Visiting Hours are Open

Before I begin the "real" post: I would like to sincerely THANK all of my readers who offered tips and suggestions for locating my Valentines conversation hearts. SHOP YOUR LOCAL BASHA'S because that is where I found mine... FINALLY!!!
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There are weeks and months that go by in my life, where I just go through the motions, live out my daily/weekly routine, and wait for the next exciting trip or event. Then there are times when I MAX out my fun quota all at once. We were blessed with multiple visitors over the last few weeks. Spreading out the JOY, would make my usually boring life have more pockets of PIZAZZ... but I just love visitors whenever I can get them!!

Visitor #1 - Anna Kearl

I got a wonderful email a few weeks ago from Anna Kearl. She informed me that she was coming to Phoenix last minute for a work meeting! We had the delight to dine with this darling friend last Sunday evening (Jan 31)... and I wish it could have lasted for MANY MANY more hours. I grew up directly across the street from Anna's family - and they are like MY family. I haven't seen a real live / in the flesh / face to face Kearl family member in a few years... so Anna was a breath of fresh Kearl air. Her visit made my heart so happy and brought me back to the happiness of childhood. Running across the street at any given time to escape the crazies of my family. I seriously LOVE this family. Thanks Anna for the visit!

I forgot to snap of pic of Anna with us in Phoenix and stole this pic from her sister's blog... but pictured below (L to R) are: Katie, Gary and Anna Kearl.


Visitors #2 - Trent, Sarah and Baby Rowan

They abandoned us in November to move to Vegas, and we have been down trodden ever since. These guys are the BEST and we were thrilled when they decided to make a visit to Phoenix and ecstatic when they agreed to stay in the Adams Hotel. We warned them that they would be staying in our guest room/food storage suite - but they graciously agreed to share space with the canned meat and soup.

How could you not want to just nibble on those sweet Baby Rowan cheeks all day? We took advantage of the Phoenix "Culture Pass" from the library and went to the Desert Botanical Garden. Good thing we went with fun friends, because I would have been TERRIBLY bored otherwise. Once I've seen ONE cactus, I've seen them all. Thank goodness the tickets were free.

Emma was absolutely enamored with Rowan and gave him hugs and kisses constantly. She was pretty gentle with him, but we had to keep a close eye on her, because she likes to treat "real" babies like her stuffed babies and can get a little aggressive.

We laughed and laughed with the Porters. We enjoyed yummy food, and TWO game nights with friends! As fun as the trip was, it only made us more sad that they now live so far away. sniff sniff. Come back and visit us soon!

Visitor #3 - Lara (Saville) Dahl (Don't hate me Lara for using this picture... )

I stole this picture from Lara's blog, of she and her wonderful hubby Greg. These were gag gifts at Christmas time, but I love the picture because it shows what a fun couple they are! :) And I do LOVE ME some fun friends!!

Lara's visit was the most unexpected and SHORT. She called on Thursday afternoon with a horrible story of traveling woes. She lives in Atlanta and was trying to get to Salt Lake for her cousin's wedding. One snafu after another, and she ended up stuck in Phoenix for Thursday evening only. Instead of stay in a BORING hotel, she called to see if she could land at our pad for the night. OF COURSE we were thrilled to have her... even if it was for less than 9 hours. So fun to see good friends like Lara, whenever I can. So, although I feel bad for her nasty day of airplane problems, I was glad that I got to benefit from her misfortune!

Visitors #4 and #5 - My Mom and her sister came into town! My mom was here for 10 whole days! I guess it shows how much fun we had because this was the ONLY picture we got the entire time she was here! DARN. I hate it when I forget my camera!

We just LOVE having my Mom visit. We have lots of yummy meals together, play at lots of parks together, shop together and just enjoy being together! Thankfully, my Mom's parents live in Mesa and so we get to see her more than usual. Emma just LOVED having Grandma Krebs around and is going to have some serious withdrawal issues now that she is gone. Grandma Krebs babysat Emma a TON for me, while I taught my class, went to Symphony and played with friends. Grandma even came with us to Art Class yesterday and helped Emma glue hearts and stickers onto her Valentines. THANK YOU Mom for all the great times during your visit. What a wonderful woman my Mom is. I hope I can grow up to be 1/2 the caring, genuine, loving mother that she is!!

WE LOVED OUR VISITORS and WELCOME YOU ANY TIME you would like to drop in!!