VISITORS!!

Casey, Tori and the 3 munchkins have been planning a trip down to see us for a while. Casey found out that he would be out of school for a couple of weeks and decided that is when they would make the trip to Phoenix. They decided that they would take off Tuesday night so the kids would hopefully sleep in the car and then head back on Monday. They arrived on Wednesday morning at 3 am, we quickly transferred all children to bed and then all went to bed ourselves. We had a really fun week, but come Sunday afternoon, I think all of us needed some good sleep, and the kids needed their beds and to be back on schedule, so Casey decided to pack up and leave after dinner.

Day 1 (WEDNESDAY): We all just kind of hung out on Wednesday, taking an easy and relaxing day to recover from the journey.

Day 2 (THURSDAY): On Thursday, we decided to go take a tour of Cerreta's candy factory. When we got there it turned out it was more of a demonstration instead of a tour, but still really interesting. Andy took work off early and was even able to meet us there. When the demonstration was over, Ari was able to make a CHOCOLATE PIZZA!! We all bought a couple snacks and went home. That night we had our friends come over for dinner to meet Casey and Tori. It was fun, we ate some yummy turkey chili and good chit chat.

Day 3 (Friday): On Friday Casey and Tori took the girls to the little playground in our neighborhood, and then we all headed down to Peter Piper Pizza for lunch. Everyone had a really fun time! Casey kept saying that the pizza was WAY better than he remembered it, and Ari loved the games and the slide. That night we were all going to go to the baseball game, but we finally decided that it would be much better on all of us if someone could stay home and put the twins to bed. I was exhausted and volunteered to stay home with the babies, so we could have a good Saturday. They said the game was awesome, and at the end of the game, the roof retracted and they had fireworks. What a fun night!!

Day 4 (Saturday): We woke up early and decided that we wanted to go to the zoo. The zoo opened at 7 am and we figured the earlier we went in the day, the less hot it would be. We got to the zoo about 8:00am and walked around the Arizona trail part of the zoo. Then we walked down another path that had a tram, and decided that we would take the tram because the kids were tired, and it was getting a little hot. The tram driver was hilarious, and possibly a little tipsy. As he was driving he totally took out a fence, drove over some huge rocks, and then hit the curb. We were laughing so hard!! I am glad we got through that ride safe and sound. After that we decided that we would head over to the splash pad in the zoo and let the kids get wet!! They had SO much fun!! Kayla was not a fan of the water, but she loved to be held and watch the water. Kenna was so excited about the water, she would not listen when you told her to come here, and Ari was having a ball. After the zoo we went home and put the babies down for a nap as the boys picked up lunch from Chick-Fil-A. Later the boys went and did a little shopping, picked up the grill and then we all went out to dinner at Village Inn. Needless to say, it was a jam packed day, and super fun!!

Day 5 (Sunday): On Sunday we woke up early and went to church, and then just tried to have a relaxing day. In the afternoon, Casey decided it would be a better idea just to get his grumpy kids home and him drive while they slept, so he packed up and they left after dinner. Casey and Andy made a yummy dinner with steak, mashed potatoes, fruit, cheesy vegetables and rolls!! Thanks boys for taking care of us!!

Thanks Casey and Tori for a great week!! Come back soon!!

AUSTRALIA!!

As some of you know, Andy and I have decided to tag along on Pati and John's trip to Australia. My amazing travel agent (also my fantastic mother-in-law) recently sent me the itinerary and I really wanted to share it with everyone.

Day 1: ARRIVE SYDNEY & EXPLORE SYDNEY

Day 2: EXPLORE SYDNEY

Day 3: TRAVEL BY AIR TO CAIRNS

Day 4: SCUBA AND SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Snorkel, dive or do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef – a World Heritage-listed spectacular of coral islands, sponges and seaweed. Learn to dive with one of the many professional schools stationed around Cairns. Or if you’re an experienced diver, take a day trip out to the deep drop offs, underwater tunnels and caves. Check out the myriad of technicolour coral and marine life on a glass-bottomed boat on a snorkeling trip to Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the outer reef.

Day 5: FREE DAY

Day 6: The Daintree RAIN FOREST EXCURSION

Take an ecotour down the Daintree River in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. The planet’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest is just a two hour drive north of Cairns and home to Australia’s most diverse range of plants and animals. See fresh-water crocodiles sunning themselves on the mangrove-lined river banks, as well as many rare tropical birds and animals. Feast on freshly caught barramundi in the picturesque Daintree village or continue north to Cape Tribulation. Here, where the forest plunges to the reef, you can bushwalk, spot nocturnal wildlife and swoon at Bloomfield Falls.

Day 7: SCUBA AND SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Day 8: Train to Kuranda MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

Climb up mountain ranges and through tropical rainforest, waterfalls and national park on the relaxing one-and-a-half hour journey from Cairns to Kuranda. This century-old railway showcases natural wonders like Barron Falls and Stoney Creek Falls, as well as the historic engineering feat of Barron River Falls Bridge. In the quaint rainforest village of Kuranda you can cruise down the river, past butterflies, gaudy parrots, platypus and fresh water crocodiles. Or boardwalk through World Heritage listed rainforest to Barron Falls lookout. Browse the street markets, buy Aboriginal artifacts and learn to play the didgeridoo. Head back to Cairns, where you can continue your Aboriginal experience with the world-famous dance theatre Tjapukai.

Day 9: TRAVEL TO SYDNEY

Day 10: BLUE MOUNTAINS

You’ll love the blue-hazed beauty of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area – one million hectares of tall forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and bushland. Take in the breathtaking panoramas on a bushwalk, mountain bike, climbing rocks, canyoning or abseiling. Marvel at natural attractions like Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters - a trio of rocky pinnacles named after an Aboriginal legend. Explore the underground rivers and chambers of Jenolan Caves, then walk the historic Six Foot Track to Katoomba. In amongst the sandstone outcrops and eucalyptus forests you’ll find great dining, luxury retreats, the world’s steepest railway and a vibrant community of artists.

Day 11: TRAVEL HOME --

I'M SO EXCITED!! I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!

**BTW**

If you are interested, there is still time to come along! Let me know if you are interested!!