Since I haven't posted since Matt and Janelle's wedding, this will be a "catch up" post! Mark and I have had a good winter in AZ. It was very busy as we completely remodeled our home here, installing new kitchen cabinets, all new flooring, complete remodel of guest bathroom and a new shower in the master bedroom. It was time consuming and challenging washing dishes in the bathroom sink for several weeks, but the end result made it all worthwhile. I love my new little home in the desert.
The AZ living started with Matt driving out with me at the end of October. It is great having him along for the ride and helping to do the driving. He spent a couple of days here and we took a beautiful hike at the Tom Thumb trailhead. We stopped to see his cousin Aaron in Jerome perform at the Spirit Room, too.
I flew to Peoria for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mark was still home farming and was going to drive to Megan's for turkey day celebrations, but Andy's father passed away after a hard fought cancer battle so those plans were all changed. Megan and kids took me to the farm as they continued on to Omaha and LeMars for funeral arrangements. Mark and I joined them in LeMars on that Friday for Butch's wake and funeral on Saturday. Following the funeral, we drove to Matt and Janelle's home and spent the night. We left for AZ the next morning.
Mark and I flew to Peoria for Christmas. Matt and Janelle were also there, so we were all together, along with 2 new puppies and Levi. Grandpa and grandma both were ill (flu?) the entire time so it wasn't what we had hoped, but everyone else had a grand time! It is always a joy being with the grandchildren over the holidays.
We spent January, February and the first week in March remodeling but still managed to do many fun things this winter. Our highlights were a visit from Nancy, Rick and Nadine from Okoboji. We drove up to Jerome and spent the night and went to Sedona the following day. We had a great time with these good friends!
The day after Nancy left we went on a trip with 12 other people to Marble Canyon in northern AZ The first day was spent fishing and boating around Horseshoe Bend and seeing Glen Canyon Dam. The second day we drove to Lake Powell and hiked into Antelope Canyon...just breathtaking! It was definitely a bucket list trip and I will never forget this journey!
Andy and his two brothers came last week for their annual spring baseball trip. They (and we) had a fun time going to the many games and eating foods that aren't exactly healthy for you. :-)
Megan, Andy and the grandchildren come Friday for a spring break visit and we are beyond excited. I will post on that following their visit!
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| Our beautiful grandchildren in LeMars, IA |
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| Merry Christmas morning! |
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| Uncle Matt sledding in shorts? |
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| Ryan, Drew, Fitz and Sanders |
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| Kayley loves their new puppy Fitz |
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| Old flooring, old cabinets |
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| New flooring, new cabinets |
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| Almost finished, just need countertop |
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| Waiting for new furniture delivery |
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| Finally, comfortable seating! |
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| Spent a day at the Phoenix Open with good friend Alice |
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| Nancy and Moondog at the Spirit Room, Jerome. |
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| Nancy, Nadine and Marla in Sedona |
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| Nancy and Mark enjoy our lazy day in the sun at Bartlett Lake |
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| Boating on the Colorado River |
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| Finally waded into Antelope Canyon, a muddy, mucky mess! |
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| Horseshoe Bend |
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| Mark and his trout |
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| Antelope Canyon hike was magical |
