Destiny with the desert pics

Slumming it at a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant we found in Phoenix; no switch blades allowed hahaha ... Lehi Roller Mills a family favorite since the 1800's! ... Sweet Grandma, Cameron & Emily ... Rich & Tami in whom we love to pieces ... And I have a thing for palm trees & cactus :)

Destiny with the desert

What fun Jon and I had in Phoenix for a week of business/pleasure! We were able to accomplish a lot looking at areas we are interested in relocating to in the future and diverse homes/floor plans that we like. It was a treat once again being surrounded by palm trees and cactus, sunshine and blue sky! We went slumming one evening in an attempt to find a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. We made it out alive, with our limbs intact, after dining in a seedy area but where the food, though simply served, was both authentic and delicious haha.

Our resort was lovely and it was delightful being wined and dined each evening by Jon's vendor's. In spite of dealing with several job related crisis we were able to enjoy ourselves immensely. I especially got a kick out of all of the men who continually wanted an opportunity to meet with him; it was as if he were a Mafia boss calling the shots :) As his company is the largest purchaser of the commodities he buys most everyone wanted a chance to begin a dialog with him in hope of being awarded a contract at some point in time.

The following week I spent in Utah as I wanted to spend some quality time with mom, and Cam. Cam's work and class schedule is erratic but we were able to enjoy one anothers company and fit a lot in during the time we had together. We enjoyed many long, heartfelt conversations, a girls night, movies, and clubbing (just kidding). It was such a treat being with the kids, making wedding plans, talking about Cam's upcoming interviews in Vegas for two possible positions upon graduation this spring and just being silly together!

Also, visiting mom was enjoyable; she continues to be very happy and content and remains cheerful with a fun sense of humor. I was able to take her on outings such as out to breakfast with family, on a beautiful ride up AF canyon, to see the temple as well as to many near and dear places she remembered from her childhood. While there she enjoyed a delightful Halloween party, a family who performed musical and vocal numbers one evening and sacrament meeting on site. Mother has a sweet friend and together they continually pat one anothers hands, and sit by each other during meals and while watching TV; it is heartwarming!

I didn't get to visit as many family and friends as I would have liked but time permitting I was able to accomplish most of what I set out to do while there considering that mom and the kids were my priority. As always the rugged mountains, dome of blue sky and beautiful LDS temples always take my breath away. (Photos will be posted soon)

Spook-tacular Halloween!

We discovered an incredible pumpkin patch (one of many) in Penn when our children were very young and I was very slender, haha. Each year we attempt to return to not only purchase our pumpkins but to take crazy family photos as well. We wish Cam & Emily were here with us - perhaps another year; however, this year our other newly engaged couple Ash and Mica donned their silly spooky smiles for you along with Jon and I. Enjoy a SPOOK-TACULAR Halloween everyone!

Ash & Meg doin' a project runway :)

Fat Heads

We spent a fun evening celebrating Mica's 21st birthday at Fat Heads on the sow-side haha :) The sandwich will freak you out! Then off to Oakland for ice cream to meet up with Stacy, Ashley's dear friend. Also, some pics of Mica and one of his passions - dirt biking.

Routin' for the home boys! Go Home G-20 summit!

It's the G-20 economic summit here in the burg; virtual ghost town other than far too many protesters trying to take our city hostage! Jon has worked from home all week, as has everyone in the corporate offices at USX Towers down town. Nearly every business in the city has made contingency plans considering the rivers and roads are closed to thru traffic. Hey, gotta get those world leaders around to and from without incident - right?! BUT, we had tickets to two Pirates games which happened to fall during the summit so we braved the waters and went on down to route for the home boys! THE coolest ball park in the nation over looking the city skyline but THE worst team in the league I think. What can I say, we've got the Steelers and the Pens so I guess it's not fair that we keep all of the glory in the burg! It's great fun having three professional sports teams to route for!

Nevertheless, we were told there were 2,500 cops (plain clothes and otherwise) in and around PNC Park; never felt so safe! Jon and I enjoyed dinner at the Lexus Club prior to each game and then seats five rows up from home plate, it was a riot. Even if one is not fond of baseball it is delightful to spend time at the park eating Cracker Jack and singing 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game'. Hey G-20 we want our city back!

Happy birthday Ashley Babe - welcome home Cameron!

Happy Birthday Ashley and welcome home Cameron! Crazy, zany burg things planned! It’s a boat it’s a twuck it’s a duck! Just Ducky amphibious tank/boat from WWII takes visitors on a hilarious tour of the city and then drives into the Ohio River where the tour continues a float! We can’t miss hanging out at the Andy Warhol Museum; the only museum in the country dedicated to a sole artist. Of course a ride up Mount Washington on the incline to see the view, a trolley ride over to USX Towers to visit Jon’s office and rounding out the day at a Pirates game with fire works in our incredible stadium that looks out over the city lights at night. Too bad the Pirates are doing poorly but hey, the dogs are the tastiest around!

We are also celebrating Ashley’s 19^th birthday; her dream wish was to have her brother home for a birthday (he has not been able to be here exactly on September 5^th due to his mission and college). Additional fun and festivities over the four day visit will include: Jon’s preparation of our traditional Swedish pancake breakfast (his grandmother’s recipe!) after church services on Sunday. A picnic near the Allegheny River, family photos taken, a trip to Kenneywood (amusement park), board game night (watch out it’s a continuing Christeson competition), the Strip District or Shady Side and a Primanti Brothers Sandwich with flies and cole slaw inside the bun (hey they’re famous!). Also, late night ice cream runs, family video parade and other quirky things which will allow for little time sleep :)