For most folks, Tucson, Arizona isn't usually top of the list for an August vacation. But, for us, it was the perfect time and place to reunite with my family and celebrate Derek's birthday this year. Making it extra special, the Stavengers were able to fly in from Minnesota and join us for a few days! Smiles were all around as my mom, dad, sisters, and brother were introduced to 20-month-old Kendall Rae, and our well-traveled granddaughter was introduced to my hometown in the sunny southwest!
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| Gunslingers Jamie and Chris take on Ft. Trail Dust - an Old West replica town |
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| Showing off her book-smarts! |
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| Kendall meets her Great-grandparents and the Pullen family |
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| Keeping cool in the little pool... |
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| ... and the big pool! |
Having visited here often, Derek had his favorite places to eat, of course! So, on his birthday we gathered midday at Tucson's own Eegee's sandwich shop to beat the heat with his favorite frozen fruit treat.
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| A birthday toast - no Tucson trip was ever complete without Eegee's! |
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| She likes it! Next generation fan - making her uncle proud. |
Later, we had dinner at his favorite restaurant, New China Buffet.
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After dinner, we released the balloons, which headed directly toward the
brightest light. To Derek, with love! |
Meanwhile, we were warmed not only by the Tucson sun, but by the love surrounding us all as we celebrated the boy who brought sunshine into our world 33 years ago - a very special son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and uncle! Add to that treasured time with his big sister, brother-in-law, and adorable little niece, and it was not only a warm, but a heartwarming August in Arizona!
2 comments:
Lovely and very special memories. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures, and I was proud to be there - and that all of you were here! Interesting that the baloons flew NW toward Stockton and 'home.' We all felt Derek's smile.
This is so beautiful, Donna! - I will gaze at these pictures when my heart needs warming. Big smiles are guaranteed!
It was a special, wonderful time, a jewel in our family history, and (obviously), Derek was there!
Big sis, Aunt Evy
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