The Grand Canyon State

We were lucky enough to visit Arizona again this month!  After our trip in October, we decided it would be great if we could go back again when Patrick's parents planned their annual February vacation.  It was a short trip, but so nice to get away for a few days and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather and scenery.  Not to mention, getting to see my brother and share his birthday with him!

We flew down on Thursday afternoon and met Patrick's parents at the airport.  They had already been there for a few days seeing friends and other family, so it worked out perfect.  The kids did awesome on the flight there.  I was worried about traveling with them and all of their "stuff."  But surprisingly, it was VERY easy and Patrick & I worked as a team to make it happen.  Elle slept the whole flight and I had plenty of little games, activities, and snacks to keep Emery busy.

Patiently waiting for our plane in Wichita so we could fly to Arizona!

We made it to Arizona...what an exhausting trip! :)

Thursday when we arrived we went to dinner with Patrick's Uncle Tom and Aunt Kelly, who we stayed with on our Arizona visit in the fall of 2010.  It was great to see them and their daughter Julie for a bit.  Then we hopped in the car and headed down to Tucson to stay at my brother's apartment.  We surprised him that night with a birthday cake and ice cream. :)

Elle was so excited to see Uncle Eric!

Friday was Eric's birthday!  It was so awesome to spend the day with him...it's been years since I got to see him on his actual birthday!  We woke up that morning and went to the Children's Museum of Tucson.  It was fantastic!  Emery really enjoyed all the fun hands-on activities, especially the submarine and the play grocery store.  That afternoon we got in the car and headed South.  We went hiking in Madera Canyon, which I think was the highlight of our trip--Emery LOVED throwing rocks in to the stream!  It was a beautiful day!  That evening we went out to enjoy a Mexican dinner with Patrick's old friend Russell and after the kids were in bed, Patrick & I joined Eric and his friend Karen out for a drink and dessert to finish off his birthday right.

On Saturday we got up and went to the park--another beautiful day.  We gave Emery some time to run and play, Elle enjoyed swinging for awhile, and then we packed up and headed to lunch with some of Mary Sue's cousins and their families.  After lunch we got in the car and made our way back to Phoenix in time to check in to the hotel, go to church, grab a bite to eat and then enjoy the hotel pool.  We called it a night early so that we could get up in time to catch our flight to go back to Wichita on Sunday first thing.

Boarding the plane to head back home!

It was a short trip but so nice.  No matter how challenging it can be with two little ones missing naps and being off schedule, it's always very memorable and worth it to spend time with family and introduce new places and experiences to Emery and Elle.

We're already looking forward to the next visit!