5 on Friday

1. Nick and I were in Arizona last week.  So this week I am covering two weeks in one.

2. 80 degrees and sunny... definitely not the weather in Iowa last week.   I had a board meeting in Scottsdale, so Nick tagged along to do some mountain biking, and we extended the trip by a few days so we could enjoy the warm weather a little more.  And it was PERFECT!

3.  The girls took their own vacation... to Grandma & Grandpa's (x2) in Ames.  They spent the first days with my parents and then the last day with Nick's mom and her husband.   From the sounds of it, they had a good time.  We were able to FaceTime with them, which was really nice and made being away easier.

4. While in Scottsdale I was able to visit my aunt and uncle (snowbirds living in Mesa).   It was fun to see where they were living, and reiterated saving for retirement so Nick and I can live someplace warm during the winter months when we get older.

5. We were able to get together with one of my college roommates and her husband who live in the area.  This is the couple that lost their young child (1 year old) to cancer last year.   It was great seeing them, having them share their experience with us (although sad, it is also very enlightening to hear), and talking about the fun that is to come in their lives in the near future (they are expecting a little girl in May!)   Wish we lived closer, no matter how long of time between visits--- it is always nice to see them and the conversation is non-stop.

6. Nick and I stayed at a cute little inn, bikes and cafe in Scottsdale after the board meeting.   One morning we took the bikes out for a little ride on the greenbelt.  Although nice, it was not what I expected and wasn't giving me the desert feel that I was looking for.  So the next day we went hiking at McDowell Reserve.   Now that was exactly what I wanted and it was beautiful!   If only we didn't have to hop on a plane that night, we could have spent more time out there.

7. Ellie's favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Greving: Reiman Gardens.   Her favorite part of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Thorson: playing with the marbles.   On Monday I asked Neve if she wanted to go back to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She responded with a nod.  Then said, "Me-Ma (aka Grandma) work."  It seems like whenever someone is gone (outside of Daddy biking), they are at work.  I guess Nick and I were at work the entire time we were in Arizona... if only work could be as relaxing as that.

8.  When we picked the girls up on Sunday we celebrated Grandpa Thorson's birthday with lunch at Hickory Park.  Happy Belated Birthday, Grandpa/Jeff!

9. This week was observation week at dance class.  That meant Neve got to stay home with her old day-care teacher, Allison.  She loved it!  And Ellie loved having Mommy watch her dance.  We also learned more details about the upcoming recital... it is going to be really cute and includes the Daddy's dancing with the little girls.

10. After all the excitement of the past two weeks, I think the girls are ready for a little down-time this weekend.  I know I am.