OUR TRIP TO ARIZONA
Michael and I traveled to Tucson, Arizona in early December for a work conference I had to attend. We had never been to the desert state of Arizona, but due to our very pale skin, we had no concerns of being pulled over for an immigration check. Tucson is only about 60 miles from the Mexico border. We were happy to leave an unusually cold Florida for much warmer temperatures. During our 4-day trip, the weather was about 75 degrees during the day-perfect! We couldn’t get over how different Arizona is. There are very few trees and the ones that we did see were not very tall-no tall Florida pines in Arizona! We loved all of the cacti we saw everywhere. We felt like we were in the wild, wild west. The only grass was on a golf course. Most of the homes we saw were adobe style homes in a wide array of colors that seemed to match the colors of the beautiful Tucson sunrises and sunsets. It seems that home landscaping is quite easy to keep up with as most of the yards consisted of dirt, rocks and cacti. We got to stay at an amazing resort-the JW Marriott Sunpass Resort & Spa. It was located in the mountains and provided a great view of the city of Tucson.

On our Arizona “to do” list was to eat authentic Mexican food. Michael loves Mexican food so before we left for the trip, I did some research to try to find the best Mexican restaurant in the area. We decided to eat at El Charro Café because it was established in 1922 making it the oldest Mexican restaurant in the United States. Now I had always heard about how Americanized Mexican food tastes nothing like the real deal. I was trying to prepare myself for a different experience. Like American Mexican entrees, the El Charro Café served large portions. I ordered a grilled chicken bahia soft taco, a pollo el charro enchilada and a chicken tamal with refried beans and rice. Michael ordered a beef taco and burrito entree. It truly must have been the real deal, because we tasted flavors we had never had before. But you know what? We loved the Americanized version better! I hate to admit it, but I don’t like corn tortillas. I love the less healthy yummy white flour tortillas. And tamales aren’t great. Sorry Mexico!

We had the chance to do a little bit of driving to explore the local area. We loved the mountains and the gorgeous views. We drove to The Desert Museum which featured animals and plants native to Arizona. We also learned a lot about the local cacti. Michael experienced a close encounter with a very large beaver. We went down into a cave to have a close-up view of the beavers. There was a glass window that separated us from the beaver exhibit. Because we were in a dark cave, there is a button that you press to turn a light on to see inside the window exhibit. Michael hit the button and literally right in front of his face was a huge beaver pressed up against the glass. He screamed like a girl and ran! Unfortunately, I was the only person to witness this event. We still laugh about that beaver.

Overall, we enjoyed visiting Tucson. We love exploring new places and we are constantly impressed by our diverse country.

Michael's first authentic mexican meal

View from our Resort

Prarie Dog at the Desert Museum-so cute!

INTERNATIONAL FAMILY

I have a rather large family-two older sisters, two younger sisters and two younger brothers. I love it! For the most part, we have all lived relatively close to each other our entire lives with one exception. My older sister Keri keeps moving all around. Her husband Daniel is an officer in the U.S. Air Force and since they have been married, they have lived in Oklahoma, Idaho, Oklahoma again and as of Saturday, South Korea! Yep, my family has gone international!

First of all, thank you Daniel for your military service. I have great respect for what you do and the sacrifices you and all military men and women make on my behalf. That said, I am soooo sad that they have moved so very far away. And yes, they took my three fabulous nieces with them! They will be stationed in South Korea for 2 1/2 years. I can't help but think about the milestones I will miss. My niece Piper will turn 8 years old in S. Korea and I will miss her baptism. My niece Reagan will start kindergarten. Little Morgan will soon turn 2 years old and I hate that I will miss her crazy toddler years. Who knows, she could be a tame little lady by the time I see her again! I worry a little that the kids will forget who we are. I am sad that they won't meet my first child in-person until he or she is almost 2!

Thankfully, technology is on my side! I will soon be signing up for Skype so that Michael and I can see and talk to them online.

I am fortunate that Keri and my nieces lived in Atlanta with my Mom for the last 6 months. We were able to visit each other a lot during that time and made so many unforgettable memories. We were able to spend Thanksgiving together for the first time in a long time and that meant so much. I really got to know each of my niece's little personalities. I will miss them so much. They are great kids and have super parents.

I know that South Korea will be a great experience for the whole family. Already, the Korean people are loving little Morgan! Keri says that people are video taping her and taking her picture wherever they go. They try to talk to her and even pinch her rosy cheeks. They must love her blonde hair and blue eyes. I have to say that she is about the cutest, most animated little 1 year old in the world. Those three girls will charm the pants off of South Korea!

Most of all, I pray for peace between North and South Korea and wonderful, unforgettable life experiences for my sister and her family. 사랑해.

Piper at Davis Family Luncheon-Summer 2010

Reagan on Papa's boat-Summer 2010

Morgan in ski-tube at Papa's-Summer 2010