Phoenix, Family, & Friends

I'm currently sitting in the Phoenix airport waiting for my flight back to Houston.  I was supposed to leave about two hours ago, but my flight was overbooked, and I volunteered to give up my seat.  Don't feel bad for me, I was actually really excited.  Every time one of my flights is overbooked, and they're offering flight vouchers in return for giving up your seat, it always seems to be at a time when I can't be flexible with getting to my destination at a later time/day.  But this time, it was my time! AND the deal was totally impossible to pass up!  I ended up with a $650 Southwest flight voucher that is good for a year, AND I will still be getting in on the same day... just five hours later.  Totally worth it to me!  The good thing about being stuck in the Phoenix airport is that there is free WiFi.  So since I'm stuck here for a few hours, I figured I'd do something unheard of and start my Phoenix blog recap before I have even left Phoenix.  I know, I'm shocked, too.  But first, I just have to say what everyone already knows- airports have the best people watching.  For example, right now I am totally enthralled with these fully-habited nuns that are chowing down on airport fast food.  I'm making up a great story about what adventures they are on. 

I spent about a week in Phoenix visiting my family and friends, and I had such a nice time.  The last time I was here, it was over Christmas and we had just moved back from Australia, so we were super jet-lagged and everything was just really hectic.  David didn't get to come with me this time, but I'm still glad I got to come. 

When I touched down in Phoenix and turned on my cell phone, this text message from my brother popped up:

 Best greeting ever!  Best breakfast ever.  Oh, and best brother ever, too!  I arrived before 8AM that day, so even though I was tired, it was nice to have the whole day to hang out.  And I actually got a lot done that day- errands with my brother, visiting my grandma, visiting my aunt, and lunch with some family friends that I used to babysit for. 

The next day was my brother's birthday, so we went out for dinner with my parents and then he had some friends over to the house for cake and some drinks.  I can't remember the last time I got to celebrate my brother's birthday with him.  Happy birthday, Mark!

On Friday, I had lunch with one of my best friends at one of my favorite Mexican food places ever- "Reyes De La Torta."  By the way, I have to say that I have lived in three of the cities probably most well-known for their Mexican food- Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Houston.  And I can say that Phoenix definitely has the best Mexican food of any of the other cities.  Like by far!  Sorry, Los Angeles and (especially) Texas, your Mexican food just doesn't do it for me.  Later that night I went out with two of my friends for dinner and some drinks at a cute little spot in Cave Creek out in the desert outside of Phoenix.  We got to see the most beautiful sunset over the prettiest desert scenery (minus the parking lot), but sadly I didn't get any photos of US.  Oops.

Over the weekend, I managed to meet up with several other friends and had a great time catching up with everyone.  My mom and I also managed to fit in a  serious shopping spree.  I also finally got to meet my friend's twins that were born on my birthday!  All the best people are born on March 15!  They're adorable and totally gave me baby fever. 

I got twins for my birthday.  What did you get?

I also got to spend some quality time with my parents' mini dachshunds, Lola and Roxy, and my most favorite pet in the world- Tank.  Have I ever mentioned that I basically had a pet dinosaur growing up?  Well, that's basically what Tank reminds me of.  He's a desert tortoise, and he's probably one of the coolest pets ever- plus, he is seriously GIANT.  I really think he must weigh like 30 pounds.  Doesn't he just looks so prehistoric? I'm telling you- basically dinosaur status! 

Left: Roxy trying to shack up with me one night - Right: Me with both dogs... Lola freaking out, as per usual

Tank enjoying a salad.  Also, I am not stepping on him, I promise- just trying to get a photo with something to reference his size

SO HEAVY!

All in all, it was a great visit home.  I pretty much checked everything and everyone off my list, and now I'm anxious to get back to Houston and my hubby!