Prescott, AZ

Amber flew to Mesa and drove with me 2 and a half hours to Prescott (That was so fun by the way Am- love you soooo much). This is home of my mom's mom and sister and MY birthplace don't ya know!! We had such a grand time. The picture of my Grandma below is such a classic of her. She is always busy making things comfortable for everyone else. She is the most giving and peacemaking person I know. She makes everyone around her feel so loved and at home. She too, is a strong and independent woman. I am blessed to have a role model in her as well.

Prescott is located in the Valley of a Mountain so its elevation is much higher than most of AZ. Because of that, the temperatures are very mild. It usually doesn't get hotter than 90 during the Summer days and it cools off at night. It is known to be a very desireable place to retire. It has all the charm of a small city- antique shops, a historical "Whiskey Row", fun places to eat and A great big courthouse in the center of it all. Many ongoing festivities take place at the courhouse. They often have bands, flea markets, dances and even play outdoor movies on the weekends. Prescott is such a quaint, classic place to be. I am so proud to have been born there! Come to think of it, it may have something to do with why I love all things vintage.

My Grandma still lives in the home she and my Grandpa (passed away in 1996) raised their two girls in. Its located in the mountains of the Prescott Pines. It is honestly one of my favorite places in the world- my home away from home. Her house has an upstairs loft that over looks the living room. You literally have to climb a built in ladder to get to it. This was the first time our boys were big enough to share it- they loved it and it was such a joy to share this with them.

Climbing the rocks in Grandma's yard is an all time fave. pastime. They're the same ones I climbed on every visit and the same ones my mom and her sister climbed growing up. Its so fun to share this with our two boys now!

Campfire at Ant Ginger and Uncle Daves house! I enjoyed it in spite of the fact that I through up multiple times that night. Ugh.

Among other things, Uncle Dave helped Reese master the 'Stack quarters on your elbows and catch them with the same hand' trick'. This kept Reese busy for countless hours... he claims to have stacked and caught 30 quarters! Oddly enough however, no one has seen him accomplish this feat. :)

My Ant Ginger brought over some much needed games and projects to keep two energetic boys entertained. She is such a natural with kids. I actually learn about parenting just by watching her. She's taught Kindergarten and 1st grade for years and its obvious. She had the boys hanging on her every word! Thanks so much for all your help Ging, in was awesome to hang out with you!

TCBY is always a must many times over in Prescott.

I got to see my cousin Heather the night before we left. She and her sister Dawn are very busy with their college careers. Heather is persuing Theatre and Dawn is persuing Business/Accounting- both are VERY talented and successful (and I'm not just being a prejudice cuz). We missed you Dawn- hopefully next time. :) By the way, for those who remember our wedding, this beautiful girl above was our flower girl and Dawn was our adorable junior bridesmaid. Time flies!

The hardest part about visiting Arizona is saying good-bye. Its so hard to leave all the family we love knowing it will be a long while before we're able to see them again.

We had such a wonderful visit everyone. Thanks for all your hospitality and for taking caring of me during the preggo sickness. Love you all!!!!