We were SO excited to spend a week in Arizona to see Bubbie Z and Zaide Shermie! Traveling with us were Bubby Linda and Zaide Mike and we met Uncle Brian and his girls and Uncle Ari and his girls out there, too! We got to drive to Tucson to have Thanksgiving at Auntie Karen and Uncle Bob's house, and had a beautiful breakfast feast at Jamie and Ruth's place. They even threw Laila a beautiful birthday party (piñata included) at a park nearby! We were able to see cousins Sandy and Bo, and even visit with cousins Jessica, Joshua, and Evan! There was hiking, lots of food, and great family time! We could not have asked for a better trip!
Getting ready to board.
The boys were invited to the cockpit by the pilot!
Derek was allowed to sit in the co-pilot's chair
and this pilot insisted he touch everything
and made all sorts of lights and alarms go off!
This was Benji's first flight in his very own seat!
Derek sat with Zaide because Zaide
had all sorts of things planned for him!
Bubby saved us this row while
we were up front with the pilot.
Zaide teaches Derek about Sudoku!
The boys look at the view!
Sorting out the car rental.
It was a strange start to the trip -- we spent nearly 6 hours on a plane and when we arrived in the desert it was cloudy, raining, and we turned on to Boca Raton Avenue! Are you sure we actually left Florida?!
Benji shows off his excitement from recent events!
The weather was just perfect!
Nothing like abusing your Mama.
Unfortunately, the first day we were there Mommy woke up early and began vomiting allllll day long. Shortly after Josh wasn't feeling so hot and followed suit. Derek did the same. By the next day, the boys were feeling much better and eating normally again. Mommy didn't eat anything all week, but had Turkey and Mashed Potatoes on Thanksgiving (her first meal in a few days). This bug took it's toll and passed through Bubby and Zaide and Bubbie, too! Sorry to come with such a wonderful present!
Sleeping it off.
Luckily we had a quick recovery and were able to enjoy the rest of the trip! And Mommy was SO thankful this didn't happen on the plane ride over!
With Zaide Shermie's hat, Derek thinks
it'll bring him luck and they will win!
Zaide thinks otherwise!
Bubbie accepts the challenge!
Here we go!
Enjoying time together.
Why do all kids love canes so much?
With a road trip to Tucson in our future, we decided to visit the local library and check out some books and videos.
Benji and Zaide check out the big rocking chair.
Mission accomplished!
A quick bite.
Arghhhhh
Preparing for their cousins' arrival late that night.
Now that more family was arriving, we had to shuffle the sleeping arrangements. Zaide Mike had plans of his own, rather than using the cot Bubbie Z put out for him!
Next up, a walk over to the park for some catch and some Red light, Green light, Purple (?!) light fun! As well as a new game taught by the cousins: "Mr. Fox, Mr. Fox, what time is it?"
And now it's time to say good-bye to some of our family...
Until next time Many Margoli!
The next morning as we packed up and got ready to head back to Phoenix, Ruth was sweet enough to take Daddy and Uncle Brian on an amazing and incredible hike!
Back to Phoenix we go! (We snapped a shot of the peak as we drove past).
They hiked to the tippy top of this mountain!
Home, Sweet, Home!
Sandwiches for lunch!
Last night and we're headed to see the Yanow cousins!!!
Meeting the pups.
The boys chilling together.
Thanks for the delicious meal Jess and Josh!
One last good-bye before we go!
At the airport on the way home, Mommy, Daddy, Bubby, and Zaide were able to try virtual reality put out by Facebook. Apparently they just purchased a company that does this and they were trying it out! It was really neat! You put on the mask and headset and you can look all around (up, down, circling around) and you traveled to about 6 or 7 different scenes: outer space, an Indian village, a lake, back in time to see dinosaurs, an African safari, and Mommy even tried to block a dunk by Lebron James! It was pretty cool!!
The stability bar, so you don't
fall over while experiencing the trip!
On the way back, Josh was invited into the cockpit, again!
Different pilot, but allowed Josh to ask him any questions he had,
and he even moved up the seat so Josh could reach the steering wheel!
A great time was had by all!
Thanks, Sandy and Bo, for these awesome presents!
You wore us out so much, that Derek
fell asleep before we even took off!
Back home and it feels so good....
Josh enjoys his bed and some legos.
He shows off all of the things he is thankful for.
Josh's Native American name: Singing Spirit
And the things he's thankful for: Miss Debbie,
The Ocean, Pizza, Sand, A Airplane,
Mommy, Daddy, Derek & Benji!
Back to reality -- but taking it slow!
Lastly, Josh got to bring home a big book this week:
This was an incredible fall break and we are SO THANKFUL to be able to celebrate time with so many family members and friends, alike!
No comments:
Post a Comment