A few months ago Adam accepted a conference in Las Vegas. He asked if I wanted to join him.
If I say yes, will you buy me tickets to see “O”?
He answered yes to that and more…
My father and aunt generously agreed to watch the kids while Adam and I spend one night together in Vegas. Afterwards, we drove over to see his mother’s place in Arizona.
About an hour after my dad and aunt arrived I put everyone to work.
Dad had the unfortunate job of helping with the twins inoculations.
One day later, I handed over a 7 page instruction manual and flew to Vegas to meet Adam at the Aria.
We had a fabulous dinner at Nobu, then went to see the show I have been wanting to see for over 10 years, “O”. The two drinks at dinner combined with the two hour time difference had both of us tired parents bird pecking in our seats. Ugh, we are old!
Sleeping until you woke up naturally for a week instead of the pitter patter of little footsteps eventually made us feel like normal people again, though.
Huge buffet breakfast at the Aria.
After our night out, we packed up and drove 7 hours just outside of Tuscon, AZ to visit Adam’s mom and husband.
Pit stop at the Hoover Dam
They have been living in a retirement community out there for 4 years. Sadly with all the kids, we have not been able to visit them earlier.
We have heard about it for 4 years though. They said how much they liked it, so I was expecting good things, but when I arrived I was blown away.
Playing with Zoe on the patio.
I doubt this blog can do it justice. It certainly can’t show the expansive vista they enjoy every single day from their own back yard. Pictures and words can’t give you the feeling of euphoria you experience looking at it while listening to the birds chirp, surrounded by pitch perfect weather.
Adam’s mom told us how many clubs she belonged to, but she didn’t mention the effect it has on a person. How having a group of like minded individuals all living together, all away from their families can effect a person.
It felt very similar to my time in Hong Kong, we called it “the bubble” because we were all in the same age group, without kids, our parents far away. The shared craziness of people willing to leave it all behind and start anew in a foreign place made us all very close very quickly. I still talk to those people and lament for the good old days of Hong Kong. It was a special time in my life, something very rare. Something not everyone in life is lucky enough to have. So I was very surprised to see my in-laws had found their own bubble!
Besides having found many new interests and friends, Adam’s mom has certified her dog as a therapy dog and volunteers with her. She also volunteers at a local school.
But we didn’t see that this visit. This visit we were treated like royal guests.
We stayed in their casita. We were taken to spectacular state parks and for hikes. The dessert landscape was mesmerizing.
Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park.
Salino Canyon
We hiked from that ridge!
And we ate out, at the golf club, a Mexican restaurant , a breakfast diner and more.
The Margarita is as big as my head!
I even got some laps in one of the 3 pools they have access to in their complex while Adam lifted weights in the adjoining gym. Adam and I managed a run the last morning as well.
Meanwhile, my father and aunt tirelessly held down the fort here in Chicago.
They fed the kids, ran them around to school, swim class, soccer and more. And they took them out to the parks to play. But best of all, they formed a connection with them that will last the rest of their lives.
I barely bothered to call. I felt completely competent in their abilities!
When we got back they offered to do more, and never once complained about the kids behaviors. Even as an adult, I’m still learning how to live under their grace and ability.
A big thanks to BOTH families! Adam and I are very lucky to have so many wonderful parents in our lives.
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The kids and I are starting role reversal. They ordered fancy crepes while I got boring oatmeal.
