We're Baaaaaacccckkkk!!!
Finally! After 28 hours on the road (round trip), 5 days in the sweltering heat, nearly a week without internet access and a day of no electricity, I'm back online!Despite the heat, the trip to AZ was a lot of fun. We had a mini-family reunion during our trip, which was crazy, and were able to share in my cousin's birthday celebrations. I even found some great knitting shops, and was able to expand my collection of knitting needles and yarn (I finally found sock yarn!) while Jeff and the kids waited impatiently in the car. :) I had planned to post regularly during our stay in Tucson, but the internet server at the hotel was down the entire time. So, here's a couple lists for you, in bullet point.
Heard on the Road:
- (Eamon) - I don't think I can walk anymore, cause my butt is hurting!
- (Jeff) - Eamon, that kicking of the seat is going to stop right now!
- (Me) - OOOOWWWWWW!!!!! (after slamming my finger in the car door)
- (Vika) - Sah-wah-woe!!! Whoo-hooo!!! (Translation - she's happy to see her first Saguaro cactus)
- (Jeff) - It's not over 'till it's over Jen, and that's a loooonnngggg walk! (when running on empty and spotting a gas station in the distance)
- (Eamon) - Vika, if I drive to Arizona, can you tell me where to go?
- (Vika) - Actually, I want to drive there by myself. We can go in our own cars.
- (Me) - It HATES I-10!!!! (in frustration over our Garmin constantly leading us off the highway to take side streets. We later found that it was programmed to "avoid highways." I was ready to throw it out the window.)
Things I learned during our Arizona Road Trip
- My kids do not sleep in the car. During the 14 hour trip to Tucson, Eamon slept for 10 minutes, and Vika slept for 15.
- A LOT of tomato trucks drive down CA I-5.
- Dry heat or not, 100+ degree weather is TOO HOT! Especially for Russian children born above the Arctic Circle.
- When operating a golf cart, the cart will not move if the gear is in neutral. Calling for help because you believe you are stranded on the 8th hole will result in a very irritated country club employee. Commenting that you are "new to golf" won't make him think you are any less of an idiot.
- A "Solpugid" looks like a cross between a spider and a scorpion. While it is not believed to be venomous, finding one in the middle of your bed will make sleeping extremely difficult.
My mom also posted about the trip on her blog, which you can read here.
It was wonderful visiting with family and reconnecting with old friends. Kathy, whom I've been friends with since we were 5, but have not seen for the last 10 years, brought her family to meet us all for lunch. It was so amazing to be with her, her older sister L, and her parents again (we missed you C!). They all look the same too, even after all this time. There are some good genes in that family, let me tell you.
I hope to get some pictures from our trip up on Flickr, and will post the link once I do. But for now, I'm off to prepare for Vika's 6th birthday, which is tomorrow! Whoo-hooo!!!!
It's great to be back home.
Glad you are back. Sounds like you certainly had an adventure!
welcome back!
I nominated you for a Rockin' Blogger!
Welcome back!
Let's not forget that Miss Vika now wants to have her wedding in Arizona. It was a great trip. So glad we could all go back there together.
Happy Birthday Vika!! It sounds like dispite all the drama, you had fun. I know that dry heat. My family lives in AZ. At 115 degrees, you can fry an egg just about anywhere.
Sounds like a fun adventure. Welcome back and happy b'day to Vika.
My kids NEVER sleep in the car either. Gotta love road trips. And on the off chance that one of them does fall asleep, we will never chance making a pit stop until they wake up -- if you've gotta go, you just hold it!
As soon as I get those pics my mom was talking about scanned in I will share them with you.
So good to see you and finally meet your family.
By the way... you've been tagged in my latest post.
I can't wait to hear what your influences are! : )
k
I'm glad you found that thing before you slept with it! I found a scorpion in the bathroom the other day and have been weirded out ever since.
Sounds like you had a good trip! Welcome back!
Welcome back!
Happy Birthday V.
Welcome back. Sounds like a good time was had by all - those comments had me cracking up!
Ah yes Arizona heat. Stef and I met while in college at ASU and were married in Scottsdale. I remember it well, a late May day in which it was 95 by noon and our photographer had us trapezing around outside for a hour taking wedding pictures.
Interestingly both of us have NO desire to go back, odd huh?