All good things must come to an end

All good things must come to an end, at least that's what I am always telling Kaleb when he doesn't understand why we have to stop doing something that is really, really fun. But, there I was, asking myself why it must end and wanting someone to say it did not have to. Back to reality, routine, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning toilets....but then I realized - at least I got a 12 day break - so I must not complain!

Traveling alone with Kaleb and Jaxon wasn't near as challenging as I thought it might be. By our return trip home I had it down to a science. And when I found 17 E & D, a nice man was sitting at the window seat. He took one look at my brood and the expression on his face said it all. I looked right at him with a big smile on my face and said, "Don't worry, my kids are angels." I couldn't have been more correct. After only 20 minutes in the air, both kids were sleeping soundly. I leaned my head back and let out a big sigh. At least vacation was ending on a positive note!

Once at the Missoula airport, we walked the long tunnel and when we hit the end, there was daddy - anxiously waiting. Kaleb ran fast and jumped into his arms and embraced him for a couple minutes without saying a word. It was a sight worth seeing.

FIRST STOP: Vegas. Glad that flight was over! Left Bozeman in a terrible squall (had to de-ice the plane) Flight was 45 minutes late and flying into Vegas airport with 35 mph wind gust is not for the weak at heart. I had all 3 barf bags open and ready as turbulents were AWFUL for a good 20-25 minutes (which felt like an eternity). In my mind I was betting on which one of us would throw up first (and thought it would probably be me.) Thankfully, we dodged having to actually use the barf bags. During this very bumpy ride I finally handed Kaleb his bag and told him if he felt like he was going to throw up to do it in the bag. A few seconds later I looked over and he had the top of his bag rolled down. He gleefully explained to me that it was his 'Happy Meal.' It was comic relief for me and I just had to laugh!

Finally, I was united with my grandparents and we drove over to Henderson, NV to see my cousin Shelly and her husband Patrick. We enjoyed a dinner together at The Cheesecake Factory.




It was really wonderful to see my grandparents, but I would caution anyone who ever considers staying in a fifth wheel with 3 adults and 2 children. It was a little cramped, cold at night, hot during the day and the sleeping accommodations were tough. My over-sized suitcase lived on their kitchen table the length of our stay. Oh well, that just meant we had to eat out! :)



THE SECOND LEG: The short jaunt to Tucson was easy. It took us longer to drive back to Vegas than my actual flight time to Tucson. I was eager to see Garry and Bonnie's new pad and for Kaleb to have a place to play. My 8 days in Tucson were wonderful. Here are the highlights.
* Mt. Lemmon. It was gorgeous at the top and fun to climb around on the rocks.
* Reid Park Zoo. Though this was my second trip to this zoo, it was even better this year. My brother Kevin, Kaleb and I spent the afternoon together while Bonnie and Garry stayed home with Jaxon. It was fun spending time with just Kaleb and Kevin.
* The Mosaic Cafe. Kevin and I went out for the most amazing Mexican dinner. Oh and the margarita was great too.
* Racquetball. I could have played everyday I was there, but I probably wouldn't have been able to walk.
* The sunshine, the fragrant air, the flowering cacti.
* Afternoon shopping trips - kid free. THANK YOU GRANDMA BONNIE!!!

Kevin and Kaleb during our outing to the zoo.
Grandpa Garry with the boys on a walk.

At Windy Lookout on Mt Lemmon. What a view!


Two worn out sleeping beauties.
Kaleb meets a pool pal named Pedro.
Shading up while Kaleb swims.
No vacation would truly be complete without a little kid sickness! Both boys had bad colds before we left and a week into our vacation, Kaleb had a sleepless night telling me his molars hurt. I didn't put it together until morning that his ear was bothering him. Lucky for me, a family friend, who just happened to be a retired ER doctor, made a house call. Kaleb got some antibiotics and was better in no time for the plane ride home.

It's good to be home, be back in my own bed, back into a routine, even back to cleaning...okay, maybe I shouldn't go that far. :) We made some great memories and I'm already anticipating our trip next year!