Arizona time

I don't think I really acknowledged how much our families did in the last post. Paula and Carrie flew to AZ with them then had them for the night and morning before dropping them off at my mom's house. Then she basically had them from Wed. to Sat.

Every so often I'd get a picture text from my mom or dad of the boys off doing something with them. (Those were the times that got me missing those rascals!) One text from my dad went something like, "He sure knows how to talk!" It made me chuckle, so I text back, "Has he asked you {why} yet?" To which he replied, "Averaging 26.9 times a minute!" (The kid really doesn't shut his mouth.) 

One text from my mom said something about how she forgot how physically demanding being a mother to two small children is. (But she was also always really nice and said more about how much fun they were having and how much they enjoyed being with them.)

I had to laugh. Maybe that's why I didn't miss them quite like I thought I would. It was nice not buckling 10+ car seats a day, giving baths, forcing/bribing/threatening food down Collin's throat, answering a million questions, changing diapers, wiping bums and constantly finding fun activities to do! And knowing they were in good hands was the most comforting part. And I know Shelley and Marcie helped too.We really couldn't be more grateful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We got to Mesa around 2 or 3pm on Saturday and went straight to Trav's parent's house where Collin was playing. He was out at the pool with his cousins and when we walked up he just stared at us, expressionless. He's never been away from us, so almost 5 days without seeing us was a big deal. We hugged him and peppered him with questions and smiles, but he continued to act fairly indifferent to us. Weston was napping at my mom's house, so she called when he woke up and we went over to see him. He was NOT happy to see me. It was at least a day before he would go to me without crying. All he wanted was his daddy. I thought it was really strange! Why wasn't Trav being punished too? Oh well, at least he was happy to see one of us and it wasn't too long before both boys had warmed up to us again. 

We only stayed in Arizona until Wednesday morning. 

We spent lots of time swimming with cousins, being traumatized by swimming lessons (ahem, Collin), and eating yummy food. I was glad we snagged one last meal at Uncle Ricos, because apparently it closed! (Hopefully to reopen in another location.) 

We got to meet the new family cat, Peaches, that my mom got for Mother's Day the week before. He's just a kitten, so he's an inside cat for now. The kids LOVED him. I'm just glad Peaches survived their love. In turn, Peaches LOVED Travis. Seriously, he'd find him wherever he was and try to snuggle. Travis was D-lighted.

We visited Grandmother one day and Collin was excited to go pick blackberries off her bush. It's a little surreal to watch your kids doing something you did yourself growing up. I used to love climbing Grandmother's back, block wall and strain for the last, hard to reach blackberry. I love Grandmother's backyard and all the trees, fruit and berries that come from it.

I'm also fairly fond of Grandmother. 

Shelley came to see us off Wednesday morning with her boys. Collin was mad and confused about why he couldn't play with Lane and Rusty longer. 

It was hard to go. I wanted at least one more day! I didn't get my {swim} fix satiated. Or my family fix. At least I got to see Leah the night before!! It's always fun to relax on the couch and chat with her for hours on end. I'm glad she could squeeze me in. :)

I also got my hair colored... thanks Marcie! And a bit more of a trim... thanks Shelley! How awesome is it to have 2 hair stylin' sistas!

We hugged all around then pulled our squealing car away. (Grateful to Dad for getting the air conditioning fixed the day before! That would have made for a miserable ride to NM.)

It wasn't until we hit 24th street that the tears came and the sadness settled. I feel like our lives center around constantly saying goodbye to family. It's hard. Shelley said Lane is always wondering why {Tollin} is coming and going from his life. I really want my kids to grow up with their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. I hope at some point that is in Heavenly Father's plan for us. 

In the meantime, it was off to Farmington!