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Walking through the airport in Houston, our first moments back in the US...an announcement comes over the loud speakers in English...and then in Spanish. Dominic listened attentively and then announced with a husky lusty roar, "This isn't AMERICA!"

Santa Catalina Mountains, view from Sabino Canyon.

This is a dry creek!

Sabino Canyon

After spending 5 weeks in Arizona, I can't believe we live here in England. It feels sureal.



Sabino Canyon.



I was worried that Tucson's summer heat would be crushing, but it was the opposite. Completely energizing.

In Sabino Heaven with mi Comadre Barb!

My sister told me a story about a woman recently returned from the UK who turned the wrong way head on into traffic and died instantly. Doesn't that suck? Every time I got behind the wheel I drove with caution, holding that unfortunate woman's wrong turn in my mind. Our ex-pat friend Alex gave us a simple but great tip for driving. The driver stays in the middle of the road. It works. It may sound asinine, but when newly driving on the wrong side of the road/car, it is super easy to get turned around. I have missed a turn, made a u-ey and find myself completely confused as to which side of the road I am supposed to be on. Now I know, driver in the middle.

Extreme bedhead self-portrait.

Our little boys bonded even more deeply with Grandma, Mike's mom. Dominic secretly proposed marriage and then completely confused me by whispering "Mom, I'm going to marry Grandma tomorrow. I need my penis cream."

Dominic's view. Antibiotics twice a day for 10 days, thank you Strep.

Open up already!

The next day he explained that Grandma doesn't have penis cream, which we happen to have handy for sore wieners. He didn't seem fazed when I explained that we would be leaving in a few days for England. ''You can visit us anytime you want."  His small innocent face showing total faith in his wacky plan. There were lots of tears and distress when I told him he couldn't live with her until he was 19 years old.

"BUT SHE'LL BE IN A WHEEL CHAIR THEN!!!!"

Ay, Dios mio.

Three legged race.

They spent the afternoon with Grandma before we left for England and Michael said goodbye bereft with tears. He sobbed all the way to the hotel.

Dancing with Uncle Tim to live music poolside at Paloma.

Cousin Fiona!

Sunset in Vail



Double Rainbow! What does it mean!?



Lobster tails and filet for a crowd.

We got a new camera that takes underwater shots. I am so into it!

Grandpa Jim!



Eat at Martin's Comida Chingona!

 Living in England for a year has helped clarify our love for our life in Tucson. We know that Tucson is our home and that we will take a path that leads us back there when the time is right.


Restin's melon!



The Tucson visit was chugging along, I was basting ribs and weeping with joy (at above party), when my friend Michael texted asking how to contact me.

Nine hours later I was on a plane to NYC to attend his surprise wedding to his true love Shane! Mr. Hoffman you rock!

Besties.

Lucky number.



Interviews with Huffington post!



Thank you God for bringing people together in love!

Watching Kern and Jude cut a rug, the Mrs. Hoffmans sobbed uncontrollably.

Super dad and #1 fan.

Must stay in shape in case of sudden need to dance! The mamas were amazing!

Archie and Carrie!

Amen Manhattan Mini Storage!

Mountain pose hug.

Amen!

Buckle up for love!

For $1 Michael will walk on your back for 3 minutes.
Grandpa was willing to cut it short, but Michael insisted on giving him the full service.

When in Greer, AZ, don't miss the Rendezvous!

Greer is horned toad heaven!

 Ever heard of the boy who cried, "I got a bite!"

Frolicking in the Little Colorado River.

In my role as sister wife sitting in back of mini van.

Red earth and blue sky.

Sister wives.

Treasures.

Mike as fishing guide, with Carson and Dominic.

When not playing outside, boys snuggled in a pile like puppies.



Other sister wives :)



Hair do!

Sausage Deli!
Favorites are turkey sub and the OMAR!

Tanque Verde Wash, Grandpa Longton's final resting place.

Longton Cousins 9!

Precious beauties.

Thank you Darling B and J!



Anna demonstrating cousin Marcus' amazing magic trick...



Brother pillow.

Love my Sarah-y Cakes! Thank you W and S for coming!!

Cousins!

Cousins!

Love you Cakers!



Goodbye to my sweet babies...



We were welcomed home by a loaded apple tree. Delicious, precious apples.





When in Tucson, eat at:

Feast, Martin's on 4th Ave, Sausage Deli, Pico de Gallo on 6th Ave (and the raspado place next door!), Vivace, Tavolino's, El Mezon del Cobre, Dairy Queen in front of the TCC and the one on 4th Ave, Miss Saigon.

Visit Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Monument East and West, Greer, AZ, go see a movie at the loft and El Con mall, A Mountain, Mount Lemmon, top of Alvernon, the Rincons, and on and on...

Thank you Babette for inviting our boys to play in AZ, thank you mama for flying to visit, thank you William and Sarah for adding another trip to your summer, thank you Fennies, Jonesies and Sterlings for hosting us, thank you Restins for sharing your amazing lives, home and food with us. Thank you William and Anna for sharing your summer selves so unselfishly.  Como los queremos!!!!