Trip to Mesa

When I mentioned to Rus that I wanted to go to Mesa for the weekend of my mom's birthday, cousin's wedding, and sister in law's baby shower, he quickly and endearingly suggested that I go alone, without the kids. I was happy to oblige, and after arranging babysitting for Wednesday (he had Friday off work already, and took Thursday off as well), packing my bags, and finding food that he could feed the kids, I was off! I went with my parents, which made the whole trip infinitely more satisfactory.

Here's a view from the truck near Pie Town, NM.

We did lots of fun things in Mesa! We stayed with Tyler and Gina. I woke up at 5am to run with Tyler before he went to work, that's how much I love him. Gina, my mom and I went to the nail salon later that day and had our toes painted. Gina is due in less than a month with her first baby - a boy! I couldn't be happier for her and Tyler!
The next day we made the trip to Ikea because we love it so much. Grandma went with us, and Dad was seduced by the incredible comfort and low price of this chair. I love that he is framed in a halo of light, with the price clearly displayed above him.

On Saturday, my Mom's birthday, we went to a few flea markets to find beautiful old rusty metal parts. We have big plans for old rusty metal parts. The first place was a bust, although they had the most delicious freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The second place was a gold mine. Why, oh why am I so easily seduced by old, used, worn things?

Proof of my part in the trip - waiting for dad to bring the truck around...

Also on my mom's birthday, we went to my cousin's wedding reception. "Reception" is stretching it a bit...It was more accurately a beautiful, casual park day with delicious catered tacos and addictive oreo-cream-filled cupcakes. Oh and there were lots of family members there as well. Here I am with my uncle Casey. My dad lost his 'stache and Casey found his.

Here is the happy couple: Ty and Alisa. Alisa actually served her mission in Arizona! She is from Canada. Several people from her mission were able to come to the "reception." Very cool.

My stunning mom and grandma! I love these ladies!

Gina went to her baby shower outside Tucson earlier in the day, that's why she's looking so cute in this pic. Sarah is going to be a big sister again later this summer - my sister Amy is expecting!

See? My dad, clean shaven, and my uncle Casey with his mustache. Oh how facial hair makes life interesting. It's a nice variation from talking about the weather (which was beautiful by the way).

My sister Amanda asked me to take some pictures of her kids. You wouldn't believe how hard it was to take this picture of the kids not being goofy. Notice how the arms are blurry? It's because they were always moving! Left to right - Madison, Hayden, Taylor, and Preston. Taylor is graduating high school this year! He is to-the-day 15 years older than Marianne - they share a birthday!

Grandma made my mom an amazingly scrumptious coconut cake. It was so good I didn't even have a chance to take a picture of it before Tyler ate it all and then licked the plate...Well maybe he had some help...

It was a WONDERFUL trip! And coming home was great too. Bekah cleaned the house and made me a cake while Rus and the other kids came to meet me so my parents wouldn't have to drive all the way up to my house. All the kids were delighted to have me back because I brought them each clip on lamps from Ikea. Rus made burgers, I slept in my own bed, and all was well.