Trip to Arizona (better late than never)

I don't know why it is so difficult for me to keep up with blogging....maybe because I choose to read others before working on mine and then the kids wake up or it's my bedtime, but I figured I would try to post these pictures from our Arizona trip way back in May. We all packed up and flew to visit my Grandma, Aunt, Aunt and Uncle, cousins, and my Dad and step-mom flew in from CA to meet up with us too. As an added bonus one of my best friends lives in Phoenix so I was able to spend half a day with her too. It was actually quite relaxing given we only were there from Thursday night to Monday morning. Since we were only there to visit family we were not rushing from place to place to see stuff and could just enjoy being "still". The plane flights were the longest part of the trip, but the boys did really well. A few people gave us looks when they were being loud, but wouldn't you prefer loudness over crying???? So, without further ado here are the pictures, finally.

Four generations

One of our main reasons for visiting, besides to see family we haven't seen in over five years, was to try to get a four generation picture. My Grandma is the only grandparent that is still alive for Burt and myself. Seeing as she hasn't been feeling 100% lately and my Dad was about to have surgery we finally just picked a date and went. Not that we thought anything was going to happen to either of them, we just knew it was way over due. It was hard to get all of us to smile at the same time, to look in the same direction or even stay on the couch, but I think we did okay.

Great Grandma with her great grandsons. I can't remember how many this makes for her, but I think it is around 12 or so.

Grandpa building ships and "train tracks" with the boys. Nicholas loved to knock the creations down. My Grandma had these blocks in her closet from many years ago. She says she pulls them out whenever the great grandkids come to visit. It was a lifesaver to keep the boys entertained while we talked.

Lots of pool fun at my Uncle's house. It made it not so hot in the 100+ degree weather. I didn't really notice the heat that much, especially with their being no humidity.

We tried again with the picture of the five of us the next day.

Stacey came to my Uncle's house. Logistically this was much easier and this way she was able to see Burt and the boys. It was great to see her even if it was only for a few hours.

Uncle Ken with Nicholas.

Joshua trying to tackle Uncle Ken.

All the kids joining in.

What's better than a popsicle and juice???

Emily and Nicholas

My cousin Nicole has three children. We tried to get all five of the kids to sit still for us so we could have a 2nd cousins picture (I think that is right). This is what we got.

All and all it was a wonderful trip. We had some great conversations, tasty food and lots of relaxation. The boys slept well, thank you, and we were able to catch up with my family. The only thing is I didn't get a picture of everyone else. Next time....and hopefully that won't be in another five years.