We've been goofing off in Scottsdale,
AZ, where we've been hanging out with Steve's parents Donna and John
in a fancy time share with swimming pools, jacuzzis, two apartments
with kitchens and three TVs. The kids love the pools and TV's, since
they have neither at home. The accommodations here have worked out perfectly, since
it rained for three days straight. This is quite rare here, and I am
glad we waited out the downpour in this spacious time share instead
of the RV.
We have spent our time playing games,
watching too much TV and preparing big meals in the kitchen, where I
can dance a jig if I please instead of bumping into various kids.
We also went to a famous music museum, which sounds kind of boring,
but was very fascinating, educational and hands-on.
The boys and I went for a hike one day, and on Tuesday, the sun finally decided to make an appearance, and we played in the pool.
Steve and I even got to go on a date!
A real date! We went on a hike to Pinnacle Peak, where I didn't feel
like going to since it is in the middle of town with lots of hikers
and joggers. But once we started hiking, I became enchanted. What a
beautiful hike! The dramatic sky really spiced things up a little.
After the hike, we went to an excellent
wood fire pizza place with the perfect ambiance for a date (low
light, nice music, awesome food). It's amazing how relaxing a meal
can be when it's just me and my man! Steve had researched the best
restaurant in Scottsdale, and a Gelato place came up. We went there
after dinner and stuffed our faces with the best home made Gelato we
have ever consumed. We could barely walk out of there with our
bellies seeming to drag on the floor!
Then on to see a great movie. I would
call this date unforgettable!
Steve's parents had taken the kids to
all kind of activities while Steve and I got our alone time, and they
had a great time as well. Donna and John live for their grandkids,
and it makes my heart so happy to witness the love in their eyes when
they interact with my kids. There is something really special about
knowing that someone loves my kids as much as I do. It's quite an
amazing bond, this love between grandparents and grandkids. We are
blessed to have them in our lives.
The other amazing bond I got to witness
was with Auntie Jane, Donna's aunt who has been like a mother to her.
She is a 92 year old lady who still lives independently and radiates
warmth and humor. We visited with her one afternoon, and I wish we
could have spent all day with her! She is full of stories and
recounted some of them for me. I learned a lot about my husband's
Swedish and Norwegian heritage, which is important to me, because
this blood flows in my children's veins.
I don't know what it is about old
matriarchs that warms my heart so much. These are the women who hold
ancient family stories that would be forgotten if it wasn't for them.
Their knotted hands with papery skin have nurtured numerous
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, have cooked thousand
of meals, have mended uncountable pieces of clothing. Their eyes
might have countless wrinkles, but they still shine with a lot of
life and wisdom.
I want to be like Auntie Jane when I
grow up.
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