening and a sleepover. Stuart and I stayed for less than an hour and in that time Jack pulled a tooth. Lovely!

Eight teeth gone and the tooth fairy gets poorer!

We went home and I got ready to meet Sherry, Elisa, Mary and Gina at the Living Room ( or as Mary called it 'The Family Room') for happy hour. It was the first and last time I saw Elisa and Sherry while I was here this summer. It doesn't matter how much time the 5 of us are apart, we pick right back up where we left off. We have experienced every facet of life together, from the happy to the sad, and we continue to grow closer in friendship. I don't laugh harder than when I am with these beautiful friends! There is never a dull moment and we all contribute, in our own unique ways, to the exciting times we have together. 

Mary has picked me up for the evening and Stuart was going to come pick me up. Since the kids were staying at my mom's Stuart and I thought it would be nice for us to have a night out. Before Stuart was to come and get me, he called and told me that Jack was running a fever and most likely we would need to pick him up. Stuart made it to the Living Room, but then my phone rang and my dad told me that although Jack was feeling better, he wanted to come home. So I said my farewells to my crew and headed back towards our house. 

When we got to my mom and dad's Jack seemed okay, but I was glad we were called. Both kids were awake so we piled them into the car and drove home. I checked Jack through the night but no fever reoccurred. 

Friday morning we got up and my mom picked me up so we could go and have coffee together. We hadn't really had much time for just the two of us so it was nice to sit and talk with no interruptions. 

We returned to her house and her neighbor, Kim, came over with her grand daughter for a little play date with Millie. Aubrey is a little over a year younger than Millie, but talks as much. After they played for a while, Aubrey and company made their way back across the street. We had a bit of lunch and then headed home to get ready for our evening at the Reynolds' house. While I was getting ready, I leaned over to pick something up and tweaked my lower back. It seems I have a habit of doing this before a travel day. It doesn't help that I have absolutely NO core strength. Oh how I love getting older!

We got to their house around 5:30 pm and chatted about school, like only teachers can do. Melinda moved to the junior high for this school year and was sharing some of her experiences in the first week of school. She seemed to be thrilled with the move, which is always reassuring. 

Melinda and Jeff are a couple that we have become better friends with since moving to the UAE. It seems strange to me, but it's true. We started doing things with them just before we left two years ago and each summer a dinner at their house is always on the calendar. Melinda and I taught together over 10 years ago and have remained good friends every since. 

After some appetizers the pizza and wings were ordered and their oldest daughter and her boy friend went to get the food. Her two college girls were getting ready to move their things to Flagstaff on Saturday, but both hung out to visit with us. They have some great kids. It gives me hope to see that their kids still like being around them at their ages. 

After pizza the kids went for a swim. Well, our two and their son, Brady. Both Brady and Jack did cannonballs which proceeded to get me wet, very wet. We sat on the deck and didn't run out of things to talk about. It was very enjoyable. 

When the kids got out and went inside, Millie put her jammies on. Jack came back outside to whisper something to me. He said, 'Mama, Brady just has his boxers on. Can I just wear my boxers?' This kid and his sleeping attire! He was thrilled there was someone else that just wore underwear to bed. He had a great time with Brady, even though Brady will be 12 just a few days before Jack turns 7. It was funny to watch because Brady is literally twice as big as Jack. 

We left just before 10 and both kids were zonked before we got out of their neighborhood. Once we put the kids to bed I showered and then sat in the recliner downstairs hoping to relieve my back pain just a bit, but to no avail. When I did finally go to bed I took some NyQuil for the crazy summer cough I've caught in the last few days. Clearly I am a wreck and need some help. 

Saturday morning I didn't roll out of bed until almost 8 am. Jack was already up, as usual, and wanted me to put a movie on for him and fix him some toast. Millie and Stuart came downstairs shortly after Jack and I went down so everyone had their poison; Jack and Millie- toast and milk, and Stuart and I- coffee, two cups.  

We went to Mom's  for lunch and had salmon that my dad had caught a little over a year ago. He went fishing in the northwest with my cousin's husband. It was yummy, but the kids were not keen a bit. Jack ate little to nothing so did not get the chocolate chip cookie that Millie got. She did eat most of her food. 

After lunch we went to Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center and met up with the Meyns as well as the Daniels. We have done our best to cram as many visits in as possible. It has been quite challenging because we were here only two weeks.

Although I sprayed sunscreen on my body, my knees ended up catching a pink hue from sitting in the water in the play area, with nothing protecting them. Sunburn is not the best traveling companion, but at least it wasn't my shoulders that endured the scorching. 

We left the pool around 2 pm and went home. I bathed the kids while Stuart went to Wal-Mart to buy some children's head phones for our journey to the UK. It's seems that some airlines (Delta) have no special head phones for kids and Millie clearly does not have an adult head. 

My parents came over around 3:30 and took the kids to their house just before 5 pm. Stuart and I had been invited to his former teammate's house for our annual karaoke night. John and Jenni, his wife, are also a couple who have become better friends in the last two years, while we have been in the UAE. Although we didn't get to see them as much this trip, karaoke night was a blast.  

We were fed wonderful food by Jenni, who is a gourmet chef, and then Johnny J served up some awesome music and the karaoke was flowing. Several other teachers were there that Stuart had worked with and it was really good to see them. We were the only parents, besides Traci and Max, who didn't have children to go home to. So everyone was gone by about 10:30 pm, except us of course. Once it was just the four of us we started playing what I would like to call 'popcorn karaoke'. John would put in a disc and Jenni and I would select a number and have to sing whatever song came up. Then John and Stuart would select a number and do the same. Jenni and I dominated, as anyone could guess. It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip home. The night was filled with laughter and music, and food, awesome food! Another one for the books, for sure. 

I usually end this blog by saying something positive about my UAE life. But this week I would like to end by saying that our stay in Arizona has been awesome. We love our life in the UAE, but Arizona is our home. We still have goals to reach in our home away from home, but look forward to coming back when the time is right and furthering the wonderful friendships that already exist here. 

Back in the USA!

After giving it some thought, I decided I would continue with my writing, even though some of you have lived a few of these moments with me. Sorry if I bore you. Just think of these next couple of weeks as really disappointing episodes of your favorite reality television show, and then I think you will manage. 

On Sunday we got up and went to church. We decided the kids would be better off staying with us in the main service. They behaved very well and Millie actually fell asleep, which is not a reflection on the sermon by any means. 

After church we went back to my mom's house and had burgers. We needed to rush a bit because we were supposed to meet someone at our house who was going to buy our bicycle trailer. We then headed to the Green's house so the kids could play together, and we never need an excuse to eat. 

Jack was so excited to see Lexi, one of their daughters. We have told Jack since he was 3 years old that he needed to marry Lexi one day. We even have it on video. I think arranged marriages are the easiest way to assure your in-laws are people you like. Call me crazy, but it seems fine to me. He wrote Lexi this note. 

He's was so proud of himself. 

Once we got to their house the kids all hugged. We hugged Maytee and Ken, and then I noticed it. My love sick boy wasn't quite getting the reaction he was expecting. Lexi is very nurturing and loving to littler children, so she was more drawn to Millie, initially. Jack was following her around like a lost puppy. It was sweet and sad, all at the same time. As time passed Lexi got a bit bored with it all and the attention was back on Jack. All four of the kids played so nicely together. 

We spent the evening talking and gossiping and it seemed as if we had not been apart for the last year. Now that is real friendship. 

I love that we made sure we got a picture of the 4 of us and our unique beers, but didn't take one picture of the kids together. Egocentric? Maybe just a schoch!

I had messaged Sue (one of my faithful readers) on Saturday about coming over for coffee on Monday morning. Because we are only in Arizona for 16 days, we have to make the most of every moment. I knew Sue was officially starting school on Tuesday and probably wanted to spend the day in her classroom as much as possible on Monday. However, she did join me for coffee inspite of things she needed to get done. It was so wonderful to just sit and chat and laugh! We caught up from the last year and it was as if a year had not passed. Writing this blog and other technology has helped to connect people so that 'distance apart' is really not that big of a deal anymore. I love that we are able to stay connected. 

Sue left around 9:30 am and we headed to see our tax guy. It was really a formality because we didn't earn any income in the United States so we don't owe any tax, nor would we get any refund. We paid him, signed the papers, and carried on our merry way. We had taken the kids to Grammie and Pop's so we decided to get some other things done on our 'while we are in Arizona' list. We shopped for a bit and purchased some more items that (I think) are cheaper here, or maybe it's just that I can't find some items in the UAE that I have to have!

On Monday afternoon a guy came by and wanted to buy some of the rocks from when we had our yard cleared last summer. We had listed them on a Facebook page, which was the easiest way I have ever sold anything. It beats a garage sale every day of the week. He came by to start collecting the rocks and had gotten most of them by the end of the week. We made enough money to pay our tax guy, so it was a successful exchange in my opinion. 

In the late afternoon we went to Mack and Mary's for dinner.  We found out when we got there that they beloved dog, Dandee Marie, had died about a month ago. I felt so sorry for them. Mack and Mary are animal freaks! They love their animals as much, if not more, than their own kids. Let's just say I never saw Dandee Marie eat dog food, and Mary wouldn't let us call her a 'd-o-g'. We had to call her 'princess'. So needless to say, that 'princess' left an empty place in their house and hearts. 

We had a delightful evening with them. The kids swam while Mary, Stuart and I sweat out under the tree by the pool. We ate pulled pork and just relaxed. Millie, naturally, adored Mack and Jack just wanted to go for a ride on the 'rhino', which is Mack's larger version of a golf cart. As always, we had a fantastic time. 

Tuesday we got up and decided to save ourselves some money by cleaning up our yard ourselves. My parents came over and helped, as did the kids. Well, Millie really just sat in her camping chair and watched us as we cleaned up. Jack did his best to help and although I wasn't thrilled spending 4 hours of my vacation cleaning our dead tree limbs and bushes, it was a good bonding time for us and also gave my kids a view of what manual labor is and the necessity of hard work. Plus, it saved us some money which was a good thing. 

The workers were working hard. 

Once the yard was finished we all cleaned up and went to Uncle Bears for lunch. We treated my mom and dad to lunch because of all their help with the yard. Jack and Millie are so many peanuts that once their meal arrived they weren't hungry. 

After lunch we went back to G&P's house to swim for a while, ate burritos for supper, made a Sam's run for our party for Friday, and made an early night of it. I, personally, was wiped out from the day of hard labor. I am a total wimp!

Not that I love this picture, but it proves we have been swimming while in Arizona. 

Wednesday we lounged around our house in the morning, went to Home Depot to buy some bits for our newly renovated yard, and then headed to my mom's house because my brother Mitch was coming into town. Once he arrived we went....shopping! Shocking, I know!

Thursday morning we got up for our yearly breakfast at the Farmhouse with Julie and Steve Whitehead as well as Mary and Mack. We saw our favorite waitress, Candy, and had the best omelet in the world. The Farmhouse never disappoints. 

After breakfast we went to Butterfly Wonderland in Scotsdale. 

Sitting on the butterfly bench was a great place for a picture. 

Uncle Mitch is always a character. 

A few weeks before we came home I had expressed the desire to do some things in Arizona that we had never done, and this place was one of those things. It was spectacular. The butterfly house is in an atrium, so it's outside and a bit muggy. We were told to be careful and not to touch the butterflies. We all had butterflies land on us and so of course we had to take pictures. Jack was the only one of us, after our tour around the butterfly's home, that hadn't had one land on him. He was so distraught, but Grammie and Pop came to the rescue and walked him around one more time in hopes of getting a butterfly to land on him. My dad even broke the rules and tried to touch the butterflies. It's incredible what a grandparent will do to make a grandchild happy. The rest of us were waiting in the air conditioned cafe when he came in just happy as can be. He announced that two butterflies landed on him. Whew! That might have avoided counseling. My mom then ratted out my dad for trying to touch the butterflies. Ha!

One very happy boy!

It was very fitting that Millie wore her butterfly dress, and then a butterfly landed on it. 

We made a lunch stop at Portillos in Scotsdale and then headed back to G&P's for a swim. Our theme seems to be centered around the pool and food. I guess that is what vacation is all about. 

Thursday evening the kids had a sleepover at G&P's while Stuart, Mitch, Liz and I went to eat sushi at Kona Grill and then went to see the movie Trainwreck. The sushi was as good as I remember and the movie was beyond hilarious! Prior to the movie, we shopped a bit and I picked out my birthday gift from Stuart and the kids. It's really no use trying to surprise me. I would rather pick it out and get what I want. Although I have to give Stuart some credit. He usually picks out what I want for gifts. He's very attentive to my likes and dislikes. But this time, I picked it out and will be very 'surprised' when I open it on my big day, which seems less of a big deal the older I get. 

Friday morning we got up and started getting ready for the party. Prior to that I met Diane Wells, my former boss, and Lisa Reynolds, a teacher friend, for coffee at Starbucks. Again, trying to sneak in time with people I want to catch up with. After coffee, I went to get some bits we still needed at the grocery store. I also might have purchased some cute skirts while I was at Wal-Mart. They were necessities. We went to G&P's to have some waffles once I was back from shopping. We then decided to leave the kids there until later in the day, closer to the party time. We came back to the house and put the finishing touches on the party atmosphere. Actually, I just sat and did nothing while Stuart got everything ready. It was nice!  

While we were getting ready for the party, the kids were playing in Grammie and Pop's closets and dressing up in their clothes. We finally collected them around 2 pm and headed home. 

Our first guests arrived right at 4 pm. It was Joan and Traci Sawyer and Traci's husband, Brian. They are friends of mine from when I first moved to Arizona 23 years ago. Joan is Travi's mom and she also had another daughter named Terri. Terri was my friend who died of breast cancer 11 years ago. I still think of her often and love her family dearly. It was great that they showed up so early because it gave me a chance to really talk with them, which meant the world to me. 

People rolled in as the night drew on. I know that large gatherings such as that party, sometimes makes Stuart's skin crawl, but he indulges me because he knows I LOVE to have all my friends gathered in one place at one time. Most people don't let their friend worlds collide, but I say bring it on! I love it!

The party was a huge success. The kids totally wrecked the upstairs, which was evidence of a good time. No one had to get stitches and there was no blood, also evidence of a good time. We didn't have a ton of food left, and what we did have left will go to good use over the next week. It's possible that I may have drank a bit too much sangria, but I survived...a bit on the fragile side Saturday morning, but again, evidence of a good time had by all. Our last guests left around 11 pm. The kids went to bed dirty and I didn't care. 

Saturday morning the clean up was minimal. All the house needed was a mop to the floor and a little bit of tidying. The vacuum needed to be turned on, but that's Stuart's job so I can only assume he will get to it on Sunday. Liz had emptied the dishwasher and also washed some of the bigger items. The kids watched a movie and after I mopped I needed a nap. I did mention that I may have had a little too much sangria at the party, right?

We went to my mom's around noon for a birthday party for the 4 of us. We had ribs, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and BBQ beans. We have not been deprived of good food since we came home.  The kids opened their presents and, as usual, received more than they need. They both thanked Grammie and Pop, on their own, with no prompting from Stuart or myself. It warned my heart for sure. 

In the late afternoon we took Jack to Gavin's for a sleepover. 

Vicki took this picture when the boys went out to play in the rain. 

Millie ended up staying at G&P's for a sleepover as well. Mitch and I decided to hit the casino around 7 pm and Stuart stayed home and watched television with Liz. Ha! Everyone did what they wanted to do. Although Mitch and I didn't bring home the jackpot from the casino, I was $10 ahead when I got home. That has NEVER happened. I never come home with more money than I took. So, another successful evening. 

I can't believe how fast our time here is going. It has been a phenomenal week and we look forward to another wonderful week in Arizona, but we are a bit sad that our time will soon be over in our home. Boo! 

Sorry this entry was 'late'. In the UAE I am 11 hours ahead of my Arizona readers, so I always have until

Sunday afternoon to finish each entry. I was up this morning at 6 am giving it the final touches. Hope it was not too boring.