Safford Spring Break

This blog is as close to a journal as I get, so even though this trip happened all the way back in March, I wanted to post about it.

We had such a great time visiting, eating good food, jumping on trampolines, and going to Bonita Creek with my family. Safford is such a beautiful place in the Spring. So many flowers, my favorite being the bright, happy orange poppies, and warm but not yet hot weather. And of course FAMILY!

First order of business though, MECHY'S!

I could eat their burritos, or should I say burro (ha!), every single day.

I hadn't been to Bonita Creek in....well, longer than I can remember. We plopped rocks and squished our feet in cold, gooey mud. The kids were in heaven!

I wandered around taking pictures of the beautiful surrounding.  Listening to the running water and seeing all the lovely wild flowers was such a nice way to spend the day.

My super cool younger brothers brought along their raft for us to float down the river in. I am SO glad I was forced to ride the waves down with Scott. We are a good paddling team!

I love my family!

The kids really enjoyed their time in Safford, and so did I!

******Oma******

My kids light up when they do crafts and play games with Oma. On this day she pulled out paper, glue, and gum balls. They had so much fun making these colorful pieces of art! It makes me so happy that they get to have those moments with her. She is so patient, witty, and full of life! The example she has set for me is immense; showing how to live in the moment, thinking outside the box, and to not be afraid of doing what makes you happy. Oh, and never say "don't do that" to children. There is always a different way to get them to stop doing something without bringing negativity to the situation. Love you mom!

More Family, More Fun

The reason I was willing to go to this high school reunion, was that I would get to see my family. It was so nice staying with my parents; waking up to yummy breakfast, laughing and reminiscing, having my kids play in the same places I played as a kid, and just being home. 

I was especially happy that my niece was able to be there at the same time. Nothing like cousins!

Here's Rowan playing peek-a-boo with Grandpa!

Rowan was such a good mommy carrying her babies around.

Here's Lee, entertaining us with his mad jumping skills.

Sidestory: The red and blue rectangles on the table, in the below picture, are abstract Joseph and Mary figures. In their arms they hold a small square baby Jesus with a wooden knob (like for a drawer) head. When I was unpacking after we returned home, I found the little knob in my bag. I called to let my mom know but only my brother Lee was there, so he took the message. During dinner that night, he randomly informs my mom that, "Heather has baby Jesus' head." Pahahaha!

The boys all went to the driving range and putting green one day. It was the first time Afton had ever been to a real golf course. I can't even describe how happy he was. My dad said he did really well. He said he has a good swing, and nice aim. Grandpa will be happy to know that Afton has been watching The Masters on tv. This morning he made me set a reminder so that he wouldn't miss any of the second round! I just asked him who he wanted to win and he said Mickelson. Not this time Affy, not this time.

Off to Arizona

I drove the kids, on my own, to Arizona to attend that random high school reunion back in March. I have never taken them anywhere overnight on my own, and jumped at the chance to do something independently. 

We only made two stops, and one of them was at Dateland. I let the kids run around and pick out a treat inside. And of course, I bought myself a bag of dates. I mean, come on, it's Dateland!

Afton found gummy Ring Pops and thought they were the greatest thing ever, though his face doesn't show it. Ha!

Unfortunately I forgot to get any pictures, but we stayed with my in-laws in Chandler that evening. We ate delicious Mexican food, watched some college basketball, and took the kids to the neighborhood park. The next day we met up with my friend Brett and drove to Safford. We stopped at the Lee Little Theatre in Thatcher to meet up with an old friend (who I graduated with and have known since preschool) who wasn't going to be able to attend the reunion. We ended up seeing another friend from our class too! I'm kicking myself for not getting any pictures, but I was so crazy excited about seeing them that I forgot. Bummer. I did snap this great pic of Brett being photo bombed by Affy though!

When we got to my parents house they had lots of fun surprises. Afton was given a box of Pokemon cards...

and the fireplace was decorated by my mom with fun handmade posters like she did for our birthdays growing up. My mom is the best!

Grandpa even got on the floor to play with the kids. Now that's love!

And that night it began.....

15 1/2 Year Class Reunion

Somehow a random, non-school affiliated, class reunion was put together, and I decided to go.  It was actually extremely fun! It was nice catching up with so many classmates that I spent a good deal of my childhood with. I've known some of them since kindergarten! There was only one person I didn't remember. Not too shabby.

Friday night we met up at the Safford Bowling Alley. Many, including me, brought their kids. There was a lot of laughing, storytelling, and picture taking. After bowling we hit up the Bull Pen, a total dive bar, which was quite enjoyable. I wish I had the picture of Nicole standing next to the hideous horse door to the women's bathroom. Classic.

Left to right: Shane, Jennifer, Stevie, Me, Larry, Brett, Alexis

Stevie, me, Shane, Alexis, Brett, Katrina, Nik

On Saturday there was a family picnic held at the Graham County Fairgrounds. The wind was so bad that we ended up having to move inside to the Agriculture Building. Rowan thought it would be fun to crush all of her goldfish and make a orange cracker-crumb snow angel. She provided lots of entertainment to those sitting nearby.

Christina and I. Somehow her hair missed the wind, unlike mine.

That night we were serenaded by Larry Archuleta's band...

and Shane Casey's cover band.

There was delicious cake made by Andrea Young, some dancing, a few (understatement) mice, yummy food, and lots and lots of giggles. I love reconnecting with people from my past. It reminds me who I was, and who I still am.

Brett and Nicole.

Stevie and Jennifer 

There were some people that had left already, and some that didn't make it to this last event, but this is pretty much the group that attended.

Top Row: Larry Archuleta, Brian Sargent, Teara Sargent, Alexis Rios-Hanson, Stevie Spalsbury, Cory Barker
Top Middle Row: Gayleen Sanders, Melissa Dodge, Amy Perea, Jesse Campos
Bottom Middle Row: Shane Casey, Kate Williams, Adriana Rodriguez, Kimberly Earp
Bottom Row: Brett Ulery, me, Jennifer Casey, Nicole Palomino

Can't wait to do it again Class of '98!!

Fambly

I almost wasn't able to convince Nippon to go to Safford while we were in AZ, but with a little give and take (we ended up just going for just the day) we made it down to visit family.

The kids had fun jumping on the trampoline, getting wet and dirty (Rowan), driving/riding in Adyson's pink jeep, and having a tea party. I enjoyed the freedom that comes with having family around to help watch the kids. 

Tyler instructing Rowan on how to pop the clutch.

The progression of a toss. Scroll fast!

The men played horseshoes. Team Scott and Dad being triumphant.

I love this picture. Looks all David Blaine-ish.

Mid-flipperoo.

One must get wet and dirty, if they are to prove they had fun.

Cruisin cousins.

The best way to finish off our visit....Casa Manana!

And getting to see Miss Claire Douglas as well!