What We Did On Our Summer Vacation

For the first week of Hubby's block leave (that's Army speak for the mandatory time frame in which to use up your optional vacation time) we hung out around the house. Got some stuff done. Played outside a lot. Went to the public pool a bit. Hit up the library for a fresh stack of goodies. ETC.

For the second week of block leave, we drove up to Phoenix to spend the week with family. Per usual, we hijacked Hubby's parents' guest room, and used it as our base camp for visits with family--his/hers/OURS, and multiple friends. LOTS of time with family and friends, which is always wonderful.

We also made a list of free/cheap local activities to take the girls to. With the high temps. in the 115 degree range, and the low temps. in the 96 degree range, we needed indoor activities, too. YIKES!!

The free summer movie didn't look all that good. After reading a brief review in the paper, we took them to see Despicable Me. We all really liked it! There are some crude PG films out there, so we tend to err on the side of caution, but it was completely enjoyable. They dropped the "hate" bomb once, and Big Sister gave me a funny face and then rolled her eyes, like, "Yeah, he just said a mad word. What a goober!" Little Sis had her face buried in her PB sandwich and didn't notice. Which I snuck in inside my large purse. Next to the granola bars. Cause that's how I roll.

Also on the agenda was a Fairytale Story Time! My best friend since forever is a youth librarian in Phoenix. While her job title is Young Adult Services Librarian, she also dabbles in Princess themed story times. Or 'fairytale themed' for the boys. Her passion for Disney, as well as a talented mama who sews awesome costumes, comes in quite handy! Best friend also does Snow White. There were at least 50 kids there, plus parents; quite a popular show!

Little Sis told me later, "I wanted to look down in the picture because I just wanted to look down."

Real men attend Princess Story time; and like it!

Hubby, myself and his brothers and their spouses, had also been planning a surprise family dinner in honor of his parents' 20th wedding anniversary! Much to our delight, they were definitely surprised. And we were very glad to be living in state and able to participate in such an important celebration.

Then...

Now...

Congratulations to Steve and Michelle on your 20th wedding anniversary!

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage". ~Martin Luther

That pretty much sums up our summer vacation. It ended up being perfectly paced, nothing too stressful. Just the sort of breather we needed. Although, without a doubt, we were very glad to return to our little home at 5000 ft. elevation. Gotta love a summer day with a high of 88 degrees and an afternoon monsoon!