Phoenix!!

Apparently not many people choose to vacation in Phoenix in mid-July. Not really sure why. Maybe it’s that 112 degree thing. But this family is still needing to thaw out from winter in the mountains {which most will agree was an exceptionally long, cold, snowy one}. Phoenix seemed like the perfect place. Rates are low. Really low. And families of 9 need two hotel rooms.

Super-duper giveaway low rates + large family = happy wallet
Last night we found a mexican place around the corner from our hotel. We arrived and stepped inside. Emma and I thought the air-conditioning was freezing. We always love sitting outside. Noise from our boatload laughing and talking together doesn’t even come close to disturbing anyone. Dw looked at me and said, “You really want to sit outside?” “Pleeeease?”

He inquired if it is was okay to sit out on the very vacant patio? “You want to sit outside? Ummm, the misters were broken a few weeks ago, maybe they’ve been fixed. I’ll check.”

She told us to go have a seat outside. We were sitting there about 5 minutes and without any warning it became obvious that indeed the misters had been fixed. Gale force winds and rain followed. We could not stop laughing. Must have been just gettin’ the kinks out of the newly fixed system, but really, I thought I was on the Maid of the Mist boat ride at the bottom of Niagara Falls. It was awesome! Eventually, the misters settled down, but not before we had plenty of entertainment from them.

While eating dinner Graham mentioned that the temperature in Phoenix is hotter than our hot tub. I thought he was kidding. Then I “did the math”. Oh yeah. 9 degrees hotter. Well when ya’ put it that way….

We were never joined by any other patrons out on the patio. Quite certain anyone who saw us outside thought, “Tourists.” But we love the heat and love being outside.

Zwirl Frozen Yogurt

Wherever Elizabeth goes – she dances and sings. And let me assure you – this girls got rhythm – and lots of it!! She is unaware {most of the time} that anyone is watching…she just loves to sing and dance. The other day she was singing, “Oh bring me more kids from Africa…bring me more kids from Africa.” Soon Elijah joined in. {They’re singing my heart!}

Morning Hotel Breakfast

The agenda for this vacation?

Swim.

Swim.

Frozen Yogurt.

Swim.

Cracker Barrel.

Swim.

Frozen Yogurt.

Swim.

Frozen Yogurt.

Swim

Swim.

Frozen Yogurt.

Paradise Bakery Pumpkin Nut muffin.

Swim.

{not necessarily in that order}

40 thoughts on “Phoenix!!

  1. We went to the exact same place in Phoenix–of the scenic view. Needlepoint Vista? or something like that I think. Or at least it looks exactly the same as the photo I took. 🙂

    And yes, cheap does equal happy wallet. Now feeding 4 boys and 1 little girl, I am determined to not throw away any food! If we have leftovers (doubtful), they WILL BE USED. We're praying for God to provide and when He does provide leftovers, we will make use!

    Still can't believe we are a family of 7!!! Praise Jesus!!!

  2. what a fun vacation!!! We too are heading out of town for vacation. We are meeting my best friend in her town and staying at a hotel with a pool instead of with her so her children can do what your children did, swim swim and more swim. We are hoping to meet up with another friend and her family too. Pictures look great. I hope to remember to take the camera and take pictures to post on my blog. Glad you had a great vacation!

  3. Oh Linny, we are soulmates. Cracker Barrel is my love language. I sooo look forward to roadtrips just so we can finally have it! Mmmm okra. Which is just another reason I hope our trip to CO works out. 🙂 But of course, you are way more the reason than Cracker Barrel! 😉

    I love Arizona, it's just so beautiful! Tom has a baseball tournament out there once in a while and I just love it. Prettiest drive!

    I just love seeing pictures of Emma with the kids! She just seems like the BEST big sister ever!!

  4. We vacationed in Phoenix two years ago in August…hot, hot, hot. But we loved it and did as much swimming as it looks like you'll be doing! Did you know they can get monsoon rains? We got to experince them…amazing lightening shows in the sky!

  5. I just can't stop thinking just HOW AMAZING it is that isaiah, jubilee, elizabeth and elijah are in your family – when the odds were so much against them. praise GOD! we serve the Deliverer and Provider! :))

    And who knows, you may have more kids waiting for you in Africa 😀

  6. I would definitely want to go on vacation with you! Frozen Yogurt, swimming, and eating outside – my kind of vacation!

    My parents are headed to Phoenix in August so I don't find it strange. 🙂

    Looks like a great time. Enjoy! And the pictures of Elizabeth and the whole gang are priceless!

  7. YAY for family getaways! Now that's the kind of vacation you gotta love. Not so much yay for the heat, though! I'm a fair temps gal, myself. 🙂 Love seeing those huge, sweet smiles on Jubilee's face. So glad she's home with you!

  8. You aren't the only crazy one. We are going to Phoenix next week to visit family. But then again we are going from one hot place to another. I should be going to Colorado, that would be true joy.

  9. Linny,
    Enjoy the heat and yes, swim, swim, swim! The Phoenix zoo is also a great place (a bit warm, but they have a water play area for the kids that is a blast!) The Tempe lake also has a FREE kid water play area and the lake is beautiful. (well at least for us Arizonians). If you love ice cream, my favorite in Phx is Cold Stone Creamery, homemade and yummy! We are staying here for our vacation as well 🙂 Next time, you might want to look into the Arizona Grand Resort, they have absolutely GREAT summer rates and it includes tickets to their water park, an absolute blast, to hang out all day. Only the patrons at the hotel can use the waterpark, an extra bonus! It is a very family water park. And … hmmm what else. I love PHOENIX, even in the summer. And yes, I agree the air conditioners around here freeze me out as well. Enjoy your stay in our desert.

    happy hugs from Phoenix,
    Sara

    PS Almost wish I could sneak over and give you a hug in person. 🙂 You have been such an encourager to me over this past year. From the mission field, back home to the desert.

  10. Ok, I am completely cracking up about the misters! SO true about Phx – they are EVERYWHERE! Glad you guys are having a wonderful vacation – if you have time the zoo has an amazing night exhibit. Enjoy!

  11. oh my word i love those pictures and wow how brave you were for sitting outside in 112 degree weather! I dont know if I've ever been anywhere that hot! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that elizabeth sings/dances everywhere…so adorable! question and i hope its not offensive…with your auto immune issues does hot weather or cold weather make your body feel/work better?

  12. Looks like you are having a great time…. I have a couple questions…for a future post maybe? or if you have a past post on it, I would love to know.

    1) Your kids are always smiling and getting a long. do you not have sibling conflict..and how did you bring it about? I dread going to a restuarant or public for very long with my kids, one or the other gets into it and squabbles break out. 🙁

    2) How do you do birthdays? We have stopped the birthday party friends thing….we have enough kids just in the family for a party…but even so….the gift thing ends up being my younger child's main focus…and the others are not handling well that they don't get a gift. 🙁 Somewhere I hvae gone wrong. As much as I say it is celebrating that child in our life….the uglies still peek out…(except for my one son, who seems just happy to be there. 🙂 )

    Would love some ideas of different ways to do birthdays.

  13. Love the pictures. The kids look so happy. Beautiful family. We live in Gilbert and our family from Michigan was just here visiting. They enjoyed warming up here too. Funny. Would be fun to bump into your family and meet you in person. If you get a chance check out the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert. Be sure to take water with you. If you go around 6 at night it isn't too hot.

  14. One word…okay, TWO…GELATO SPOT! Ya gotta find one and try it…oh, my GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!! We go to Phoenix every three years, for 10 days at Thanksgiving time. One of the families I adopted with live there, and in fact, I am guardian for their girls should the unthinkable happen. So we make sure to keep in touch, and visit…and this year we are headed there the Sat. before T-giving! Hey, any chance you'd want to come back to Phoenix then?@!?!???? 🙂 Anyhow…there are more than one Gelato Spots in Phoenix…I know, because my friend Lori whom I visit frequents them all! Oh, YUMMMMMM!!!!!

    Hope you have a fantastic time!

    Love and hugs…Nancy in CT

  15. Oh, oh…I forgot…oh, dear. There is this mall, with a BIG area of fountains that come up out of the ground, for the kids to play in…surrounded by all kinds of fun little shops, and nice tables and chairs to sit at while the kids play…and a HUGE fireplace for them to warm up at. OH, what IS it's name? Our kids loved it there!!!!!!!!!!! So did the grownups…lots of little food shops/coffee shops to keep us stocked while the kids had a blast!

    Shoot…can't remember…except I think it is in the northern-eastern part of Phoenix. Darn. I will be up all night tryin' to think of that. Ain't senility grand?

    Nancy in CT

  16. You guys could go anywhere and have fun! So glad you were able to get away and make some sweet memories together.

    I LOVE Elizabeth's song!!! (Are there other verses like "Bring me more kids from China . . . Haiti . . . etc.?)

    Still praying for your healing.

    Much Love,
    Kathie

  17. Linny, you guys need to come to Baton Rouge! You would LOVE the heat:). I have two vacant bedrooms. You wouldn't even have to pay for a hotel. We love company!

  18. I love that agenda!
    I'm overdue for a trip down to Phoenix to see my parents, but kinda thinking about waiting for Autumn (when it cools a bit). 😉
    I'll have to remember that frozen yogurt and swimming are the way to vacation – sounds wonderful!

  19. yes this is MY idea of a family vacation too! funny, we enjoy the amusement parks, rides, games, and all…but it's always the pool, the room, and just veggin out that bring the best memories, ya know? otherwise, everyone is hot, yelling, crowded, fussy, etc…where's the fun in that??

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