Soaking up Some Arizona Sun

I know. It sounds crazy. Why would anyone plan to go to Arizona in August? This has kind of become a tradition over the last couple years and it is always one of my most favorite trips! LOTS of swimming, fantastic summer monsoons, a day at Sunsplash, my dad being our chef at Benihanas, an overnighter at a local hotel, and lots of quality time with cousins, siblings and parents. What is not to love?

 

This year the boys and I hitched a ride back to Az with Dave and Becky and then we spent the first part of the weekend with them on the west side. We got a great monsoon, played at the splash pad by their house, had a trip to the library and kicked off the Olympics. It was great. Crew was a big fan of the splash pad.

 

Graham preferred hugging on Grandma and swinging.

 

Sunday we headed over to Mesa. No matter how hot it is, my boys can't resist jumping on the tramp.

That night we got another big storm so we made chocolate shakes and watched nature's show from the porch. Love it!

Monday afternoon Maren and her boys got in. That means the fun escalates and so do the decibels around the house!

Check out this cute boy

As if the pool wasn't fun enough, slip and slides are also a fun summer activity

We had an especially exciting event happen while we were in Az. Crew lost his first tooth!

And here is some evidence that the yellow suitcase made an appearance

Friday morning Matt drove over and that afternoon we all headed over to the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale. So much fun. We didn't see the older boys much thanks to these fun water slides.

Graham loved having dad around again and had some pretty awesome new swimming skills to show off.

The next day we stopped by Grandma and Grandpa Riggs home for a little visit.

Then it was back to my parents for one more afternoon of swimming. Crew is fearless!

One of the main reasons I wanted to go to Az was to teach Graham how to swim. I am happy to report that we succeeded and he has become quite the little swimmer. All it took was literally two days in Arizona!

Sunday morning we headed back to the west side and visited Nonny and Poppy after church

Then it was back to the Allens for dinner. Grandpa's shave ice was an extra special treat

These boys love their cousins

The next morning we got up early and headed home. Love those Arizona summers (at least just a week of it!)