Anderson Arizona Adventures: February 2013

We ended 2012 and brought in 2013 in the best possible way, at home with Papa Dave and Grandma Sandy. Oh, how we had missed one another since we were last together in August!

New Year's Eve morning, Caleb and Daddy constructed a snow fort in the backyard with a piece of plywood they found in Papa's garage. I visited with my Mom as she created her, soon to be, world famous potato soup. We caught up with my brother over lunch and then made our way to Grandma and Pa's for a surprise visit. That evening Mom and Dad's dear friends, Rob, Leah, and their children, joined us for dinner. Caleb, Cody and Goose were instant friends. Matt and I enjoyed laughing and sharing with Rob and Leah. Dad provided the memorable moment that night when he sported his $3 auction find!

On New Year's Day, we took in a minor league hockey game. Through the years, my Dad and I, have gone to many minor league and Spartan games, watched countless Red Wing games and shared numerous stories from his days as a minor league referee. All of these precious moments led to my love and passion for the game, and still nothing beats taking in a game sitting in an old wooden seat next to his. Caleb enjoyed the game too. He made several laps around the arena, watched the zamboni, and received a special visit from Shootsy, the mascot. The penalty box has also been renamed 'the time out chair'!

Wednesday was Girls' Day Out! Prior to our move to Arizona, Mom and I had a tradition of spending a November day together in Frankenmuth. To keep our tradition going, we had to improvise. This year, Mom planned our day out and kept it a secret until that morning. We went to a beauty school in Caro where Mom had arranged for us to have pedicures, manicures and facials! I had never had a facial and, my one and only, pedicure had been nearly 10 years ago for my wedding. To help preserve my pedicure, my Mom went and found the only pair of sandals in town for me to wear home! I also sported them, on that chilly winter day, to The Oven where we enjoyed lunch. It wouldn't be a day out together without a laughable moment that we would remember forever!

Next on the agenda was a night away in beautiful Frankenmuth, a winter wonderland! For Christmas, Mom and Dad blessed Matt and I with a night away. Their ulterior motive, two full days alone with Caleb! Everyone had a blast! Caleb got to visit his first fire station, eat lunch and play games at Chuck E. Cheese and ride the carousel at the mall. Not to mention the other surprises Grandma had tucked away at home. Matt and I strolled the quaint town of Frankenmuth hitting up our favorite shops and restaurants and taking in the beauty of the Christmas lights.

Our week together ended with yet another surprise for Caleb. Papa arranged for his new friend Cody to sleep over Friday night. Both Cody and Caleb were surprised. They spent the evening playing with their new flip cars, eating ice cream with sprinkles, and watching a fire truck video that Cody passed along to Caleb. I've lost count of just how many times Caleb has watched this movie! The next morning was more of the same plus a trip outside to play in the fort and dig in the snow. We enjoyed lunch with our new friends and a quiet evening at home.

The week came and went in an instant, but we stored up in our hearts a week of beautiful, unforgettable moments that we will cling to until we meet again.

Next time in Tucson!