Back in April I decided that I needed to get away from life (see Birthday posting about being depressed to turn 27). I found out that my gram was going to AZ to see my aunt, uncle and cousins, and to see Jessie graduate from ASU. After getting the ticket reservation for my gram from my aunt I made a call down south and asked if it would be too much to come down as well as the flight was pretty cheap. When I talked to Jess and told her I would come down you would have thought that was the best day ever for her. So after a month of waiting to go I finally flew down with gram.
Traveling with gram is an adventure. First, she has had knee replacements so when we go through the airport security screening she gets stopped due to the metal knees. They don't care that she carries around a card that says she has fake knees. They still have to bring in the burly women to do the pat down and the magical wand test. While waiting for our flight I saw a friend of mine who used to be in my ward who was flying to Phoenix to catch a flight to Chicago for school interviews. It was nice to talk to him (he is married now). The flight was horrible (especially the landing). When my aunt picked us up she drove us around the airport to show us the precautions the state was taking for President Obama to come into town and speak at the graduation. Buses were lined up all around the perimeter and you couldn't see any of the landing strips. We were going to go to the graduation speach with Obama, but ended up not as it was held in the stadium, in metal seats, in 100+ degree weather where you had to be there 2 hours early and no water bottles were allowed in (dang that Swine Flu). After hearing about that grand torture we ended up just going shopping and then to dinner (where I flirted it up with the hot waiter).
Gram and I ended up staying in a Best Western while we were there. I don't know if I can travel with people who wake up at 5:30am and turn on all the lights just to go and get in the shower. It is one thing to turn on a light to get your items and then turn it off when you get in the shower. I was a little grumpy that day.
Jessie and Jason took me to this really fun zoo and aquarium where they have animals that are not found in your typical zoo. It was really fun. We went early enough in the morning so we didn't have to worry about the heat. It was way fun. On Friday was Jess' graduation from her individual school (education). That was short and sweet. Loved it...I am sure everyone wishes they were all that short. Afterwards we tried to go to one of my favorite places down there (Better Than Sex Cafe), but it was closed for remodeling. Guess I will have to go back in Fall. That night there was a graduation party for Jess as well, so we spent the rest of the day getting things ready for that. Jason and I got to travel a lot that day running errands. On Saturday we went to breakfast and shopping before Gram and I had to catch our plane home. It was such a great trip. I had so much fun, and I love being able to see the Vunders! I love you guys!! (Jason, can't wait to see you in a week).
This monkey was so cute. He was just hanging out watching the patrons go by.
These are the same type of monkeys (from Congo). You know you have a true friend when they are willing to pick the lice and bugs off you!
At the petting zoo these animals were acting like they hadn't ever eaten. They even started nibbling on my shirt. Don't I look so Snow White or Sleeping Beautish. I wanted to start singing as I was surrounded by deer!
At the aquarium I got to feed the sting rays. This guy could smell the shrimp in my hand and keep jumping out of the water for it. Talk about an odd sensation. I would love to feed them again though.
Madi loves penguins so I had Jess and Jason pose with me so I could get those for Madi.
They had this really fun train ride where they actually stop the train in the middle of the ride for you to look around. Good thing there wasn't anything too dangerous, or maybe they were used to people taking the train into their territory.
Don't we all look so happy?
Jess and the women. It was a blas to hang out with them.
So modelesque...don't cha think? That is my new dress I bought down there. I love it!! So not like the majority of the clothes I own.
Even though I didn't get to eat there, I still at least got my picture with the sign!
It wouldn't be the zoo if you didn't take your picture with the Lion drinking fountain (which wasn't working). I guess they keep it for picture ops.
Again, so many photo ops at the zoo!!
This picture doesn't show it, but Brynnie loved the carousel. At first she was a little hesitant, but once it got going she was grins the whole ride.
Again, what is the zoo without the "Do you measure up?" picture. Yes...I do measure up.
What a great day at the zoo. I love my family. We had such an amazing day. Madi and Em were more excited for my day and our trip to the zoo than anyone else. I couldn't have spent it any better. 
This is before everything was taken out of the bag...pretty full, and heavy, if you ask me! Just call me Quasimodo as that is what I am going to be!
The things that are in my purse...
Me and Jackie enjoying our boba. I will get a different one next time. I go the peach that was a peach smoothie with big boba, little tapioca and then tropical fruit chunks. It was a little too much.
As you can see on my tongue, boba is actually quite big, but delectable!!
