Phoenix

This past weekend, Trace, Macy and I took our first Family vacation. We traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to visit my father, step mother and little brothers. We had such an amazing time!! The day before we left, Macy was a flower girl in the wedding of Kevin and Erin Staples. After the glorious wedding, we caravaned with with Facklers up to Tulsa. What a trip it was!! Arkansas and Oklahoma are known for their crazy early Spring snows. We were just "fortunate" enough to have one this past weekend. The forecast called for 8-12 inches of snow in the Tulsa by Sunday morning. With our flight leaving out at 8:55 A.M. Sunday...we were more than little concerned. I am happy to announce that they great city of Tulsa was spared. Poor NWA didn't fair as well...but we made our flight! :)

Macy is the most amazing flyer!! The picture above is pretty true to the way she flew for the entire flight! She loved it! We were fortunate enough to fly on a flight that was only at half of capacity. The wonderful staff of Southwest Airlines allowed us to bring Macy's car seat on board and take up a seat with it. She sat in her seat during take off and you would have thought she was born to fly. She laughed and giggled all the way to 10,000 feet. She stayed this way for the entire flight!

We arrived in Phoenix around 9:45 A.M. (Phoenix Time). Grandpa was patiently waiting our arrival and couldn't have been more excited to see us. However...his excitement didn't come close to the excitement of Charles and Henry. They were crazy about Macy!! Couldn't get enough of her. Every time I walked in the door it was "Hey Jess, could I hold Macy?" or "Jess...could I help with Macy's bath?" They are wonderful Uncles and very proud of their baby niece. Trace and I walked Charles and Henry to school on Monday and Wednesday and Dad, Macy and I picked the boys up on Monday afternoon. It was so cute to see Henry introducing Macy to all his "girl friends." I would hear him say..."Yeah...that's my niece." So cute and such a memorable experience.

Charles especially was crazy about Macy. He's 9 and very much into the whole "uncle" thing. He was such a little helper. Anytime I needed anything he was there and was constantly wanting to hold or sit with Macy. He even got mad at me and wouldn't talk to me for half an hour because I had him ride with me to dinner on Monday night instead of in the car with Ms. Macy.

On Tuesday, Dad and Pam both had to work and Charles and Henry were in school. So Trace and I took out the yellow jeep to tour the area. We ended up in an area of Phoenix know as "Happy Valley" at World Market. Let me tell you...that is a cool place. We found such cool, eclectic stuff there. I loved it!! While there, I spotted a pair of bunny ears that fit my snuggle bunny too perfectly and snapped a quick photo.

One of the most amazing parts of this trip was the food. Dad took Trace and I to two separate restaurants that have been featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives on the Food Network. On Monday morning, we traveled to Scottsdale and ate at Over Easy. If you are ever in Scottsdale...I beg you to go to Over Easy. It's the best Breakfast I have ever had in my life... period! I also urge you to order the Caramelized Bananas and Pecan Brioche French Toast. I've now lived because I had this! That evening we traveled to Roberto's in the Anthem area of Phoenix. Again...amazing!!

The picture above was taken at the Five and Diner on the corner of the 101 in Phoenix. It too was delicious, but the most fun part of that experience was the fifties feel. It's a chain restaurant. However...if you step inside you feel like Elvis will be walking around the corner any second. Not to mention...our waiter's name was Elvis. Almost a little too perfect. Janet and George Kleven joined us for dinner at the Five and Diner. This was the perfect cap to a wonderful trip.

All in all...the trip to Phoenix was amazing and way too short. We had a wonderful time with Dad,Pam and the boys and can't wait to go back soon. It's hard being thousands of miles from people who mean so much to me...but it makes our trips together that much more special. Till next time....we love you!