Terrific Tucson

With Kristin, Cory & PJ, not to mention Katie, Joe & Isabelle, all moving out West to Tucson - it soon became clear that I would need to squeeze in a trip out there before I became too preggers to travel.  Happily we were able to plan an extended weekend just before Thanksgiving to do just that.  Matt stayed home with the Dukerson so I could have a relaxing and fun mini-girls weekend.  Not only did I get to see the new houses, new school, new neighborhoods and new "must do's" of the Tucson area - I got to spend plain ole quality time with my favorite ladies (that's including PJ and Isabelle, of course).  From the moment I got off the plane and Katie & Kristin picked me up for a fun lunch and pedicure, the good times didn't end.  Being with them made me miss them even more when I got back, if that is possible, since it is now quite fresh what I'm missing on a regular basis:)  But I was definitely happy and grateful to get a full dose of them while I could and it will sustain me until Christmas!

This is PJ's cubby at school - she goes to the International School of Tucson and is in the Spanish immersion program.   Paige has become such a big girl even since September.  I found her more like a little girl and less like the small child I think of her as.  It is so fun to be around her, she's so smart and funny!

GORGEOUS views from K&C's GORGEOUS new home.   This pic is from their sweet rooftop deck.  All of their renovations are seriously amazing.  I urge everyone who is able to make a trip out there and stay in their luxurious accommodations!

Their resort-like pool and hot tub, complete with picturesque palm tree.  Kristin and I agree that while the pool fence detracts from the resort like atmosphere, it is certainly a comfort knowing it is there to keep our kiddos safe.  

Front of K&C's new house, on our way out the door for a fun dog walk around the neighborhood.  So weird to see all the dirt and rocks and no grass in all the yards!

Isabelle (left), Isabelle's bow (center), and Katie (right).  Adorableness!!!  We all went out to dinner at one of their favorite places.  

Godmother & Goddaughter:)

We all went to Katie & Joe's temporary home's community pool on Saturday.  The views were also awesome there.

Saturday night Katie, with her Mom's help, made a delicious ham dinner feast!  Yum!

Isabelle and PJ get along great!  Isabelle is crawling now and is seriously the happiest baby I've ever met.  She is  100% sweetness, love love love her!

Ham!  Pass the horseradish sauce! (I'm obsessed with that sauce, by the way.  I literally made my Mom serve it when she had ham at her house a week later.)

Kitty obstruction!  Kristin and I stayed up late watching old music videos on You Tube.  A good use of time!  Did you know actress Debi Mazar starred in one of Madonna's earliest music videos?  Little known fact that now you know!

Sunday trip to breathtaking nearby Sabino Canyon

Loved the little hike at the top of the tram tour.

The tres amigas

Tram time!

The Carpenter's with their new home landscape as a backdrop.

Katie & Joe's new house that they are renovating before they move in, which should be  in December.  Another beautiful home with superb new work done to it.  

Very fun Sunday afternoon pizza dinner and theater show "Scrooge" at the Gaslight Theater.  Weird to go to a classic holiday show when it feels like June outside!

Catnap before FROST, which is only the best gelato this side of the  Atlantic!

Flying away into the sunset...goodbye my loved ones!  Until next time, Tucson!