From Lush Rainforest to Dusty Desert

So maybe Seattle isn’t a rainforest, but two weeks ago it sure seemed close. Winter has kicked in and we’ve started to see a lot more rain. So when Justin was told he could go to a conference for work in Phoenix, Arizona we decided to take the whole family to play in the sun. We left here on the 20th and just got back late last night.

This was our first trip with three kids. Wow, it sure does require a lot of luggage, especially since we weren’t sure we’d have access to a washer and dryer. We had three car seats, 3 large suitcases, one smaller suitcase, a stroller, and four carry-ons. I can’t tell you how many people commented, “You sure have your hands full.” The kids are fabulous little travelers. Jason didn’t fuss at all on the airplane and was still young enough he would sleep anywhere.

(Jason, Abigail and Carly with all our "stuff")

Most of Justin’s extended family lives in Arizona so we thought it would also be a great opportunity to visit some family. Our first few nights we stayed with one of Justin’s cousins in Mesa. They really made us feel welcome and comfortable. They invited any cousins, aunts, and uncles in the area to come over for Sunday dinner. Over sixty people ended up coming. One family drove eight hours (four hours each way) that day just to see us. It was great to meet some of Justin’s cousins and to see some family we hadn’t seen since our wedding. Abigail attached quickly to her cousins Tommy and Tyler (I believe they would be her third cousin – Justin’s cousin’s sons?). Anyhow, we had a great time with family. I was even able to get together with my oldest friend Susan (we’ve known each other since we were one). It was great to catch up with her after all these years.

(Tyler, Tommy, Carly and Abigail at the Mesa Temple)

The last four nights we stayed at a nice resort and played in the pools. We were able to use the facilities at two different Hilton resorts. Both resorts had several pools, waterfalls, and a waterslide. My favorite was relaxing on the lazy river.

(Abigail loved the waterslide)

(Playing on the river with Dad)

(This was Jason's first time in a pool - he loved it!)

Phoenix vs. Seattle:

So what would it take for me to move to Arizona?? I don’t think I ever would. We had a great visit, but I really can’t understand why anyone would choose to live there all year round. Even in October it was too hot unless you’re playing in the water. I asked Justin what it would take for him to move to Arizona and he replied, “You not ever complaining about it being too hot.” No chance of that.

It’s always nice to come home…

Phoenix was very dusty. We ended up throwing away a pair of Abigail’s shoes that got thrashed because she had been playing outside in the dirt and prickly grass. We’ve thrown away a pair of shoes at home too, but that was because she had trucked through the mud… do they even have mud in Arizona?

Brown, brown, brown vs. Green, green, green

95 degrees in October (unbelievable!)

Being from Utah I thought I was used to dry weather, but I have never had to use as much lotion as I did this past week.

Besides family I think Justin would say his favorite thing about Arizona is that they have lots of Chick-fil-a restaurants. We went at least 3 times (not nearly enough for Justin).

I’m a Washingtonian – I love driving to the store and feeling like I’m driving through a forest high up in the mountains.

I love having four seasons. Spring blossoms, warm (not hot) summer days, the changing leaves of fall, and even a little snow.

I did like the palm trees, but even those aren’t very green.

One positive of Phoenix is the traffic. Phoenix residents say they have bad traffic, but they must not have ever been to Seattle. We were on the freeway at 7 pm and could only see a few cars in each direction, now that never happens in Seattle.