Giraffes, Grand forks and the Garage

[Originally supposed to post on 20 Oct 14, now for your reading pleasure ;) ]

Well today was our last day in Arizona. We started the day with buffet breakfast at the hotel. Adam had a custom made omelete and I had fried eggs plus, bacon and hasbrowns! 

We then headed to the Pheonix Zoo. During the first half and hour of walking around Lola wasn't too impressed with the zoo, the big horned sheep were not on the mountain, the tiger wasn't out and the lions were lying on their backs with legs open (very wierd for a lion to lye). We kept walking to see the Rhino and flamingos. Once we got to a point, the giraffes were much closer than the first time we past. They have 4 giraffes and a very large area for them. At this point wasn't really that impressed with the zoo, but then AA said we should go back to the other side of the giraffes and we could feed them. They only could be fed between 10:30-11:30. It was about 10:40 when we got there, paid our $10, and got to take a photo with the one giraffe and then got to feed another. The tongue reaches up to 18". What a super cool experience. And after that.... The zoo got so much better, the tiger came out, the lions were posed in a beautiful position, and the elephant moved to see it better. I really like all the African animals, as well as all the tortoise that were in the next section. They were so big, and their heads were so small, and they moved so slow!

Sorry zoo pictures will have to wait as we didn't take any on our phones.

After the zoo, AA and Lola went back to the hotel to cool off, shower and pack the car to head to the airport. On our way we stopped at Denny's for lunch. 

At the airport we got to the check in point to find a large line. But luckily they were checking bags in based on flight departure so we didn't wait a long time. The Mesa airport isn't large so didn't take too long tho get through security. But Lola's side braid had to get patted down after the body scanner because I guess my hair is too thick. Good thing I wasn't hiding anything in there.

Boarded the plane, and we were off about 10 minutes early. The take off was rough, we were going through a storm

brewing. We turned right, then left, then right and left again. The lady behind is was breathing very heavy, thought we were going to have to hand her the barf bag. He daughter beside her also wasn't coping well, and began to cry. But once out of that the flight was pretty stable. We watched frozen and then AA had a little nap before landing.

Storm brewing as we boarded the plane

Landed in grand forks, and AA took off his cowboy hat and boots that he had to wear as with his boots in the suit case we were too much over weight. Lola kind of likes the cowboy in AA and doesn't mind him in that outfit, now to get him a horse... Reunited with the Passat, we are happy to have our car back. Our Toyota Corolla didn't quite cut it for comfort, power or radio.  We put over 700 miles on our rental for the week.

Can you find the cowboy? Doesn't blend in as much in grand forks....

We grabbed a bite to eat a few things from target, fuelled up the car and now on our way back to our home.

Border was quick and highway empty. I don't think we have seen a vehicle close enough to tell you the colour yet. 

We had a great week, full of new friends, new adventures and lots of food! Lola has sore feet from all the activities and AA is excited to eat home cooked meals. Maybe tacos tomorrow to ease into Mexican withdrawal.

We can't wait to get into the garage with our car and sleep in our own bed. 

Back in Winnipeg. 

Lola

The Day After

Today was a nice relaxing day. We (Lola, Catherine and AA) got up and ate a small breakfast at Katie and Jason's. We cleaned up, packed our bags and loaded the car so we could leave straight from the ranch. Catherine was still staying another night so she just needed her stuff for the day. 

We got to the ranch at 10:45, ahead of everyone.  Lunch was being catered by a family friend who owns a few taco trucks in Tucson. So Lola and I helped setup tables and get ready for guests to arrive. 

Overall there were about 40 people who came for lunch of beef and chicken tacos and Sonoran hotdogs (a hotdog in a bun, baked beans, onions, jalepenos, mustard and mayo).  There were a few tubs of eggees (basically flavoured shaved ice) and a left over keg of beer. 

At about 1 o'clock we said our goodbyes to everyone we had met and made our way to drop off my tux at the store before going to Phoenix. 

On the way, we made a pitstop at Costco where Lola finally got her super duper paper cutter that she first saw in Seattle back in September. She was pretty excited!

After an hour and a half drive, we made it to the Phoenix outlet mall. Lola bought a new pair of running shoes and Arizona Adam bought a t shirt. We don't have much room in our suitcases to bring stuff back. 

After a short stop at the mall we got to our hotel, checked in and then went for dinner to a steakhouse called Lone Star steakhouse. Now, we are back at the hotel, Lola is talking to her mom on the iPad. 

Tomorrow we will either go to the zoo or to an aquarium, we aren't too sure yet. Our flight leaves phoenix at 3pm and we arrive in grand forks at 8:20 where we will then drive back to Winnipeg. 

Hopefully Lola finishes up soon so we can go to the hot tub for a bit. Hopefully there is still some warm weather when we get back so that we can acclimatize to the fall weather once again. 

Lola's day!

Well my day didn't start off the same way as Arizona Adam....

Cathrine (my partner in crime for the day, and Katie's friend from Kentucky) had the task of picking up the flowers.... Taking the cake flowers to the reception hall then bringing the rest of the flowers to the church.  We drove Katie and Jason's SUV to the Safeway at Sunshine and Swan.  Get to the desk and the lady's there asks if we are at the correct store.... We are like yes. She couldn't find the order.  Call the bride, yes we are at the right spot.... Still can't find the flowers.  The worker calls the manager, Gail, at home.... She screwed up and thought the order was for Saturday.  Cathrine and I are freaking out a little but trying not to be too panicked in text messages to the bride. Safeway worker says they will be done in half an hour.

Catherine and I go to the cv pharmacy next door to buy markers for the guest book picture frame, go to Starbucks to get some pick me ups, and then back to safeway.  It is now 9:15 and the flowers were just started.  At about 9:30 the lady trying to fix Gail's mistakes asked us to go wait in the waiting area by Starbucks because we were making her nervous.  Well I was nervous the wedding was going to be late because we couldn't do our simole task of delivering the flowers to the wedding.  At about 10 we couldn't wait any longer.  Went back to the counter and Gail was there frantically trying to finish.  We got out of there had to take all the flowers to the church including the cake topper ones.  We made it at about 10:40 and the wedding started at 11.  Not bad,,, I was nervous is all morning,,,,

Our cute little ring bearer was so happy when we got there, and I think the bride too.

Our selfie when he came to help us carry the flowers in. Catherine, rowen and Lola

The wedding was nice.  Here are a few photos I took.

The cutest ring bearer.

The ladies with their flowers:)

The wonderful couple.

My cowboy husband

Adam even drove the Shelby around to the front of the church so the bride and groom could leave in it:)

Cathrine and I collected all thee flowers again and headed to Katie's parents ranch.  We got there and we both seemed to be the go to girls.  I helped put out drinks, collect members for pictures, delevier messages between the bride and the bridesmaids, clean up the table, move food outside. Oh and the food order was not done either... So they got what they could... And cut the sandwhiches smaller...

Aa and I out at there ranch after all the fires were put out.

We then headed to there reception, with the flowers once again... We finally found the right person to give the cake topper flowers too, and set the guest book frame and markers and then got to enjoy the rest of the evening,

Cathrine and I at the beautiful skyline country club.

Final destination for flowers, happy to not have to worry about them.

The wedding cake.

The photo booth.

All and all it was a great day.  We were home by 10... One of the last people to leave.  I danced up a storm and got many complements as people left.  I am sure people will still be talking about it tomorrow...

Well AA is already snoring beside me in bed, so I guess I should go to bed too.

Good night from my cowboy and Lola!

Party!

Wow, what a day and what a party!

We started the day with breakfast with the guys at 8 am. From there, it was straight to the church to get dressed and ready for the ceremony. We started almost on time, at about 11:05am. 

After the ceremony, we went out to Katie's parents ranch for pictures and lunch. Here are a few pictures from the ranch:

Gwen with her new pal Catherine and Katie

One cute cowboy

After photos, the bridal party took a limo to the reception:

AA, Taylor and Jon

(L to R) Katie, Crystal, Kiersten, Anne (not visible) Jason and Daniel

We made a pit stop at Taylor's brew pub called "Sentinel Peak":

The reception was at a country club up on the Catalina Foothills. The view was breathtaking, especially as the sun was setting. 

The party was good and so were the friends. Lola, as always, was the life of the party dancing up a storm. Arizona Adam, not so much but was dancing up a small breeze (not quite the same as a storm). 

A good time was had by all and made many new friends. The next time we want to come down to Tucson, it sounds like we will have many options.  Plus a few others in Kentucky, Vancouver, Shang Hai, Denver and Wichita.  It's always fun meeting new people and getting to know them as well as feeling just like one of the family. 

Thanks Katie and Jason!

Rehearsal (part 2)

Arizona Adam here. Lola told me I had to blog today, I'm not sure why, she had things under control.

Just kidding.

Picking up where L left off, we ended up waiting at the house for Katie and Catherine to arrive and then made our way to the church for rehearsal, all in the SUV. 

Once at the church, we waited for someone to open the doors and then waited for two of the bridesmaids to show up. Unfortunately, we waited longer than we needed to as they were waiting outside the door that was locked for about 10 mins...

As always, Gwen was on baby duty. Here is another baby selfie with Austin:

After the rehearsal it was time to go to El Charro for dinner. It was delicious!  AA had the Chili Beef burrito and L had a grilled chicken breast with rice and refried beans.  Here is the remnants from AA's meal:

Gwen and Catherine also were entertaining the ring bearer, Rowan, at the dinner table. Many games and interesting conversations were had. As is the case with any child over the age of 3, smart phones were eventually used used as part of the entertainment. Here's Rowan playing hill climb racing on Catherine's phone:

Tomorrow will be a busy day for both Arizona Adam and Lola. 

Arizona Adam will make his way to pick up Daniel, the best man, from the hotel at 7:45 to go for breakfast at 8. Then, it will be time to get dressed and be at the church by 10 am for the wedding at 11. 

Lola will start the day at 8:30 where she and Catherine will go to pick up the flowers and drop them off at the church and reception hall.

After the wedding, photos will be taken at Katie's parents ranch and then the reception in the evening at a nearby country club. It should be a good time but most likely a long day which is why AA and L are in bed at 10pm, going to get a good nights sleep before the big day tomorrow.

Goodnight moon!

Recovery and Rehearsal

Well today was definitely off to a slow start.  AA got in just after midnight from the bachelor party. They had a good time, from what I can get out of him.

He fell asleep instantly.  This morning I got around 7, which I then played on my phone for a while as that is too early to get up on a vacation, but that seems to be the norm around here.  Everyone is an early riser, but I guess that is because that is when you can actually do things outside.  Today it is about 89 degrees and very sunny.

After Adam finally woke up, he showered, put clothes on and then.... Fell asleep again.

I sat outside on the deck for a while playing with Jason and Katie's dog, Riley.

Then came in and decided enough is enough and woke up sleeping beauty.

Enjoying the sun!

Riley waiting for me to throw the toy.

The view from the deck.

Off to get some breakfast and to do a little shopping.  I also got my nails done in the mall!  I found some good deals in my all famous gap athletic wear, to add to my growing collection as well as my first banana republic blazer which I got for only 59$ :):)

We got a Jamba Juice to tide us over until rehearsal supper and headed back to Jason and Katie's where Adam had another nap...

My mall predicure which I have never done before.

I got ready for rehearsal and now am blogging. We were going to head to the ranch but Katie is on her way here so that is why we stayed.  

Waiting for Katie to come back to their place.

Rehearsal is at 4:30 and then dinner to follow at a Mexican place.  Hopefully the groom went to go try on his suit again.  They ordered a jacket that was 3 sizes too big for some reason. The best man also had a problem with his pants not being the right size at all, and the brother is just arriving today, so hopefully it will fit him.  Adam seems to have had the best fitting suit so far, and luckily they could lengthen the pants as no flood is expected here in Tucson for a while.

Maybe it is AA's turn to blog next time....

Lola

The Tucson Experience

Today was a day about experiencing Tucson, or the greater Tucson area.  We got up at about 8:30, had a little to eat then headed in Jason's ford Shelby to Sabino Canyon.  Adam was a little nervous to drive this high powered vehicle that is pretty low to the ground compared to the cars he is used to driving.  He got his confidence up shortly after the first couple stop lights we arrived at.  Jason was at the canyon too with his parents, he was driving their rental dodge caravan.... A little different from the Shelby.  

The Shelby

Katie and Jason's place

Adam driving the Shelby!

We went up the canyon on the shuttle with Jason and his parents, Dondra and Gary to the top.  Then Adam and I hiked down.  Well we actually hiked up about 0.5 miles before we got to make our 5 mile venture down the mountain.  I didn't know if I was going to make it but we did. Luckily I had a nut bar to tide me over, eaten at about the half way point.  The scenery was unbelievable, and we saw a lot of geckos and birds, bugs, and dessert plants including all types of cacti.  It was a amazing you could tell when you got to a different elevation as there were sections of vegetation, ranging from trees to bare rocks to thousands of cacti.  The hike was from about 10:30-12:30.

Sabino Canyon

Adam and I relatively early in the hike.

The gecko

Some of the trail looked like this.

The great views

Getting tired...

After the great hike we headed for some food and then to Katie's parents to see the ranch.  We met their horses and some more family that arrived in Tucson today.

View out the window at Katie's parents ranch.

Then Jason and Adam took the Shelby to fit Jason's tux and Katie and I headed back to their place to chill and me to freshen up before the party we attended.

Adam dressed in his cowboy attire to go to the bachelor party, to experience Tucson and Katie and I went to a party hosted by family friends for the out of town guests.

AA taking it all in!

It was a pretty good day, and now time for bed.  Rehearsal day is on the agenda for tomorrow.

AA is to late to blog tonight, so Lola had to do another night in a row.

On did I mention it was hot today... I don't know the exact temperature but it only got down to about 72 this evening.

Lola 

Castles, coasters, n Tucson.

Well today was a pretty relaxing day (compared to yesterday). We got up at 8:30, headed for breakfast at the hotel then out to the pool. Hot tub first then I got the courage to jump in the pool but didn't last that long actually in the pool. It was pretty warm outside though like 25 at least.  The water was probably like 19-20.

Off to castles n coasters which was across the interstate from our hotel for some mini golf.  Although we ahead a bit of a drive because Adam missed the entrance, because I figured we could manage to drive there without using the gps, I guess I was wrong  (and too busy taking photos instead of telling Adam where to turn).

Castles n coasters was a very neat mini golf course.  We paid, got our balls and clubs and then asked the lady where to go.  "Down the stairs and then choose which course you want"... Adam and  I look at each other.... Choose a course.... Yes this place had 4 different courses all intertwined together.  It was so cool, but the temperature was so warm.  Adam and I were both sweating after the 18 holes (which Lola beat AA by 9 strokes).

We choose course #4.

Not his best golf game....

After mini golf we went to Denny's for lunch.  Big spenders... A whole $13 dollars for lunch.  I had a burger (with now bun) and AA had a turkey sandwich and chicken noodle soup!

Then headed to Tucson.  The drive was pretty uneventful, but as we were leaving Pheniox, it was pretty neat that the interstate is right by the airport and as we drove by a plane flew right over top of us.

That isn't zoomed in.

Also on the way we passed the turn off to Coolidge AZ. We have already been there so just kept driving.

We arrived in Tucson to go directly to Jos A Banks to fit AA for his tuxedo.  Good thing the guy was quick there. The pants were about 2" too short, but he rehemmed them before we left.

Arrived at the bride and grooms house (where we are staying), to begin the wedding festivities.  Just a casual supper with friends and family of Katie and Jason's.  The fellow Canadians were happy to visit with us.  I met Katie's parents(both Canandian, but have lived in Tucson for a long time) Dave and Sandra, for the first time (but seemed to know all about me as they have had many visits and casual conversations with Arizona Adam in the past.) Sandra's sister and husband, Mike and Barb (from Toronto) and their daughter who just moved to Denver 4 months ago.  They all had a lot to talk about with us.

Also we met some of the wedding party and their children (people from Tucson) as well as Jason's parents (who live in Michigan).

It was a good get together and AA even did the dishes.  Night ended with some movie watching with Jason and Katie after everyone left and now time for bed.

We don't have real definite plans for tomorrow so we will see what it brings.

Night, Lola