Ready for some Fun in the Sun ~Arizona Style!

As discussed in an earlier post, Gma and Gpa Mattson 'snow bird' each year for about 6 weeks (February and part of March).  Sometimes in Arizona and sometimes in Florida.  This year was Phoenix and boy, were we excited to meet up with them and enjoy some Fun in the Sun!  We even packed Two bottles of sunscreen in anticipation.  During our packing, we popped downstairs to grab a few items... big mistake.  Karsten was ready to head to the pool ~ sunscreen included.

Uh-Oh!  Busted!

I'm all ready to go, Mom

Well; we Definitely had Fun, but I can't say much about that weather.  We did not luck out.  The week prior was almost 80 and the days following our vacation were mid-70s.  The three short days we were there? Filled with Wind, 50 degree temps and rain.  What to do when it is busy raining out?  Learn Gin Rummy, of Course!  Amy has grown up on card games, but this is one they never played.  With a little help from google; we had quite the learning curve and lots of fun games where we could gleefully shout out "Hey, what is the name of this game again?  Oh Yeah....Gin!"

You should play this card, Mommy

Amy and Sandy playing cards

Amy and Bill playing cards.  Are you seeing a pattern?

Kris watching the kids while everyone plays cards



Kasey getting some coloring advice from Grandma



 We even got to see a Great friend while we were there.  Karsten Board moved to Arizona (sniff, sniff); so we took advantage and had him show us the town! Thankfully, Gma and Gpa were on board for watching the kiddos for us.  We heard they were asleep before we were out of the driveway so; I am guessing it wasn't too tough.

Happy Hour has started!

Here are the Rambunctious kids we left...

...Five Tiny minutes later.  D-U-N, Done!

We did get lucky with some sun, so we bundled up the kids and headed to the park.  The boys ran around so much, that Kasey would often be seen picking up the ball and walking away as he tells everyone he just needs to "Take a Breath for a few minutes."

Karsten on his motorcycle

Pay attention Gma, here it comes

Even the girls got to swing a bit
"Too Fast, Mom... Too fast"

Looks like we had too much Fun...
Kris was sent to the Klink ~ Kidding!

We might not have been able to swim, but we got to enjoy some bundled up time outside riding golf carts, playing in the backyard and our favorite part - a Fire!

What's with pointy tree Mom?

That's cool, we'll just hang here.

Let's see how fast we can go Gpa

Did I mention we spent 'some time' playing Gin Rummy?

Don't forget the Numerous Yummy meals!

Looks warm doesn't it?

 Grandpa decided to take the opportunity to teach Kasey how to build a fire.  He will make one Great Boyscout when he gets older.  Kasey loved following directions and watching how to make the perfect fire.

First you crumple up paperwork, Check

Then you add the flame, Got it

Whoa, that flame is as tall as me





Enjoying some cuddle time by the fire

We even got to take the Mattson's to Kris' favorite spot ~ Inn and Out Burgers!  Last time we went to a Phoenix Inn and Out ... Amy got sick.  I mean; Really sick.  She blamed Inn and Out for food poisoning.  I only say this because we found out (much) later that she was 3 months pregnant at the time!  I am So sorry for blaming the Famous Inn and Out. (Kris MADE me write that).  The boys ended up LOVING it!  Although, with all that grease... I can guarantee it won't be a regular stop for the boys even if we get one near where we live.

I'm ready for my burger



This what happiness looks like

It was too short of a trip and we wished for warmer weather, but other than those two things... the Meals were Great, the Company was Amazing and Amy learned she LOVES playing Gin Rummy!