Girl's week

We had so much fun last week! Mom, Debbie, Allison and I spent the whole week together, no kids or husbands. Tuesday we all had pedicures/manicures together, then Hap, our brother, had us over for dinner. He and Sandy went all out- Alaskan king crab, bacon wrapped tuna steaks, prime rib. It was a birthday party for their son EJ, but we got to enjoy the supreme cooking of the Balmes family. Thanks Sandy and Hap!

Wednesday Allison and I went to visit our long-lost cousin, Tom Nelson. His grandmother is the sister of our grandfather. We swapped pictures and stories, his wife Pam made us all lunch, it was a wonderful visit. They are amazing and wonderful people, it's great to find new family! Debbie had to focus on taxes that day, and Mom had work to do too, so we all met up for dinner. We picked fresh lettuce and greens at Mom's house, had beets, tomatoes and carrots from Debbie's garden. Yum!

Thursday we all went to the Mesa Temple. We planned to take Mom's motorhome, so she could rest if needed. About 10 miles out of Maricopa, a tire started smoking, so we pulled over to check on it and saw skid marks on the inside dual tire. It wasn't flat, but we turned around and took the motorhome back to Debbie's, started over in her little car. This time we made it, and had a wonderful visit in the temple. The temple is a very sacred place to us, and an opportunity to leave the outside world behind for a few hours, and focus on spiritual and eternal perspectives. What a great place to spend time as a family!

Friday, I hit the wall. I was trying to keep up with my active sisters, and go go go. Well, I can only do that so long before my body gives out. So, we took it easy Friday morning, and just hung out at Debbie's house for a few hours. We had set up massages, and hoped that Sandy could go, but she was sick and had to cancel. The four of us went to Massage Envy in Ahwatukee, AZ, and wow was that relaxing. They are very professional and did a great job. When we were all done, we went shopping at Ross, then had dinner at Carraba's. A perfect end of a wonderful week! Saturday morning, it was time to go home. Debbie flew to Texas, Allison drove north and I attended a baptism in Gilbert before driving home to Cottonwood.

I love my family, and it was so great to spend the whole week with my Mom and siblings. We are very blessed, and make each other laugh. What can be better???