Tucson

Well, I'm back from a wonderful time in Tucson. It was a fabulous trip. I managed to make it to my flight from Atlanta on Sunday and my mom and aunts were there waiting on me. I was so proud to make it there all by myself. I had never gone to an airport alone except to the Knoxville airport and it is tiny. Atlanta airport is huge! I found the train that was to take me to my concourse and and I just thought that was awesome, like riding a subway. So, I'm looking all around and the train screeched to a halt and I fell right into this guys arms. I was so embarrassed. He said, "the first one gets me every time too." Good thing he was pretty hefty so he could keep me from falling right on my tail. My face was as red as my shirt.!

Arizona is so pretty. If you ever get the chance, you should visit there. I didn't think it would be so pretty because I am sort of partial to green grass and trees, but it was beautiful. It was in the 80s most everyday, the sky was so very blue and most days, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We had a great little patio and there was a little bunny who came out every night to eat the flowers and he was very cute. There was this little area right outside our door that was called Sunset Point and the sunsets were spectacular.

Even though it was desert where we were, the resort had all kinds of flowers all around that were so fragrant they almost made you want to lie down in them. This pic is my Aunt Karla and me the first night we went out exploring.The pool was wonderful. Even though it was 85 degrees there, it didn't seem hot, and I didn't sweat a bit. I came home with a very nice sunburn. Everything about the place was wonderful. I really had a great time.
I learned a lot about my mom's family. Stuff I had never heard before and found it interesting that between the three of them, they each had slightly different memories about things that have happened in their family. I never knew much about my grandparents, my grandma died when I was very young and we lived away from my grandpa and step- grandma so I didn't know much about them. It was kinda fun to hear more about them, the good and the bad. Their family has just as many skeletons as everyone else's.
We went to Tombstone, Arizona. I thought it would be cool to see an old west town. Boy, was I disappointed. It was very tourist trap- like and commercialized. Even to see the shoot out at the O.K. Corral, it was $7.95. Crazy. We went on a trolley tour of the town and met a "genuine" miner named Stinky, That was pretty fun. He really didn't smell that bad when he put his arm around me so I don't know how genuine he really was but he played the part well! :)
So, it was a good trip. We had a great time. I really enjoyed spending time with my mom and aunts. It was very special to me to bond with them. One thing I must say after this week is that I learned to appreciate a lot of things I have here at home. For one thing, I still know that Fuji's is the best japanese restaurant around. We ate at Benihana's one night...no comparison. Also, the Walmart there is only for groceries! Who ever heard of a Walmart without clothes? Weird. I never thought I would have an appreciation for Walmart. I also now have a new appreciation for Rick and the relationship that we have. He is a champion and I missed him terribly. My mom was sure to point out to everyone that he is a gem and by far her favorite son-in-law. ( He is, actually, her only son-in-law, but the sentiment is sweet.)

It's nice to be home.