Take My Picture

I love spending time with Baylee and I love that she now asks me to take pictures of her! Hooray! After I returned from California, we stopped for a visit at John & Kelly's. Ashlee was sleeping but we had some Grandma & Grandpa time with Baylee. At the top left there, she is looking at pictures on her Mommy's camera with Grandpa. At the bottom right, we took a picture together - this was a retake because in the first one I had lettuce on my tooth! Ack! John carried Baylee outdoors to say good-bye as we were leaving. xoxox Love you, Baylee Girl :)

Stopped To Visit

We made a quick stop at Jacob's while out and about so I could give Daphne and Davis little stuffed animal toys I'd picked up for them at the airport in San Diego. It was the only place with shopping that I'd been to while in San Diego. Daphne was having a great time climbing around on Grandpa!

Their little cousins were there, too. It has been a long time since I've seen Lara's little ones. They've grown so much!

Davis curled up with a book after the initial excitement of Grandma & Grandpa getting there. That green turtle is one of the stuffed animals I brought back for them.

Maria and two of her sisters were stretched out on the couch watching a movie while we were there. Any guesses what was on the tube?

Ha Ha! The Princess & The Frog! Love it!

Then I got to spend time with Jayden again. Nope, she isn't always in a highchair, just I happened to snap pictures of her in her highchair.  :)

Welcome Home

Ryan returned home today from his mission in Texas. It was great to see him at the airport and welcome him home. It was great to see Billie and Diane for a few minutes, too. It's been so long.

Welcome home, Elders.

Ryan and Rob both went to the same mission, one English speaking, the other Spanish speaking. The lifelong friends also returned home on the same flight. How wonderful for them!

Back To Arizona

Blue skies with stark white clouds lacing across horizon. It's a beautiful sight and comforting to know that Arizona is a short plane ride home.

Mike picked me up from the airport and we went out for lunch.

There was an accident across from the restaurant when we left. I was reminded of Kate's words, "We're all one mis-step, one accident, one medical error away from being diabled." She had said that to some able-bodied person who was complaining about the inconvenience of waiting for someone in a wheelchair.

And, I got to spend time with this little darling when I got back out to San Tan Valley. She was eating berries and keeping an eye on Grandma. :)

Reserved Seating

Maybe it's something I'm more aware of because of where I've ben for th past week. I couldn't help but notice the sign across the way and wonder just how many of those people are disabled.

There's a closer look at the sign...

On The Road Again

Cheryl Leitner backs up onto the shuttle lift.

Scott Winkler came over to give Zena a "lift" when he took over the controls.

All aboard and on the road heading for the airport.

Last Day

We headed out in mid-morning but had a bit of time in the morning to visit with people and say good-bye. This is Jeanette Thompson who served in Iraq and was injured there. Jeanette is somewhat new to the sports venue but she is in good running for a strong performance in the world championship.

Kathy is the head person on the Paralympic Olympics. I don't know what her actual title is but she's the head honcho...and nice as can be.

Eric Hightower has spina bifida and he is from Glendale, Arrizona. He's a charming young man and he too will be a strong contender in the world championship.

Now, it's time to get to the shuttle and off to the airport. :)

Olympic Rings

The Olympic rings are so easily recognized and have made my heart swell with pride each time the games are going. I love those rings, love the feeling I get when I see them. I know Mike just go nutty when he looks over as I'm writing/typing about the Olympic rings and he sees the smile on my face. He says I don't have a poker face...whatever I'm feeling shows on my face.

Right now, along with the rings, I love the sight of my sister in front of the rings, the U. S. and Olympic flags displayed behind her. How terrific is that? :)

We had some stranger visiting in the center take a picture of the two of us. Love ya' Zena!

Scott Winkler stretches out for a nap between activities.

The throwers get together in the dining area for an impromtu coach session. Others were there, I got a picture of just this one table.

Those Olympic rings again. :)

We'll be packing up and leaving tomorrow. Good thing. The Altoids tin is empty. :( The mints from Chik-Fil-A are gone...the chicken nuggets didn't lst long at all. :( This is the last Pepsi - Jacob and Maria had gotten some onto the campus for us. Coca-Cola sponsors the Olympics so there's no Pepsi products available around there.

It has been an amazing week!

Long Shadows

Taking a break in the late afternoon before the evening's workout, Shirley Reilly of Tucson, relaxes in one of the shady area on the campus.

Tina Kaufman-Cain of the U. S. Olympic Committee, pauses to pose for a picture with Zena in front of the Olympic Rings.

Scenic view abound throughout the campus. Those teal blue chairs look so inviting!

As the shadows grow long, the throwers prepare for an evening practice session.

And, the practice continues till well after sunset.

Another Visit

Jacob and Maria stopped in for another visit before actually heading out from the area. Those two little ones are adorable and we all had a nice visit.

Her Unique Crawl

Daphne has the most unique crawl ever! Love this girl. :)

What A Surprise!

Zena and I were both surprised beyond belief to learn John and Kelly had also traveled over to Chula Vista and would be visiting at the OTC!  How exciting that Zena would also be meeting his wife and two little ones. :)

Baylee had no hesitation at all in climbing out of the vehicle and giving Aunt Ogie a big hug. I love that she was smiling up at Grandma, too!

Zena was all smiles as she nestled Ashlee in her arm and led the way inside, out of the heat of the day.

After the initial greetings, we went up to the activity center for some fun and games. Kelly and Zena played a couple games of pool. I'm not sure what the outcome was beyond the sheer fun of the game.

John and Kelly went a couple rounds of table tennis, too.

Guess who won? :)

Don't you just love that Olympic moment with the outstretched arms?

A group picture before departing...John wanted the banner overhead, I wanted the people below. We compromised. Somewhat.

It was such a surprise that John and Kelly had come over. It was great that they were able to spend the time getting to visit the center and meeting Zena. I know it meant the world to her having that time with Hi Baby and his family.