I struggle to write posts about vacations. Travelogues bore me, but I want to document memories. The fact that those that participated in these experiences will likely read this, only adds to the difficulty. There’s the opportunity to publicly express gratitude for those who took us in and provided fun experiences, but then maybe thank you’s are best done in private? I worry that noting certain events, while ignoring others will give the impression that the unmentioned ones were lesser or unappreciated. This is not likely the case. So, while I can wind myself into a tizzy worrying about the repercussions of these words, I’ll forge ahead as I always do, writing about what has played on my mind most, and what impressions I had.
The first part of our vacation was spent in Phoenix with Derek and Audrey’s family. It was a special time for us because we don’t get to see them very often, and usually when we do it’s when the entire family is together, making it difficult to have one on one time with them. The days were spent exercising (Audrey is hardcore and her exercise tapes left us both VERY sore), jumping on the trampoline, playing soccer outside, cooking, eating, playing make believe, doing hair, laughing, making paper airplanes, and visiting some neat sites. We had fresh squeezed orange juice, incredible mulled cider, and the best milkshakes. We visited a HUGE import store and saw a neighborhood decked out in lights. It was a lovely visit, and I left feeling much closer to Ryanna, Owen, Eli, and Caleb.
Scotland was entranced by Owen and Eli, following them around and trying to include himself in their games.
Impression: Little boys are full of energy and at time aggression. Attention works wonders to curb bad behavior. The second day we were there the little boys got a little unruly. They were acting out and left Tom feeling a bit overwhelmed. How does one respond to naughty behavior, when one doesn’t want to be the disciplinarian? They were impatient and disobedient. That day Audrey and I had gone about doing several fun things, leaving the kids on the periphery. The third day I decided to focus entirely on the kids, testing the philosophy of “The 3 P’s of Parenting.” I gave them each baths and helped them get dressed, I did Ryanna’s hair- chatting the whole time, I played superheros with Owen and Eli while Tom made ninja stars with Ryanna. We played together until lunch. To my delight the rest of the day went smoothly. The kids were happy and cooperative. They didn’t demand attention or act out. Perhaps it was just chance, but I felt a distinct difference. We had expressed our love and desire to spend time with them, and as a result the rest of the day they were content to play alone while we chatted with Derek and Audrey. I’ve noticed this same trend with Scotland. If he gets unruly, often all it takes it 15 minutes of loving willful attention to calm him down and help him revert back to his happy independent self.
Scotter met his Great Grandmother: Catherine Pettijohn
The rest of the vacation was spent in Tucson at Tom’s parents house. It was just us the first few days, which was nice because it gave Scotland the chance to warm up to the house and Grandma and Poppa Foutz before everyone else arrived. This is where one day starts to blend into the next, so I’ll just hit the highlights.
We celebrated Christmas on the 26th. There are only three grandkids on Tom’s side, and Archer had already celebrated Christmas at home, so there wasn’t a need for the Christmas morning magic. Everyone woke up naturally, ate breakfast, and casually gathered together in the Christmas room to open gifts. We had brought a few gifts for Scotland, but as we expected he was just as entertained by the boxes and wrapping paper.
In his Christmas PJs
Stan and Pam have taken up the tradition of doing a Yankee Swap, in lieu of presents. They gather an assortment of presents that would be universally liked and then we all go at ’em! It’s a great way to liven up Christmas for adults. We ended up with a Chinese Brush art set, iHome portable mini speakers, and travel/backpacking plates/bowls/utensils- that unfold to be entirely flat. This year Stan introduced “Stana Claus” gifts. He had purchased funny/memorable gifts for each child based on some shared experience during the year. Jeremy got a Schooner’s hat. Adi got a fake cat. Tom got aviator glasses. Doug a painting hat. Cass a cookbook. And mine, I thought best of all, a pile of manure donated to a woman in a 3rd world country trying to establish a farm.
The rest of the day was spent playing together and hitting up after Christmas sales. Scotland LOVED having so many playmates. Archer was a sweet and patient playmate. It made me realize I shouldn’t shy away from play groups with older kids.
Tuesday, we went with Adi and Jeremy to the Senora Desert Museum. It’s easy to focus on the dry dirt and prickliness of the Tucson and be a little turned off. The musem highlighted the majesty and beauty of the desert, and really changed my focus. I started to see each cactus individually, noticing what made each distinct and beautiful.
What spectacular country! Oh, how I love that big sky.
It hit me on our drive that Tucson is one of the most “foreign” looking places I have been in a long time. The Sonoran desert is the only place where saquaro cactus grow. These branched beautys give the area such a distinct look that is truly unique.
Scotland’s Great Grandmother: Mary Jean Foutz
Wednesday, Pam hosted a party for all the Phoenix Foutzes. I was able to meet all of Tom’s aunts, and several of his cousins. Scotland was a social butterfly going from lap to lap smiling and socializing with everyone. I really hadn’t realized how social he is. He loves people. I’m going to have to work a lot harder at getting him out more. To see some AMAZING pictures from the day taken by Tom’s cousin Dave go here.
Four generations: Mary Jean Foutz, Stanley Earl Foutz, Thomas Jonathan Foutz, and Scotland J Foutz. I wish we could have got this picture before Tom’s grandfather died. Scotland is currently the only descendant to carry the Foutz name from his great-great-grandfather’s line.
Thursday, Stan and Pam were kind enough to watch Scotland so Tom and I could do the Seven Falls hike with Adi and Jeremy. It was a spectacular hike with a climactic end point. The weather was perfect- 70 degrees and sunny. It felt so good to be up in the mountains. I forget how much I love hiking. We had a great time chatting with Adi and Jeremy. They are such a delightful couple. They’re are so happy, accepting, and interesting. We just love them. Arizona had a really rainy fall which made the hike all the more beautiful, and the falls- breathtaking.
This picture doesn’t do the falls justice. Each fall ends in a pool of water that then falls into another.
The hike is 5 miles round trip. I highly recommend it to anyone who finds themself in Tucson!
Friday and Saturday were spent more leisurely. We had a mexican face off- Rosa’s won. Doug, Archer, Tom, Adi and Jeremy saw the new Muppet movie. We visited Bookmans, and enjoyed Beyond Bread and Cinnabons.
Scotland trying to be a big boy like Archer.
Chillin’ with Grandma.
(I hate to post a picture of Pam in her PJs, but I just love this one. It shows how comfortable Scotland was with her, and how much she loved him. Pam ran the show the entire vacation making sure people were fed and entertained as Stan had to work a lot. I am so amazed by this woman. She is one of the most intelligent women I know. She went to all lengths to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Thank you Pam, I admire you.)
We tried our darndest to get a picture of the these three cousins. But Scotland was cranky because it was his naptime, Archer was restless because he’s two, and Amelia who we thought would be difficult was a complete doll!
New Year’s Eve was celebrated with a fondue dinner. As we all sat around the table laughing and talking there was an overwhelming feeling of love and joy. It was one of those moments when you realize that despite the challenges and stresses that family bring, it is all worth it because of moments like this. It’s a moment made special not by the actions involved, but by the feelings.