I took a very brief trip to Arizona to wish my mom a happy birthday. My brother, his girlfriend, and their dog, Romeo, made the trip via car (bless them) and I flew down early in the morning.
Sometimes I feel a bit like a single mom - deprived of "grown up time" and the vacations a lot of friends my age seem to be taking every five minutes. While part of me does feel sad that I don't actually travel a ton anymore, I wouldn't change a thing.
Still, thanks to Jess for watching Jack for me for a night so I could reawaken my plane riding skills.
Fun fact: my hatred of flying didn't go away. Take off still feels like certain death. Especially in the dead of pre-dawn morning. The sunrise couldn't be prettier though (well, maybe from the ground.)
I got into Phoenix right around 0900, and had a great glimpse of the baseball park just before we landed. That's what retirement is for, by the way, season passes to Mariners Spring Training.
Once my brother and his girlfriend finally met up with me, we drove to Mom and Dad's house and rang the doorbell. We had devised a plan to have Romeo sitting by the door but suffice it to say, his obedience level compounded by the 23 hour car ride made things difficult. He was happy to see Grandma and Grandpa though.
I've never been a fan of the desert, but I have to say, this ain't all bad.
Romeo's not quite sure about the pool.
Never thought our family would own property with a palm tree on it.
Of course he floored it (a whopping 25 mph) right passed the trooper who was, yes, on a mountain bike.
My trip ended the next day when I flew back home, but my brother and girlfriend stayed a few more days. Lucky them. :)