Escape to the Sun - Part I

What's 18 pounds, brown haired, and travels southeast at 400 miles an hour? You guessed it. The Noodle on her way to Tucson for more holiday frivolities.







The flight went quite well, despite the entire family only getting about 3 hours of sleep prior to lift off. There was no screaming or crying and much entertainment was gained from puffed rice, Sylvia's new favorite snack. (It's amazing what those little fingers can do once that big brain get to work coordinating them).

Lest it be thought that everything went too smoothly, the drive from Phoenix to Tucson was not a happy one. Sylvia was very tired and a few miles in saw most of us, including Aunt Vic whom we picked up in Phoenix, spending some time crying in the backseat.

Waiting to greet us in a comfortable rental home in North Tucson were Granny and Granddad and Uncle Chris (aka uncle Cajun). Stephen and Sylvia wasted no time and got down to having fun.

Photo: Chris Lane

With the upside down greeting out of the way, the group got down to the serious business of Mexican food in Tucson. I can't remember the name of the place we visited but the chili rellenos were fantastic. Sylvia had to make due with rice puffs, though she did manage to put her hand in her dad's refried beans and kiss her aunt.

As the days passed and the sun shone down our thoughts naturally turned to warm, stuffed stockings. After much November phone and email deliberation, our group had voted to dispense with the usual one big gift per person and go with stocking stuffers. Many fine goodies were exchanged. I'll use this as an opportunity to give thanks for all of the wonderful gifts, great and small, that we received this year. We are lucky to be part of such a generous family.

Sylvia and her trusty stuffed muskrat survey the stuffers too large for stockings.

The family gathered round the table for the unwrapping with much anticipation. Some package pinching and squeezing was observed but no fouls were called and no surprises spoiled. (Those of you with sharp eyes will notice the presence of Andy, Vic's b-friend, who joined us from Phoenix. Hi Andy!). Sylvia scored big with two, count em' two, hand knit hats from Vic. Clearly they are not working her hard enough at the hospital.

So much cute baby, so little time to snap a pic.
Photo: Chris Lane

With every story, there are elements that don't fit neatly within the narrative but need to be included for atmosphere. In this case, the house we rented came with an exceptionally large pie that was the subject of much conversation and excitement. And, as expected from a pie of unusual size (POUS), it proved to be big on size and small on taste. This didn't stop Vic from showing her appreciation.

Please note plastic flowers and dusty pinata in background.

Bringing the story back on track we find our intrepid vacationers walking through the desert environs of Tucson at Tohono Chul botanical garden. This 37 acre garden displays a large variety of indigenous and foreign specimens and sports a gift shop that yours truly, back in my long haired and goateed days, sold jewelry. How things have changed.

Sylvia enjoys a sweet ride in a borrowed backpack. Deluxe!

Four lovely ladies.

Next episode...San Xavier Del Bac and...more cute baby pics.

I told you, vacuum cleaners are sexy...