Amazing when you have been away from home for a while how great it feels to return. We had an awesome time in Arizona (Hi Tom, Hi Lisa!). Isaac had some cool new experiences – the Zoo and the Airforce Museum. We also had some fabulous family bonding time.

As with any experience, I learned a few things on this trip. Here is a summary:

1. Yes you can gain 4 lbs in as many days.

2. Three year olds prefer that you “not look at them” from the 7th hour of travel on.

3. Just because it’s Nordstroms “Rack” doesn’t mean you still can’t spend too much money.

4. Sweaters are unecessary in Arizona. Period.

5. In reference to #4 – this means you must not add a “winter coat” (spanish for extra pounds) because there is no place to hide it.

6. Teenage boys are hard on the ego – especially while engaged in video games.

7. People take showers at Flying J’s. Yikes.

8. Gas is cheaper ANYPLACE than California.

9. Toyota 4 Runners can hold a ridiculous amount of people and their crap.

10. Finally, don’t tick off the CHP officer by telling him he smells like Tuna. Big Tuna will write you a ticket.

Have you been on the 10 freeway outside of L.A.? It is a long stretch of road, filled with nothing but dirt and the occasional small trailor towns, especially once you make it past Palm Springs.

Mostly it just looks like where they filmed Erin Brockovich (because it is). Well tomorrow, very early even before the chickens awake, our little family will be packing up and heading down past Bakersfield, through Los Angeles, past Indio (and other Desert Cities) all the way to Chandler, Arizona. We are making a holiday visit to the Stone household just outside of Phoenix.

It is always with mixed emotions that we visit this place. It represents some of the greatest loss Kevin and I have faced in our adult lives but it also brings healing with each visit.

D’Lynne I wish you could see us now. I wish you could see how beautiful and perfect your grandsons are. How much they favor the Bellah side of the family. They are funny and charming just like the son you raised so well. I wish I could see the look on your face when Isaac sings his “prayer song” or when Joshua laughs a big belly laugh at his brother’s antics.

Times have changed and now these visits to Arizona are marked with memories of loosing a mother and friend. However, I know that you would be so proud of what your son has accomplished and how strong our family is because of your intervention, prayer and love. It would be impossible to go too far without being reminded of you and your commitment to our family and to God.

So as we take this journey tomorrow and are reminded of so many days and moments ago when you were present in our lives – know that you may be physically gone but are always present with us.