Family, Monopoly, and the Pool

The long-awaited arrival of Eric went without a hitch, and was totally worth the plane-ride-from-hell with none other than my beloved daughter.

May 11th, 6:50 a.m.- I was prevented from checking in prior to the gate so that I ended up with a middle, hear me: middle, seat in a packed flight. I had two very hefty men on either side of me, Makenna in my lap, my diaper bag, her mini back pack, and the dvd player at my feet. After turning to the man in the aisle seat and asking if he would so kindly trade a young single mother seats for the arduous journey ahead, he cold-heartedly declined my request. What followed was a five-hour plane ride with ineffective Benadryl, NO naps, claustrophobia to the max, and a series of unstoppable tantrums.

But... it was SO worth it to be there when Eric walked off the plane, tired to the bone from two long years of serving his mission in Bucharest, Romania. I couldn't help but get a bit sentimental when I looked down as we were waiting for his luggage and his shoes, so shiny and sturdy when he left, were worn down to the soles, scuffed, and showed signs of endless days of walking.

What followed over the next two weeks during my trip home was superb:

1. Drew flew in secretly to Phoenix and we surprised my family with a whole weekend of our entire family being together.
2. Makenna becomes a water bug and will not leave the pool under any circumstances. Not for sleep, not for a dirty diaper, not even for a popsicle.
3. Family volleyball and paddle ball tourneys in the pool. And bless Drew's heart for always being willing to take the handicap on his team. (I don't proclaim to be a water volleyball master, but I can kick serious butt with a paddle in my hands).
4. Roasting s'mores in the fire pit in the back yard.
5. Endless amount of hours spent either defending, or claiming, the title to Monopoly Champion at the kitchen table.
6. Eating divine Mexican food that you CAN NOT get here in Virginia. (Long live Carolina's, Caramba's, and Rubio's). I think I got my fill of fresh tortillas, fish tacos, and supreme chicken quesadillas until July.
7. Visiting GG and Grandpa Phil in Prescott for a day. GG broke her ankle the day before Eric's homecoming talk and is bed-ridden for 6 weeks- yuck. Pobrecita!
8. And I could NOT leave out seeing Air Force 1 parked at our very own Sky Harbor Airport while Mr. Barack was delivering a commencement speech at ASU and controversially being withheld an honorary diploma.
9. Invaluable family time and photos, documented by yours truly...