A Trip to Arizona

So I am currently a full year behind posting pictures but I'm determined to get caught up this year because it makes me sad to think of all of the things that will be forever lost in my jumbled memory if I don't get them recorded soon.

This was our trip to Arizona in February of 2017.  It was one of our crazier family endeavors, but we were glad to have had the chance to celebrate Great-Grandpa Swier's 80th birthday and to see Great-Grandma Moss, as well as all of the family we miss from Phoenix.  

Our whirlwind trip started on Thursday evening after work as we headed up to Portland.    We had decided that with an early morning flight we should probably get a hotel room up there just to make sure we were on time.  Hazel had been sick earlier in the week but seemed to be on the mends or so we thought.  By the time we got to the hotel she was starting to run a fever again and we were beginning to worry that we weren't quite at the end after-all.  However, at this point we were committed.  So we all slept, made it to the airport in time for our flight, and all considered everything went really well.  We had Kendra, Andy, and Caleb with us which was a HUGE help and the kids had a blast as none of them could remember ever flying on a plane before.

 This guy loves his Uncles and so do we.  They are so incredibly patient with his endless questions and requests.

Antie Kendy was literally a lifesaver on this trip jumping in to help whenever she saw panic in my eyes, which may have been quite a bit.

We had the baby row and they both did great.  We even squeezed in naps during the flight which was awesome!!!

Grandma and Aunt Kathy were at the airport ready to pick us up in a 15 passenger van, and from the airport it was off to lunch and then to see the dairy in Laveen.  This was pushing our luck as all of the kids were absolutely exhausted at this point and Hazel was coughing so much that people were staring at us during lunch, but I knew that it was probably the last chance I'd have to walk this house and dairy and I just had to do it.  There are so many precious memories of this place, and being there just made me feel so close to my Dad.  I could literally just close my eyes and be in years past.  It was such a surreal feeling and so crazy to watch my own kids run around where I grew up.

Cooper and Hazel slept in the van most of the time we were there.  They were sooo tired.  Poor things!

Our House

The playhouse Grandpa built for us with the goat and sheep yard behind it.

Our pool

The Barn

This was my Dad's office.

After seeing the dairy we headed to Wayne and Cindy's house to hang out until dinner.  Their home was such a blessing and they were such gracious hosts as we were coming with not only 5 small kids but sick kids.  We had a whole section of the house to ourselves with bunk beds and a crib and bathrooms.  They also has an awesome playroom.  I seriously cannot imagine what we would have done if we'd been in a hotel with everyone at their breaking point as they were.  

For dinner it was Peter Piper Pizza!  Another favorite memory from growing up.  We meet cousins and aunts and uncles from the Swier side of the family down there for pizza and games I think it was at this point that we started to wonder if Cooper might be coming down with something.  

Back at Wayne and Cindy's we put the kids to bed and hoped for the best with Cooper.  Unfortunately by the next morning Cooper was running a fever and Hazel was feeling so miserable and lethargic that we ended up taking her to urgent care.  They were concerned about pneumonia however after a breathing treatment her oxygen levels improved enough that they didn't have to admit her.  So then we filled prescriptions for her and meanwhile Cooper slept almost the entire day while the others played and I tried to enjoy the time with my Grandma who had come to visit with us for the day.  

 Urgent Care :(

Grammy Moss

Saturday evening the rest of the Moss family joined us for dinner which was a blast.  So fun to see Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and all the kids that I've seen photos of but have never really met.  We had a great time laughing and catching up.

Finally on Sunday we surprised Great Grandpa for his birthday.  We were just barely surviving at this point but still so thankful to get to be a part of this special celebration.  Once again Pat and Sandy were gracious hosts for our pathetic bunch.  Cooper slept almost the entire time and we were just praying we could all hold up for the trip home.  Kendra and Andy flew with us once again and like I said previously LIFESAVERS.  I could cry even now just thinking of what would have happened without the extra arms and patience that they brought.  

We landed late Sunday evening, a few hours before Hazel turned 2, and will always look back on this whirlwind trip with a mixture of "what were we thinking?!?!!" and gratitude for the time we were able to spend with family, and for the village we have supporting us in this parenting journey.