Three years.
That is how long it has been since we've been back to Tucson.
With four kids - ministry - and crazy schedules it can be hard to plan a visit.
Thankfully our parents have been out to North Carolina several times to see us...but we decided it was time to go back.
And so...we surprised the kids!
Jason had to speak in Texas and on the night that I was supposed to pick him up at the airport he called the kids...
It was an early ride to the airport. But these kids did not mind at all!
Everyone is super excited to get there!!
The pilots were so kind and invited Jackson and Hailey up front to have a look...
and even practice flying!
Once in Tucson, we settled in to my parents and got ready for a fun week ahead!
My mom volunteers several times a week at a pregnancy resource center.
We went to go see her in action and help serve alongside of her.
We helped prepare bags for the different needs...
and Jackson helped get diapers ready and hygiene packs.
It was good to see my mom in action...watching her serve the ladies of the community and minister to them.
That night we headed over to the Jimenez house for a huge family reunion.
It has been several years since all four brothers - and their families have been together!
Cousins
The sisters-in law
Barbara (my mother-in law) hired a professional photographer to take pictures of the family.
While we were waiting for our turn...I snapped some of my own!
Poppy with his grandkids!
The kiddos had a fun time reuniting with their cousins and we had a good time catching up with all of the family!
My dearest friend, Mandy, is a principle of a Christian school in Tucson.
She invited Jason to teach at their chapel...so I got to see both of my besties in action!!
The next day we met up with Grammie and Poppy Jimenez to hike up Sabino Canyon.
We don't see many of these warnings in North Carolina!!!
There has been a lot of rain lately so the streams and ponds were overflowing (which is rare for the desert!)
At the top...getting ready to head down!
Grammie + Poppy
Amy contemplated whether or not she was going to get in the FREEZING cold water!!
Thankfully there were no mountain lions...just tired teenagers!!
After a long hike...we celebrated with St Mary's burritos and Egees!! Yum!
The next day we took the kids to some of our favorite places...Bookman's, El Guero Canelo -
and Rincon Market - where I worked as a teenager.
We also took them to the Arizona Inn...
where Jason and I had our wedding...18 years ago!!!
18 years later...and we're Jimenez Party of SIX!!
That night, we met up with Bryan and Erin Thigpen.
Erin and I have been friends since grade school - and Bryan since high school!
They are now working for NAV at the University of Arizona and invited Jason to be their speaker that night.
The next day, Jackson and Hailey hosted a lemonade/donut stand for the yardsale Grammie had.
It was very effective!!
We also get to spend some time with Uncle Kurt and Aunt Pam.
This was our first time visiting my parents church and getting to meet some of their good friends.
And get spoiled with some amazing Mexican food!!
That night, we headed to Gaslight Theater for an evening of hilarious entertainment!!
The Gaslight Theater is iconic in Tucson...putting on melodramatic musical comedies.
Our kids had no idea what to expect...
and it was hilarious to watch their faces as the actors interacted with the crowd and put on a marvelous show!!
It was loosely based on Back to the Future with some dry humor and sing along songs thrown into it as well.
The weather was perfect for our entire trip...
Jason and I were able to get away for a bit and soak up the desert one last time before leaving.
All too soon it was time to say, "Adios, Arizona"!!
We squeezed in one last trip to In-N-Out with both sets of grandparents to
get in all the hugs we could get!
A pleasure is not full grown until it is remembered.
CS Lewis
These sweet times are now tucked away as precious memories.
We are so thankful for our families and the time they have invested into us.
Until next time...
