Arizona Trip - Saturday

Saturday

 

6:00 am – Even after being up till midnight waiting on Big Boy to get back from the concerts (and another jamming session), the sun shines early.  It actually starts to rise around 4 am!  We all showered and enjoyed breakfast on the patio.  Minus the bird droppings, the patio is very enjoyable. Watching the birds find breakfast and giant lizards scamper around the shade and kids splash in the pool was very peaceful.

About two minutes later the phone rings.  Baby Girl answers.  The van will be waiting for us as well.  Great!  I’m glad they anticipated that.  I was going to call once we got the cart loaded.  Within a minute someone loud (yelling into a radio or something) arrived, ready to take our luggage for us.  Hubby would be glad to know that I’m not straining my back loading everything.  This guy seemed stressed and not very friendly.  Hardly even polite.  I’m glad I sent the kids to the first workshop without me.  Baby Girl would have mentioned (a bit too loud) that he wasn't as polite as the last guy.  He did load the van (kind of), then return it to the lot.  Then I joined the kids for the first of the workshops.

The 9 am banjo class was how to catch and keep attention.  The instructor showed the audience some bluegrass/traditional/cross picking things.  I didn't understand a bit of it, but it sounded good when he demonstrated.

During the second workshop Big Boy went to a banjo workshop while the girls (and most of the band) went to Mr. B’s ukulele workshop.  I got the last of our things out of the room so I could checkout on time.  These were the things I didn't want Mr. Rude to mess with or were forgotten in the rush.  Also, the cold food had to be put in the cooler and covered in ice.  I wanted them to stay in the mini fridge as long as possible.  Oh no!  It is so heavy.  I found a band member (17 yo boy) and recruited his help.  He wasn't in a workshop and he was willing to help.  We loaded these things into the van ourselves.  I checked out of the room and put two of the unused instruments in a friends room.  We didn't want those in this heat! 

When the second workshop was over our band had a meeting.  We needed to discuss the uniform for the evening, what songs will be played (there were changes from the original plan), the next show….

Nathan Hanna, Buddy Griffin and Tyler Jackson

By the time we were done talking the third workshop was nearly over.  You don’t want to walk in and be rude, so we went to lunch with another band member and his dad.  Of all the places we could have gone, new places, places that are not in Houston, the kids all chose Carl’s Jr.  Whatever.  It’s food.  I’m not picky.

After eating I stop by Auto Zone and try to find a quick solution to my license plate problem.  The sales guy took the plate off with his fingers before I finished talking.  Ugh.  I feel like a ditz. I thought it was going to take a tool and time.  He we put it in the back of the window – perfect.  I thought it was going to be too dark to see.  Now I just need tape.

I walk in to check my keys back in with the valet and ask the check in guy for tape.  Perfect – he as clear packing tape!  I get two long pieces and tape the pate onto the window.  I will deal with the stickiness later.  It will be less expensive and worrisome than a ticket.  Especially an out of town ticket.

Tyler Jackson

We made it back in time for the last workshop.  Big Boy was adamant about attending this one.  Tyler Jackson is a former student of Mr. B’s and a fantastic player.  I walk in the room and Big Girl is holding her arm wile Tyler is holding her Banjo.  Oy.  Turns out that she broke a string and he was sweet enough to fix it for her.  This was by far the best of all the classes.  I think most of it is because he was a former All Star and knows what my kids are learning, who they are learning from and what they need to hear.  I know it’s not all about them, but this was definitely the best workshop they attended all weekend.

More swim time.  We have a few hours until our performance so several of the band members went swimming, some took a nap.  We had checked out, so we just hung out by the pool listening to the performances and chatting with the friendly waitress.  In my grand plan, I had planned on leaving tonight so we can be at White Sands by morning and have a lot of fun playing all day.  Only problem with that is we don’t have a room to keep our things in for the day.  Oh well.  Just like everyone else here we will walk around with a banjo all afternoon. J  Sitting by the pool I smell the burgers being cooked.  Mmmmm.  I’m getting hungry.  Maybe.  I watch the lady grilling.  She is wearing those plastic gloves to make the patties.  Then she turns and gets a bun.  No glove change.  She takes the bun off the grill.  No glove change.  She grabs lettuce and cheese – with the same gloves on.  Then she gets the spatula and puts the meat on the bun.  Never taking the gloves off.  What is the point of wearing the gloves if she is still going to cross contaminate the food?  I am no longer hungry. 

Nathan Hanna

6:00 pm – Time for us to check in with our fearless leader.  We get the stage set up, get the sound stuff ready, move chairs and get everyone tuned.  After a quick run through it’s already time to get started.  It amazes me how quickly they can run through an hour long show.  With just 15 minutes to go before we perform, Mr. B has everyone leave the stage (they walk in playing for the first song) to get a drink and go to the bathroom.

8:00 – what a great show!  In the four years we have been with the band, there has only been one performance (that I have seen) that hasn't been absolutely stellar.  That wasn't tonight.  With many compliments and a standing ovation, the band left the ballroom.

Big Boy and I collect our instruments from our friend’s room while the girls have the valet bring the van around.  Big Girl comes back and says that the valet won’t bring it for her.  What?  I don’t want her to drive, don’t give her the keys.  Just bring the truck.  Whatever.  I let Mr. B know we are leaving so he doesn't wonder where we are.  The girls went back to the valet.  Big Boy and I catch up and Big Girl has the keys.  Apparently Mr. Rude doesn't like the fact we went out to the truck earlier and have already checked out.  Big Girl says that he told her he can’t bring it around for us.  She said he was rude too.  I’m getting frustrated and tired.  The kids are getting tired.  We walk allllll the way to the truck (with a broken foot!) and repack it.  

Like I said, he ‘kind of’ loaded it.  His idea of loading was to just put suitcases in the seats.  I’m at the point I just want to leave.  We finally go.  I get on I-10 and drive as far as I can.  Why is this taking so long?  I thought I would be near White Sands by 11 pm.  Ugh.  Time change.  I forgot.  I made it to Deming tonight.  That’s as close as we will get tonight.  I will just start early tomorrow.

Arizona Trip - Friday

Friday

This was session #1

Another early morning. I was up again by 6. Why cant I wake up this early - with out an alarm- at home?   Craziness.  We all sleep wonderfully last night. The beds were comfy, there were 6 fluffy pillows on the bed and the room was really dark.

My crazy kids wake up and instantly have their noses in a book.  As frustrated as I was that it took two and a half hours to eat and a half hour to get ready, I know I am blessed that they love to read so much. And Baby Girl is reading her new Action Bible.

9:00 am. All dirty clothes are packed and we are off to the laundromat.  We go down to the valet to get the truck. While waiting, the kids grab a cold apple and flavored water from the registration area.

Oh no. The valet cant find it. We see the poor guy run from one end of the parking lot to the other.  He runs over to us and we point it out. He said he was confused because the key pad didn't work.  The button went out 2 weeks ago and I can’t get it open to replace the battery. Ford wants $15 to do the work. That's a joke! We don’t even think it is a battery issue, but rather a problem with the alarm system on the truck.  I will get it fixed when we get home. Until then, I will confuse the valet :)  Once he knew what the problem was, he was back in a jiffy with the cold air already on. He even offered us all cold bottles of water for our errands. The registration lady had just given us 4, so we were good.

Playing pool side means more distractions
 - not for the All Stars!

The service here at the omni is fabulous. I didn't pay full price (event discount) but the service and atmosphere are worth every penny. Every single staff member is super friendly and helpful. From the poolside waitress that chit chatted with Big Girl about broken feet to the bell hop that loved talking about music and the valet that laughed WITH me about the key pad not working.  The registration guy was great, and so was the concierge.  You will not hear a complaint from me! 

There is a laundromat just down the road from the Omni, so we get our clothes washed and the kids have some free reading time. Then we are off to quickly vacuum the grand canyon out of the truck.

If you are not a musician, the rest of this post may not interest you.  However, my 3 fretted instrument players had a "blast" today.

When got back to the hotel we started finding workshop. There were several to choose from. You had the option of going to the ukulele or banjo workshops for 3 hours. All 3 the kids decided to go to just banjo. Maybe they just felt more comfortable being with someone they know. Even if it is a sibling.  Maybe it was because they want to further their education in banjo.

The first workshop “how to sell yourself to get a gig.”  Not something they need to worry about with the band,  but good knowledge for every day life. We have to sell ourselves often (job applications, volunteer positions....) it was very informative and applicable - even for a 10 year old.

Next was “parlor-style plectrum banjo.” This one was not as interesting for my group. We politely listened, but 1) we play tenor banjo and 2) half the things that were said went right over the kids heads.

Then it was Big Girls favorite time of day - lunch!  We had an hour break to eat, re-hydrate, and re-apply sunblock.

Dancing along with the music

Finally we learned about "performing for the general public in 2014."  Since so many of these talented musicians have been performing for 30+years,  they learned how to update their style,  while my youngsters learned how to perform, not just play. There is a big difference!  The main one being whether or not you are asked back.

 After the last workshop there was a 'jammin session.'  It was amusing to see my three youngsters play with musicians with 50 plus years of experience.  Most of these people have instruments older all 3 of my children together!

During the last session of the day, the rest of the band start showing up. We had just over a two hour break between the jammin session and our rehearsal time.  Everybody that was checked into the hotel decided it was time for swim.  We all took advantage of this time and swam in the large warm pool for about 2 hours.

With about 30 minutes left until the show; the pool was cleared and everyone got dried off, dressed, tuned, and mentally ready for the show.

I’m so proud of this band. Mr. B is such a wonderful leader. They played about an hour and had the crowd wanting more.  We were originally scheduled for only half an hour.  Since this show was pool side, half the audience was in the water.  I sat on the patio for our room and just laughed and laughed. The old ladies in the water tried to square dance during the 1st song (a square dancing song) and they did the hula during the hula song. It was so cute!   They danced during most of our songs. It must be a great compliment because I didn't see that yesterday or today with any of the other pool side performances.

After such a great show the kids all deserved another trip to the water. We swam for over 2 hours, then Big Boy attended several of the indoor concerts while the girls went to bed. We will be playing in the ball room tomorrow. This has been such a wonderful experience. To see and hear all these world class musicians and the different styles of music, all on the same instrument. Then to be taught by so many.

I love our instructor, but sometimes you have to hear the same thing from someone else for the information to make it all the way to your brain. I told Baby Girl that it is the same with math. When daddy teaches, big girl goes cross eyed. When I teach it (some times) she picks it up faster. Some times it is the other way around. It’s always good to be instructed by others because they have different experiences.

As much money add hubby and I poured into this trip, it is an experience they will remember for a life time. All the national monuments and learning they have received in just the last 6 days is absolutely priceless.  I can’t wait to see how they perform tomorrow.  Their concert is highly anticipated by many of the other guests here.

Arizona Trip - Thursday

Thursday

Panoramic view of the National Park

6:45 am - The sun is up and the birds are singing. It’s time for me to be up as well.  And now the phone is ringing.  A Mom's work is never done. No one cares if you are on vacation, in another time zone, or out hiking the Grand Canyon, they will still call, text, and email as if they are the one thing on your mind every waking hour of the day.  

Blooming Prickly Pear - we even
saw  Purple Prickly Pear!

Today is the day we check in with our fearless leader. There are no plans for the day. I'm thinking Saguaro National Park. It seems interesting. I didn't know it existed until I saw a sign yesterday. I looked it up and now I want to go.  Maybe start checking in - and cleaning up. 

9:00 - Everyone is clean, fed, and our things are picked up. The larger igloo cooler is nearly empty of cold food and one bag of ice isnt lasting 2-3 days any more. Time to switch cold food to the smaller cooler and vice versa.

We are on day 5 of our trip and still haven't found a place to go bike riding. Looking really hard for a place today.

Flowers/Fruit of the saguaro.
Dove nest up here

9:30 we arrive at Saguaro National Park. This place is amazing!   So many variety of cacti. We stopped at nearly every pull out to take photos and look at the birds.  The girls were fascinated with the fact that every cactus looked so different. We wandered around the visitor center and even got supplies for another junior Ranger program.

I have no idea what kind of tree this
is, but it has unique leaves

While at the visitor’s center we looked at all the displays, watched an informative film, worked on the ranger program and listened to the ranger. Since Big Girl can't hike too far and Big Boy has a headache (dehydrated?) we picked a very short hike. Baby Girl and I walked a bit more while the other two played a desert version of slap jack inside. It was apparently hotter than we thought. The winds were still high today, keeping us cool, but my phone shut of twice due to overheating. We left the park about 2:00 when every one was hungry.

About half way out of the park I noticed a car behind me. Since I was going 20 under the speed limit- admiring the scenery- I pulled over to let it pass. Turns out that it was a police car. Then he pulls up behind me!  Oh no.  Now the lights are on.  I panic. I don't need a ticket while or of state!   Wait!  What did I do wrong?  Impeding the flow of traffic because I was going so slow?   Turns out that the bike rack is completely blocking my license plate. The road I was on is a straight shot to Mexico and they have s huge problem with illegal aliens in this area. And I am in a 12 passenger van. Hmmm. Fortunately he let's me of with a warning. That's getting fixed asap!  I just don't know how to do it before getting home. ....

Working on the Jr. Ranger books

3:00 pm - We check into the Tucson Omni.  Big Boy is feeling better. I think he was hungry and dehydrated. This place is fabulous. We don't stay in hotels often and so far on this trip it has been all camping. The girls got a kick out of the bell hop taking ALL of our luggage and asking for what they were carrying as well.  Big Girl nearly had a panic attack when she heard "valet."  She missed the fact that it is complementary. We stay on a tight budget,  so something silly like valet is not common for us. You want to park my gigantic van in your small parking lot. .... go for it. 

When we got to the room I had to tell them to settle down a few times. This room is definitely the nicest we have stayed in. Baby Girl loved the patio overlooking the pool. There are 2 queen beds, but also a 'living room' and wet bar. Then she saw the bathroom. Its larger then theirs at home. Not only is there a really deep tub and separate shower, but the closet is almost as large as my master closet at home.  There is also a separate sink area.  This valet is so sweet and helpful.  I asked how cold the wine cooler got and he said ‘not too cold.’  When I asked if it would keep milk cold he said he would request a mini fridge for me.  Yea!  Must be a dad.  He mentioned something about the ‘honor bar’ (overpriced candy and water they leave for you),  I asked if it could be taken away and he said it would be taken care of right away.

After requesting a mini fridge (wine cooler is not cold enough) we organized and got dressed for the pool.

After swimming in the warm water for about 90 min, it was time to shower and get supper. 

7:00 pm we get a knock on the door. I'm still in my swim suit so big girl answers.  Some man at the door starts handing her milk and cookies and ice. I am confused because I missed the conversation. Big Girl is about ready to have another panic attack. I say "we didn't order this" and he says it's a complementary turn down service. It's free (already paid for with the room)  Big Girl is so excited. Milk and cookies before bed :)

8:00 pm - After everyone is clean and dressed we take a walk around the resort and sit by the outdoor fire place. We watch humming birds flutter by and admire the plants. Then we make our way to the banjo concert and hear some of the many performers here this weekend.

By 8:30 the kids are tied. We go back to the room for milk and cookies and go to sleep.

A damaged cactus.  They form a "boot"
to protect themselves.

Arizona Trip - Wednesday

Wednesday

I love how they grow wild -
and everywhere!

Another early start today. I woke up about 6 (AZ time) and drove to the nearest gas station (that was less than $3.50 a gallon) to fill up and get hot chocolate. Its cold out here!  The wake up temp was in the low 50's, but with the high winds it’s even colder!  After getting gas, dumping the water from the cooler and refilling with ice, and dumping cocoa all over my seat (baby girl put it in a bad spot and I forgot it was there) we got on our way to Phoenix.

7:20 am. Not much to see on the way.  We saw a coyote cross the freeway. Very pretty dog.  We found out what the haze is in the sky. I had no idea that there were wildfires between Sedona (about to go through there) and flagstaff.

8:30 am - Stop at a rest area -Sunset Point- to clean up for the day. If we are going to stop it might as well be in a pretty area.  It was trying to sprinkle and very windy.  What is the deal with all the wind?!

9:30 am - Bodies are clean (baby wipes), faces are clean (face wipes), clothes are changed and housekeeping is done (trash out, blankets folded, water bottles filled, books picked up....) we take time to look around at the scenery and take photos.  Then we are back on the road

9:38. Segurro cactus!  These are the coolest!  I always think of Snoopy’s brother when I see these :)  I love how they dot the mountains - by the hundreds.

10:00 in Phoenix! One more goodwill stop. Baby girl left her jacket at home and the mornings are so cold. In and out in under 5 min and under $5. I have tought my girls well :)  or so I thought. Big boy needed a pit stop so the girls and I go look at books. Bad idea. An hour later we are leaving with 4 books each. We need to be in Tucson by 5 ready to minister with music. I drag the kids out of the store and get back on the road.

Noon - Lunch time. I don't know this area. I'm looking for a Walmart. They are everywhere.  It should be an easy find.  The only one is in Tucson. Not in Flagstaff or Phoenix. We can't wait another hour. I do a quick online search for ‘grocery store’ and find a Fry’s food store (Kroger) 5 miles away. Yea!  Food (rotisserie) and gas purchased, we picnic in the parking lot.  By 1:00 we are back on the road

1:50- Tucson!  4 days of driving and we are at our ultimate destination.  We found a parking lot and practiced for over an hour. We went over all out songs twice, just to make sure we didn't forget any.

3:30. Time to clean up, change clothes and get ready to play. We stop in a Walmart and get ready. After picking up bread and meat and a veggie for dinner. By 4 we are out eating dinner and getting some prayer time in before heading to the mission center.

4:45 we arrive inside to check in. Much later than I wanted to, but it took nearly 30 minutes just to find the place and then unload the instruments and carry them around the building and inside.  We tune and start right at 5.

Mr B says that no matter what, the show must go on. Well, we had planned on a room full of 10-12 that Olds - on average.  However, we got a few 4 and 5 year olds.  Spontaneous change of plans #3!  Let's change up the program. The kids played for about 10 min. We are losing them fast, so we skip to the end where we had planned to show the children the instruments up close and let them ‘play’. They love it! Big Boy Even gives all 3 kids a pick - to keep!   After 10 min we go back to the "show."  This time the kids only had about a 10 min attention span. We gave them all the instruments to play a second time. We showed them one on one how they make different sounds and how to hold and handle the instruments gently. They loved it. Not quite what was planned, but God knew what they needed today.

6:00 pm we leave the mission center and go to a local park to play.  We find some nice kids to play with and run off a lot of energy.  We picnic, then leave after 90 min.

8:30. We are still on Houston time, everyone is tied. We all agree on an early bed time. We check in with the band instructor tomorrow.