Monday, February 28, 2011

Phoenix

I had a work conference in Phoenix last week and Dan and Bethany tagged along. The conference is always so busy so I knew I wouldn't have a lot of time to hang out with them, so we stayed a few extra days with our really good friends the Button's.

We were HOPING that Phoenix being in the desert would mean that it would be hot, or at least warm but unfortunately it was pretty cool and rainy a few of the days we were there. We did miss a big snowstorm back home though, so we're not complaining! On Saturday it looked like rain so we decided to get an early start on a hike in the Superstitions (is that the one we did, Lindsey?) It was supposed to be about a 4 mile hike but about half-way up it got a little windy and looked like rain. Instead of getting stuck with 3 kids on a mountain we decided to turn around early. We were bummed we didn't get to see the whole trail but we got a taste of it!



To get our energy for the hike we stopped at the Burrito Shack for breakfast. It was this awesome for real shack that had the most amazing burritos. I was craving them the rest of the trip after this day! Good thing we had a lot of Mexican food while we were there because in Phoenix they know how to make tasty food!

Hayden, Bethany and Owen waiting for their burrito

Dan and Nate enjoying their burritos

Bethany and Owen

Dan and Nate got to take in a Suns game one night (Dan has always loved the Suns) and we got to see my aunt and uncle and cousins that live in Phoenix too. Tamara even came over to our hotel to babysit Bethany the night they went to the game as I had a work event that evening. Thanks again Tamara - Bethany loved playing with you!
On Sunday Ian and Courtney came up for the day to go to the zoo but because it looked like rain we went to the Children's Museum instead. It was an awesome museum (my favorite part were the hundreds of noodles (like the ones you swim with) hanging in one area that you could walk through - so fun! It was so nice to meet Charlotte too for the first time, what a doll. Thanks again for making the trip up to see us Ian and Courtney!

The rest of the trip was filled with walks to the park, long naps by Bethany, yummy restaurants, great conversation and a backyard fire with pie irons. We had such a great time Nate and Lindsey - thanks again for your hospitality!
Bethany traveled so well. On the way home the lady sitting next to us commented on how good she was. I was pleasantly surprised she slept so well and played so nicely... I think we found a fun new toy: stickers! She loved to have me peel one off and stick it on her shirt. Each sticker lasted about 5 minutes where she'd put it on me, Dan, the seat in front of us, her shirt again and then finally the sticker book. Yea for the dollar section at Target with sticker books!
I can't believe she is 16 months old today. She loves to copy everything we say and do, especially funny noises. The ice maker at our hotel in Phoenix made a noise when the ice fell into the bin and every time she turned and looked at it and made the same noise! Anything we ask Bethany to do (take a bath, let's go eat, go downstairs, put your jacket on, find your hat) she does and with a smile because she knows what we're saying. When she has a dirty diaper I wrinkle my nose and say stinky so now when she needs to go, she runs over to me and wrinkle's her nose. It is the cutest and funniest thing ever and amazing that she's starting to potty train! I just ordered some pull-ups but had a hard time finding them in a small enough size... she's still only 22 lbs - I know most kids aren't starting before 16 months! But, I figure why not help her start if she is interested in it. She also loves to spin in circles which we take advantage of and try to get her to do it on command like a puppy :) At Westwood she moved to the Toddler class today which had 3 new changes: 1) drinking out of a glass (no sippy cup!) 2) sitting at the table with chairs for meals and snacks (no high-chair!) 3) sleeping on a cot during scheduled nap time. So many changes, but day 1 went great!
Bethany - you are a full-fledged toddler and growing up so fast! We love your new discoveries and how you have such a passion for life. Your bright eyes and excited "ooohs and ahhhs" when you see or learn something new is adorable. We love you!

Yum, spaghetti!

1 comment:

Four Buttons said...

Hey Heather! Great post! We had such a fun time when you were here and so appreciated you guys making time for us!! YES-that mountain was superstion mts :) You guys were awesome guests to have and hope we get to see you all soon, hopefully in MN next time :)