Sarah and family planned a week in Phoenix primarily so she could attend a baby shower for one of her long-time ASU (Go Sun Devils) dance-team mates, while Michael got a chance to play golf with some friends. We returned to Phoenix and booked ourselves for a month at Desertscape RV Park only four miles from their hotel. This location worked out extremely well, not only for their visit, but for all the other things we needed to accomplish before moving onward.
The day they arrived, we were all invited for an afternoon with the Tallman family. Sarah and Tiffany worked together at the Diamondbacks 17 years ago and have been close friends since. We’ve watched their daughters, Brooklyn and Kaitlyn, grow up via Instagram, so it was special finally meeting them in person as High School teenagers. Robert and Tiffany covered their kitchen island with hors d’houvres and kept the drinks coming. Terrific hosts!
We enjoyed watching the daughters play with and tend to Sammy and Happy, sisters clearly the product of being raised by great parents. The little ones spent time in the backyard pool (start to a vacation trend), while Sarah and Tiffany sat in shade nearby and caught up on each others lives. We men sat inside and watched sports on TV. Their backyard was well landscaped and party ready.
The Gomez family stayed in a suite at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, and as such, had access to a half dozen swimming pools. Sarah and Michael have ensured both kids continue to take swimming lessons, so as to be cautious but comfortable in the water. Needless to say, we joined them for hours and hours of nearly non-stop pool time. They also spent a sleepover in Arthur and enjoyed our park pool for several hours. Can you say “water-logged”?
My birthday happened during their visit, and we (MFI’s birthday was just 4 days earlier) were treated to a delicious dinner at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Scottsdale. Not coincidentally, Sarah had worked at RA‘s in Tempe when she studied at ASU (Go Sun Devils) years ago. We were familiar with the menu, devoured the assorted sushi platters, and decimated the birthday dessert. Of course, I let the kids blow out our candles.
Tiffany still worked for the Diamondbacks and got us sweet seats in the section behind the dugout for a night game. Sammy and Hap had never before seen a live MLB game nor been in an indoor baseball stadium. They appeared to really enjoy themselves. Hell, we all did despite losing to the division-leading LA Dodgers.
While Michael golfed a second time, we spent the day in Tempe with Sarah at the wheel of Sid (Sid Silverado). Sarah wanted the kids to see the ASU campus and Mountain America Stadium in particular. We did a brief windshield tour before setting out on foot. We were amazed at the expansion of the campus and impressed with the new building designs. The stadium was unfortunately closed, but we spent enough time in the Book Store to outfit the kids with ASU (Go Sun Devils) paraphernalia. Sarah has been in her words “indoctrinating” both little ones for some time. They are familiar with videos of Sparky (ASU Mascot), sing the fight song, and flash the “pitchfork” hand sign.
We enjoyed our visit together as always and love all our grandchildren dearly. It was great engaging with these two knuckleheads again.
