I just want to start out by saying that my baby is so cute. Obvious, but true. I had the WONDERFUL opportunity of driving 24 hours to Arizona earlier this month. Honestly, I could've taken an airplane, but I leave that for the sane people to do. But don't worry--it all worked out. My boss was kind enough to not deny my request to have 5 days off of work, so five hours before we set off, I scrambled to pack up all my stuff.
Day one: six a.m. is really early. But guess who I got to see 3 1/2 hours later... MY BABY!!! Oh my goodness, I freaking love that kid. His mom, Ann, was so kind to let us make our first pit stop at her home. So my dad and I walked in and there, sitting up on the floor with 10 toys around him, was beautiful Ben. Even thought it was only for forty minutes, it was so amazing to sit around with Ann, Derek and of course, baby. We watched him roll around and heard him laugh every time the dog barked.
The best thing I saw was Ben's reaction when Derek came home. One of the benefits of choosing adoption was that Ben would have a father, a dad who loved and cared for him. So when Derek came home from work to visit with us, Ben's face lit up and he started flailing his little arms and legs, and cooing until Derek came and tackled/kissed him. My heart was SO full. I looked at Derek and said, "Wow. He really, really loves you." Like, what more could I ask for.
He's seven months old now, so I brought him some baby food as a gift. Seems like a little thing, but I like supporting them being Ben's parents for me; formula is a little too expensive, so in the past I've brought diapers, clothes, and now jarred food. Ann knows me so well, how I miss Ben the most right before and after I visit him, so the next day she sent me a picture of Ben eating the food I brought for him. I honestly couldn't have asked for better parents for my child. Oh, and one more thing; Derek was telling me how sometimes when he goes to the store with Ben, and people comment about how cute my baby is, they say that Ben looks just like Derek... and Derek just looks at them and says thanks. It's hilarious to me because Ben looks more and more like Andrew and me: my dark brown eyes, his smile, etc. That was one of the things I apologized for when I first met them in Logan a year ago (I did not think it has been that long) that I was sorry he wouldn't look like them. Luckily, Derek just lets it roll off.Driving my dad's old, wide and long Impala is terrifying. I think I drove for at least four hours the first day, and that was way too much. You know how passing trucks while going 75 mph on the freeway is scary? Imagine your car taking up the entire width of a lane, the big semi taking up the entire width of his lane, oh and it's windy. Let's just say that dad didn't like my driving.
Day two: more driving. 11 more hours to be precise. At least this time it was more scenic, like Zion and Bryce Canyon scenic. So gorgeous to see it in person. From the road. From miles away. But still pretty. Anyone driving from SLC to PHX, I recommend highway 89. More scary driving from me later, we finally made it to Mesa around dinner time. Air conditioning is amazing. Getting sick from change of altitude and temperature--not so amazing.
Then, JEN GOT MARRIED! It was so beautiful, and her husband is the BEST. I've been so lucky with brother-in-laws. Nick is so wonderful to Jen, and to me and Ev.
On Saturday, we went to the Mesa, Arizona temple. It is so much prettier in real life. Church is kind of an iffy thing for me right now, but I have a special place for temples in my heart; so much respect for what happens inside them, and they have such a beautiful design and architecture. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejf9a70qgl8 )
I also want to add, I'm obsessed with cacti. The last time I was here, I couldn't find a good time to take a picture with one. But the temple had like a whole forest of cacti and I took some pretty pictures.
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