Thanksgiving in Mesa, AZ
Last Thanksgiving, amid the coronavirus pandemic, we had to cancel our flights to see my parents in Las Cruces. This year, however, we decided to meet halfway in Mesa, AZ! The five days we spent together did not disappoint: we hiked, we played games and we watched games, we ate, and we were more than merry!
At the start of the Treasure Loop Trail! Proud of this whole crew!
With Wednesday off of work, we set out an uneventful drive until about five minutes before arriving at the AirBnB. Ella woke up from her nap crying and wouldn’t say anything. Apparently, vomit was brewing, as she puked up her In-and-Out cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake all over herself. Nothing says, “Hi Grandma and Grandpa, we’ve missed you!” like fresh vomit! After a bath, which Miles pooped in, she was all clean (which we clearly cleaned out the tub and bathed them again). Thankfully, this was the most exciting as it got over the next five days.
Because Grandma K. slaved over the stove for the two days prior, we were able to spend Thanksgiving Day at the Phoenix Zoo! It was the perfect size for us to see a variety of animals while not feeling overwhelmed with too much. We ended the afternoon with a Raiders win and a delicious Thanksgiving dinner
We did a short hike in Usery Mtn Regional Park Friday morning where Topo and I got pricked with plenty of cacti so we switched hikes, but made the morning trip worth our while by logging a couple miles. While we were hiking, Grandma L. was on her way from Show Low! We caught up, played, and now that it was OFFICIALLY CHRISTMASTIME, went to a local Farm to see their Christmas lights!
I’ve learned that some of my favorite moments with my family (whether that is my parents or Scott and the kids is while we’re hiking). This day was no different. We drove to Lost Dutchman State Park and set out on a hike that I don’t think any of us thought was going to be as strenuous as it was: Treasure Loop Trail. Not only did we make it, but we had great conversations in between our heavy breathing! After the hike, we took a short drive up the 88 and got a glimpse of Canyon Lake. Most of this incredibly scenic highway was not passable at this time due to construction so we will save it for next Thanksgiving. :)
