A snowy Valentine!

I left 85 degree weather last Friday for a very cold and snowy Peoria, Il and I loved every minute of it!  My flight arrived just in time for Megan to pick me up and head to the school where she was helping with Kayley's Valentine Party.  I was able to surprise Kayley with my appearance at her party and I helped with the games and snacks and everyone had a great time.

Saturday I was able to attend Drew's basketball game thanks to some earlier cancellations.  I have seen him play baseball and football but never basketball so that was fun.  I know I am prejudice but Drew is pretty good.  :-)  He appeared to be the only one that could actually dribble up and down the court and he made several buckets!  Maybe that bb game we had in the basement at Christmas helped, with the score 283-248.  Ha!  He saved the score on his whiteboard and we are now in the 600's after this visit!  He dearly loves his sports!

Ryan changes TOO much every time I see him.  He talks a lot now and mimics everything you say so I was careful with my language!  He loves to read and we did a lot of that. 

Kayley looked so different with her new haircut, but I just love it.  It is much easier to comb in the morning!

The kids did not have school on Monday so I had all three home for the day and we had a grand time.  Drew and Kayley played in the snow for over an hour while Ryan and I stayed warm inside.  It did seem to snow every day I was there.  I feel so sorry for them as it has been a long, cold and very snowy winter.  Megan wants it to end.  Soon.

I  had a Wednesday flight back so was not there as long as usual.  It was hard to leave them but knowing I will see them again the last week of March helps very much.  Below  is a video of Drew playing BB and the other just a misc. mixture of our time together playing.

Still having fun....

It has been several weeks since I have posted anything.  No excuses except lazy, I guess!  We continue to enjoy remarkable weather, as it has been our warmest winter yet.  I hate saying that when all my family and friends seem to be enduring their coldest winter.  :-(  I simply cannot believe the weather in other places.  Pipes bursting, roads a mess, school cancellations mounting.  I hope spring comes to everyone very soon!!!

Mark and I still haven't golfed yet.  We went to the range once and I was so awful I don't need that frustration anymore in my life.  Ha!  I have decided there are other things in my life I enjoy more....like hiking in the mountains and desert.

Sister Sharon and Arne came from Florida at the end of January for their grandson Aaron's wedding.  They stayed with us Monday-Wednesday and we enjoyed their company.  We went to the Desert Botanical Garden on Wednesday and beauty was everywhere.  Famous glass sculptor Chihuly's works were on display throughout the garden and they were amazing.  We were so glad we went!

Thursday they left for a resort close to Aaron's wedding venue and they were staying until Monday morning.  On Sunday Mark and I drove to the resort.  I am glad we did as we were able to see nephew Erik and his three children.  I had never met his youngest son Jeffrey.  He is definitely a little Erik!  Gracie and Kadin are growing quickly into beautiful young ladies.  Nephew Aaron and his friend Emily drove down from Jerome so it was fun seeing them.  We also saw niece Lisa and her sons Aaron, Nick and Taylor. 

I am flying to Peoria on Valentine's Day...just because. : -)  Ryan is at an age that every month brings huge changes and this granny doesn't want to miss out on any of them!  I will see them again in a month when we go with Matt and Megan's family on a spring break trip.

Mark and I have also been doing a few landscaping changes.  We took out everything "bush like" and put in items that do not get out of control while we are in Iowa, namely cactus and agave.  No more bags and bags and bags of trim when I get back next October!  Yay!  Another upside to that is less water.  Water is getting scarce in the west and southwest so we will do our tiny part to help conserve!

Well, that catches us up on our comings and goings!  Here's hoping spring comes any day now to everyone.

The geraniums are really starting to put on lots of blooms now

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Spent an afternoon in Cave Creek....I wanted one of these!

The Town Dump. Fun place but we found a better one down the road!

Erik and Mark watching the kids swim

Mark with Erik's son Jeffrey. 

Great time at the Phoenix Open.  This picture does not do justice to Ricky Fowler's pants!

Beautiful day at the Phoenix Open. 

Chihuly  glass sculpture at the Desert Botanical Gardens

This saguaro is huge so you can tell how tall this sculpture towered over the desert.

Mark patiently waiting for his Oregano's pizza.

I enjoy this view with my morning coffee.

A day at the races with friends.  We usually go there once a month because it is fun and a pretty setting.