Memorial Memory(Part 1)

May 27, 2011

It was previously decided that we as a unit would go with sean to cheer him on in his softball tournament.  Every year its held up in Show Low/Pinetop area where the weather is nice and we can enjoy, really, our ONLY family vacation of the year.  The other players families had all backed out, but NO-Sir-y were we backing out.  So I came into the weekend planning that we'd be the only family unit in a cabin full of "boys" essentially.  But our luck turned...at the last minute families were showing up left and right.  I was grateful that M had playmates so as to pass the time up in the mountains. 
Because of Sean's superiority unfailing ability to win competitive bets...he won first dibs on any room in the cabin.  Of course we picked the biggest.>>>

Luckily for us we were able to persuade our good friends, the Dixons, to come and share the weekend with us.

 

we visited her grandparents house for an afternoon.  We talked. Kids played.

 And i wandered the premises taking pictures :o)

I love this moment i caught:)

  classy aged.

tour of our cabin and surroundings

 Previously a Bed & Breakfast

Some friends above our door to greet you...but don't expect any greeting because your hello falls upon sleeping ears.

 (bats)

 Horses fenced and wild horses wild.

Ah, the good ole' Out house.

On our last day(should i say my last day) we ate at a quaint little cafe off the main road.  Big plates, Fullll bellies, bliss :)

I took the 4 hr trip back home in time to meet up with some good friends...Rulon and Laura.
It was a very pleasant day :)
-aezra

Swing away

So as previously stated, we went to Pinetop, AZ(near showlow) for Memorial day weekend. It was kinda planned and yet kinda not. Sean going alone VS all together. The same thing everyone does...juggle the finances, cut some here, add more there-budgeting. Upon Wednesday it was decided we could all go. While driving the 3 1/2 hour drive we were trying to recall when was the last time we went together on a road trip. Indeed it was when Emmery was about a month old that we trekked 6 hrs to Cali for a beach trip. Yup, it sure had been almost two years. Crazy how time just keeps on going. But this vaycay would not be "all" vay cay...we were actually going there for a softball tournament that Sean's UOP team participates. Sean plays for fun and doesn't have to pay the league fees...thats whats so awesome about working for University of phoenix. However all other expenses were out-of-pocket, hence the budgeting. But we were all thankful we could go. The weather was fantastic...the first two days were cloudy, tad windy, and drizzly. The rest of the weekend was partly cloudy and sunny, meaning, perfect. They weren't joking when they called this place Pinetop, its the tip top of the mountains. We were literally driving through the clouds aka fog. Many times outside I swear I could reach up and graze the clouds.

Saturday and Monday were spent out at the playing field as much as Em and I could stand. Naps are still a must on vaycay. But apart from that she and I enjoyed the room of the pines. Other families came to support their hubbys so Emmery to a liking to observing the kids play and mingling a bit too. she is her own person, she really is quite content doing her own thing. But she does have her sassy side. There were many-a-time's where I would catch her being chased by boys. She just can't get enough of it...of course it's never to long before shes engulfed in the fun that she runs into some object or trips and scrapes herself. Emm sure did catch the attention of some little girls too, it was funny to watch them follow her around, stand up for her, carry her, talk to her, chase her...it was like babysitting without the fees! My kinda day! So at times I did rather enjoy being able to watch my husband play with an ever-so watchful eagle eye on Emm. I could begin to relax for a short while. But you know its always a blessing when you come home and no ones sick or injured. Thanks to God's tender mercy.

...somewhere, on the side of the road...

Make a Wish

...Another time in Pinetop, We went for an after nap walk. The weather was gorgeous that day. For the past two days since our arrival it had been claimed by the clouds and rain. But not Sunday, for it was filled with sunshine and gusts of wind. I didn't mind to vast differences in temperature. I welcomed all because in my eyes this was a rare treat. I'd already been enduring the phx 90 degree weather since April. So regardless of my cold arms id quickly resolve it with a light sweater(or not). Continuing on, as we trespassed a tiny bit we emerged quickly back into the safety of Hotels' alley. Sean threw the Frisbee at targets(a tree, a bush, a pole), I strolled while poking fun at him, and Em, ah sweet Em, well she what every normal child would do...touch gross things, jump in puddles, run too fast and fall...ya know, the norm. Aside from my present treat another one was just up yonder near a little wash. I wish I could recall the name but am afraid I do not know its title. Those fuzzy things upon which you make wishes with and blow. But not just anyone, this sucker was a different breed. It was the king...of Alllll the fuzzy-wishy-things. And to show you the difference...well just look for yourself (teaching Em the art of wishing) Of course...

I allowed Sean the honor to blow it to smitherens...are you kidding? me? attempt? there was just no way

Dont cha just love the serious effort?

A Road Trip

...ain't a road trip unless its complete with:

...posers...

...a few goof balls...

...laughing....Ha Ha Ha , but really inside were crying.."My Butt hurts!", ...some scenery... ...(a hole in the sky)... ...Supeior buildings dusty with history... ..."CONSTRUCTION AHEAD" aka Road w0rk... ...a bored child(but a quiet one at that)... ...Arizona cacti and bushes... ...AND.. .a purse .a coke .a camera+ bag .a laptop .a snack bag and of course directions (wheres ashley?) OH and cramped legs. Yup, my kinda road trip. Aint it awesome?!

Mmmazing BBQ place

If you are ever visiting Pinetop near Showlow anytime, stop by this great bbq place I know. Emmery sat in this vintage highchair, it was actually kinda cool. I think i might want one if it was painted white. If it wasn't the innards of this place that caught your eye there was something to hit your funny bone. Friends Bryan and Natalie...so sweet to let us tag along with them. Lantern hanging display above our heads we were delighted by our fancy shmancy glasses. Nothing beats MD from a canning jar This post wouldn't be complete with out.... a tongue ,,,or two ...I mean us. Yeah, were the serious type.