2008-03 Arizona Vacation

We left early Easter morning for a spring break trip to Arizona. Mariah wasn't with us as she was with the Spanish club from school on a trip to Madrid, Spain. She spent 3 days in the Madrid area sightseeing and then was with a family in a small town for 5 days.

We celebrated Easter at LeAnn's mom's house. Her sister Yvonne and her son Chris joined us along with LeAnn's nieces Beth and Laura and her boyfriend Matthew. It had been snowing up in the Twin Cities since Good Friday, so it was a real treat to get off the plane and be greeted by 85 degree weather.

On Monday, we went golfing on the desert course next to Lois's park. The ball will roll along way down the hard packed desert ground, but you just don't know which direction it will bounce. That evening we went to Barleen's Arizona Opry dinner show with Lois and Yvonne. It is a family run show where the performers are all multi-talented playing many instruments and singing. Some of the instruments were from famous musicians (Al Hirt, Doc Severinsen and others), and some were unique, such as a 7' tall saxophone. The music was from all genres, so everyone heard something they were familiar with and could enjoy.

On Tuesday we went out to visit Yvonne in Anthem and spent the afternoon out on the patio enjoying the sun and watching the golfers go by. Yvonne's daughter Jenny was also able to come out on Tuesday and spend the day with us.

Wednesday was spent at the Safeway International LPGA golf tournament. It was Pro-Am day, so the golfers were more relaxed and would sign autographs and you could take your camera and take pictures, which you can't do during the regular event. Hailey got some autographs, and we marveled at the skill and consistency of the pros. The event was at the Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club. The course is in the flatlands below the mountain, so has a beautiful backdrop. Plus, being set up for the pros, everything was manicured and set up for picturesque views.

Thursday, we had planned on going to a baseball game between the Cubs and Brewers, but it was sold out and the scalpers were getting 5x face value for even the outfield lawn seats. Next time we will go and get our tickets beforehand. That evening, we went to Organ Stop Pizza and had dinner with Lois, Beth and Laura. Organ Stop Pizza has a large Wurlitzer organ that is the center of the entertainment. The organist plays continuously throughout the evening taking breaks about 30 minutes. It is all family style seating and during busy times, you kind of have to hover around waiting for people to leave to get some table space.

Friday morning we went to the flea market, which is all under an open air roof. The kids got some ASU sweatshirts. This flea market has both new and used items. That afternoon, Ray went golfing with Chris and a family friend Dave up at Troon North, where Chris works. Troon North is a very nice public course near Pinnacle Peak. It is surrounded by expensive homes and desert landscape. Afterwords, we stopped for a beer at Greasewood Flat, which was an original stagecoach stop. All the seating is outdoor at picnic tables. Open fires are spaced around the seating area to help keep it a little warm. It cools down nicely in the foothills.

Saturday we relaxed and soaked up the last of the Arizona sun and our last trip to the pool before heading back up north, and preparing for more snow on Monday. At least at this time of year it melts away quickly when it comes.