We sadly left the happiest place on earth, but the fun did not stop there. We loaded up the car and adding Abe and Mylee to the mix, we headed back to Arizona. We had a great trip all around. Even Diana made it all week without a major blowout with Mom—though there were a couple of close calls. But, in the end with many nudges and pinches, she was able to reel in her feelings. As Mom dropped her off at the airport, she turned to Diana and said: "Thank you for being nice this week." Diana responded: "It was really hard." Hopefully, the good behavior will continue since the latest plan for Diana is to move to AZ and start a nursing program. Luckily, our AZ arrival coincided with a window of time where Jennie’s boyfriend just happened to be in the valley. I made sure to request a dinner invite so I could meet the boy that stole Jennie’s heart. I can see why she is enamored with him—he is great! Will Jennie beat Diana to the altar…only time will tell! PS- Steven is holding up Jennie’s favorite treats, made by yours truly, and highly loved by all Lewis family members (clearly), especially Jennie.
We ended the California week with shared memories and colds (and quite possibly lice), but the utter exhaustion was worth the fun. We plan on camping inside the house, roasting marshmallows outside the house, and making a few sight seeing trips—one to the Mayor's office for an official tour and the Milletts. Plus, we did our usual Arizona favorites: swam at the Andrus’ pool daily, Bahama Bucks, visited with friends, had all of the children watch movies and sleep together in the tent (aka LICE pool) and continued cleaning Mom’s rental. Everywhere we went, I found myself doing a head-count (4 Rebers, 3 Lewis’, 2 Robbins & 1 (Crazy) Grandma). Good times!
My mom agreed with me that I needed a new camera. I informed her that I did not have the money to get a new one. So, she generously gave me my birthday money early and loaned me the rest in exchange for doing work at the vacant rental home. I figured I would probably be drafted to help anyway, so it seemed like a great exchange. My back disagrees, but the new camera definitely takes much higher quality pictures. Grandma promised Ella a little spending money as well. She started with a very helpful attitude and a great work ethic....up until she was asked to clean the runners on the sliding closet doors and encountered old gum, grime and grease. She slowed down significantly after that. Eddie and Kelvin angered the queen and found themselves working right alongside me. Good times.
Meanwhile, Dessie is beginning to really miss her Daddy. She had the following exchange with Grandma this week.
Dessie: Grandma, I want to call my daddy. I just love him.
Grandma: OK.
Dessie: Daddy, you are the best daddy in the whole world and I love you.
Daddy: I love you too, Dessie.
Dessie: I miss you daddy. Why are you not on vacation with us?
Daddy: I have to work so that I can pay for your vacation.
Dessie: OK. Love you. I just miss you so much. Bye.
Dessie: My daddy wears a Superman t-shirt and stands on one leg and stretches out his arms and says,"Da-da-da Daaa!”
Grandma: Does he fly?
Dessie: He doesn't fly around. He stays at my house.
Ella: He is not Superman; he is Superdad!
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