Vistors

We had a number of Visitors this spring! The most unexpected was my friend Jon Richards. We grew up together in McLean 1st Ward. His family was driving from California to a wedding in Texas and was passing through Tucson. He texted me if I knew any good areas to stay, so naturally had to have him over! It was great to meet his wife and kids. I always love talking to old friends and having the feeling like we can pick up where we left off, even though it has been years since we've seen each other. 

 

Two McLean kids, all grown up

Felix greatly enjoyed sharing the wagon with his new buddies as we walked around the neighborhood. We also took them over to swim at the Casa Johnson pool to get them all tuckered out so that they would sleep well on the next leg of their trek. 

Grandma Blood came out to visit for Ethan's baptism! She was newly returned from her mission to the Philippines. It was great hearing all her stories. It was very apparent that she loved it there, and was actively trying to recruit replacements for her office missionary position when she came to church with us. Claudia's house was full with her cousins and their families visiting from California who also came out for the baptism. Her mom was also there. I'm always happy for opportunities to practice my Spanish!

By coincidence, Blake decided that he wanted to come down for a visit with his girlfriend on the same weekend that all the Bloods were in town. Max heard that Blake was coming and had some spare time, so he decided to take the train over from LA as well. Sahuarita was packed with relatives! We spent the week bouncing back and forth between Blood and Johnson activities and we tried to show everyone around town. Fortunately it was great weather for a trip to the Desert Museum.

Why do kids love carrying around rocks when it is already hard to get them to walk around?

Let the record show that we did find the real javelina in addition to these cute statues! Felix saying "javelina" in his tiny little voice was a highlight for me. 

Unfortunately, I didn't have a pickaxe big enough for this rattler and Annie was lost. 

Our other big outing was to the Museum of Miniatures. Felix was OBSESSED with the animal dudes riding motorcycles in a loop. Grumpa was very patient in escorting the little lad as he repeatedly bolted from other areas of the museum back to the motorcycles. 

Felix was also terrified of walking on the glass floor over the Christmas village. It took some serious persuasion to get him on there, but he eventually loved saying hi to Santa!

Our last visitor was quite unusual. We found this dead hummingbird centered on the little table outside our front door. At first, I thought it must be an offering from a neighborhood kid, but all the likely suspects denied any involvement. I think it must have just chosen this spot to elegantly breathe its last breath. When I told Breezy about it, she immediately decided this was an omen and looked up the meaning for me. Apparently, dead hummingbirds symbolize the end of a difficult or fast-paced phase of life, signaling a time to slow down and start anew. That sounds like a perfect message for this pregnant lady over here!