Liberty Market

The most delicious part of our trip to Phoenix was our lunch at Liberty Market. Every plate at our table was practically licked clean, from the Farmer Pressed Sandwich, Pure Egg Salad Sandwich and Hollywood Cobb, everything was perfect. They've also got a full Breakfast and Dinner Menu. 


Another great idea from Joe Johnston. Worth a trip out to Gilbert the next time you're visiting Phoenix. A local gem. 

Weekend Re-Cap

We tagged along with John this weekend for a wedding in Phoenix. Loved visiting with friends (love you Eatons), wine and cheese night (love you Morrisons), slow mornings with the boys, lunch with baby Finley and Sean, and watching Ryan and Kailyn get married. While I'm happy attached to San Diego, part of my heart is still in the Valley of the Sun...

Phoenix Finale

Lincoln & Robson St. buddy, Alton

Day 4 did not disappoint.

Got to hold one-week-old William Reid. Almost made me want to give birth again, but then I remembered the next 17.5 years. (nice job Gelbrichs)

Spent the afternoon with friends in our old neighborhood (Robson St.)

Arrived back at the Morrison's to enjoy a wine and cheese party with friends who have know us since we were single. (now that's a long time)

Wonderful hospitality, conversation and laughter. Perfect ending.

On the long drive back to San Diego, (I'll spare you the pictures of multiple kid melt-downs) John and I talked about how it feels to be gone from Phoenix - our home for so long. We both agreed that we feel like "home" is where we have each other and our boys. But we sure do miss the people we love in the Valley of the Sun.

Thanks for welcoming us back.

Phoenix - Day & Night 3

I have to admit, coming into this little vacation I thought Phoenix in the middle of May might be a bit late, but I was wrong. 95 degrees on day 3, but we barely noticed.

Started out with some early morning yard sales (mostly talking) with my friend Lisa...next up was family patio time, complete with Starbucks and a pool boy...moved on in the afternoon to a very fun swim date with the Eatons...and ended the night with Ryan and Hannah's wedding.

Day 4, can you top that?

John relaxes with his fantasy golf game and couch parenting.
Lincoln giving back to our gracious house hosts. Water feature pool boy. Lincoln and Caroline. I see a future here.
Harrison's "i'm not so sure" reaction to the pool. He just got himself signed up for swim lessons with this attitude.
Couldn't keep Ben out of the pool. Little fish.
Wow, hot Reverend.

Maybe my favorite wedding dress of all time. And I've been to alot of weddings. Beautiful, Hannah.

Phoenix - Day 2

I've forgotten how far you can drive and still be in Phoenix...logged 4 1/2 hours of time in the car around town, but totally worth the drive.

Started out with girls time (plus 4 children...can't ever get away from all of them)

Starbucks, homemade banana bread and catching up on life...way too short of course.

Followed by a lunch visit to the in-laws in Suprise. A little non-heated hot tub swimming and hot dogs.

Finished the evening with wedding rehearsal dinner at Market Bistro in Scottsdale.

Phoenix - Night 1

We pulled into Phoenix at 4:30, just in time to drop our bags, change diapers and head over to meet friends. We still call our group of families the "Young Marrieds" after 13 years of marriage and kids together. (now that I'm plucking out some gray hairs, I'll take whatever I can get)

We started the night with drinks and appetizers, followed by a dance recital at the tennis courts, and finished up with dinner at Joe's Farm Grill. Yum.

I love our life in San Diego, but I sure do miss these peeps.

Check out these adorable pictures by our 10-year-old friend, Caroline. She's for hire, but you might have to pick her up for your photo session.

On the Road

Our first family trip back to Phoenix since we moved to San Diego, 18 months ago.

Big plans ahead, but had to get over the 6 hour car trip there first. Highlights were definitely Ben and Bear's undivided attention for almost two hours as they had their first screening of Toy Story, the awesome play place at the Yuma, AZ Carl's Jr, and time to talk with my husband when everyone was occupied.

He really does think he's reading...

Lincoln finished another Lemony Snicket book. Love them.
John looking like he's so tired of driving, but he really wouldn't let me drive at all.

Phoenix, hope you're ready for the Byard invasion.