What a Visit!

The family has returned home after their big AZ adventure and today sadly my vacation ended too, back to work for me. I dropped everyone off at the airport this morning, came home for a quick nap, and then off to work again! Everyone arrived safely back in Illinois to many a wagging tail, their fur-babies missed them all very much! 

Here's a few of the things we managed to squeeze in! 

We grilled...

We visited the Memorial Park downtown Phoenix in front of the Capital Building...

We saw one of the anchors and the signal mast from the USS Arizona...

We found the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine at Tortilla Flats...

We visited the Commemorative Air Force Museum...

We went to Organ Stop Pizza...

We visited with Oliver and Audrey...

 We swam...

We watched baseball...

Gpa and I got on the big screen... no big deal...

They cheered me at the Warrior Dash....

 We saw more WWII Planes...

B-24 (The only one still flying)

B-17

(sidenote: Dad and I have seen 3/8 remaining B-17s still flying)

P-51

I had so much fun with everyone visiting. I love that this was Gma and Gpa's first vacation since my mom was little! We got to see a lot in the time they were here but we have so much more to see when they come back! Hopefully my next big vacation will be to visit NiBo in Hawaii!

I even had the chance to read/finish a book while I was on vacation...

This was the first book I have checked out digitally from my Library. Very convenient to be able to download a book for free without having to leave the house. I actually first came across this book after I saw the video below on a photographer of abandoned places page that I follow on Facebook, and I had to read the book. The book is filled with real pictures the author has found and incorporates the stories of those photos into the book. I have just started reading the second book in the series, and just now discovered there is a third book due out in September. I read this book in two late nights, I couldn't put it down and it left off with a cliffhanger ending so I'm glad I was able to snatch up the second book (also a digital checkout on my Nook) and I just got notification today that Girl on the Train is in and ready for me to read (again, digital check out) Look at me being a reader and all.... well I'm off to finally sleep in my own bed again! (I was an awesome granddaughter and let Gma/Gpa have my bed)

Brrrr! It's Chilly in Arizona

Today was the day.... I finally had to turn my heat on. It got down to 62° in the condo. I even had to put on my slippers! The kitties are extra snuggly and trying to keep warm too! It's good soup and hot chocolate weather too! I hope the weather warms up a bit, I have visitors coming soon! A.Drama and Marvin are coming to visit for the New Year!

NiBo was just here last weekend for a few days. He is on his a way to Hawaii to continue his Army service. I can't wait to go visit! Aloha! 

We managed to squeeze in a few fun sibling adventure while he was here. We made our way east of town towards the Superstition Mountains and drove up to Tortilla Flats for lunch. We made a stop at what is left of the old Apacheland Movie Ranch, which has seen it's fair share of Western movie stars.

Superstition Mountain photo by NiBo (I'm totally in love with this picture)

NiBo got some Oliver cuddle time in too

Mom wouldn't stop bugging us for a picture, so she got this

I wish NiBo would have had a few more days to hang out, but I'm glad he made a stop here before he left for his adventure. I'm excited to have a double exciting sibling December and can't wait for A.Drama and Marvin to arrive! 

I also had a great Christmas (as I hope all you did as well)! My annual tradition continues, Christmas Eve Chinese takeout for dinner and the start of the 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TBS. It's one of my favorite traditions! I skyped home in the morning and opened my presents with the IL crew. 

I can't believe that it is the end of the year already! Check back as I count down my favorite moments of 2014! 

Christmas Time in the Valley

I've been shamed several times for not updating my blog more. I promise I will add it to the New Year's resolution list! But hey... I've been out there living life! And I'm still doing better than 2012, only 64 posts the whole year! 

But alas... it is Christmastime in the Valley! It is weird to watch a lighted Christmas parade and tree lighting in short sleeves while eating ice cream... but we won't talk about that. I'll let the pictures do the talking, I've done a lot of Christmas/Holiday related things this month! 

The 2014 Fantasy of Lights Parade in downtown Tempe...

Santa got VIP rockstar treatment, bodyguards and all!

My adorable condo and all the beautiful Christmas decorations...

Elf the musical... which was hilarious and awesome! 

The first annual Arizona crew Ugly Sweater Party! 

Tulip and I 

The Nutcracker Ballet... (photos by Tulip)

As you can see, I've had quite the Christmas Time adventures here in sunny Arizona. There is plenty to do even without the snow, and even more to do without the cold! I promise to keep you entertained these last couple weeks of 2014 with plenty of posts!