Tempe or Bust!

As you probably know, Joseph and I headed cross country, 1900 miles, to see the Bulldawgs take on the Sun Devils in Tempe. And as you can probably guess, we had a blast!

I also learned something about American culture - its really cute for a mom and little boy to travel alone, but they are only allowed to go see their grandparents. So many people came up to Joseph and asked him if he was going to see his Grandma. When I told them that no, we were actually going to the UGA football game in Tempe, they looked at me as if I was an alien and just walked away.

First thing when we got to Arizona, we got our vacation car and headed to Scottsboro where we visited the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Visiting other cities reminds you what a raw deal we get here in Georgia with our public parks.

This place had a replica 1:4 train that you could actually ride for $2! It was so much fun - Joseph was so excited that we rode it twice!


And it also had a carousel and a huge playground with misting water and huge sunshades, and a cute old timey stage coach.



Here's Joseph whizzing down the slide!


After playing for awhile, we headed over to Taliesin West to learn about Frank Lloyd Wright. We went on their walking tour, and made it through an hour of the 1-1/2 hour tour. Then I used Joseph as an excuse to duck out.



I'm not really a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, but I thought since I was there I ought to try to learn a little about him. I learned he's a freak, as was the poor lady giving our tour.



But it was fun, and it was a really cool place, and part of American history. . . sort of. And it was in the book of the places to see before you die, so I can cross that one off.

The next day it was time for the football game! Since it's so hot in Arizona that your eyeballs boil just walking down the sidewalk, people don't really tailgate. So instead we headed to their little restuarant/bar strip for lunch. They aren't really used to the Georgia way of doing stuff, so we all took the town by surprise. So much so that the restaurants ran out of beer. Apparently the ASU fans show up and have a drink before the game. Right before the game. Whereas Georgia fans like to arrive about 8 hours before the game for about a dozen or so drinks.

After lunch, Joel, Joseph and I headed over to their Tempe Towne Lake Beach Park (another awesome city park) to play in the splash area.



Hold on. When did Joel get here? Joel, the true jetsetter, flew in "for the game", not even spending a full 24 hours in Tempe before he had to jet set back home to Atlanta for a couple of days before heading out west again.

Finally, it was time for the game. Monique and I posed with Joseph (although Chris cut him out of the picture) while Joel tried to scalp our extra ticket.


As you probably know, UGA kicked some Sun Devil butt. Despite the fact that ASU was the Pac 10 Co-Champion last year. SEC baby!

UGA-Central Michigan Tailgate

So last Saturday, was a little warm . . . to say the least. But we had a good time.

While most people try to recreate their living rooms at the tailgate site - there were plenty of folks there with televisions, satellites, and comfortable chairs, we went for the bathroom.

Oh - and the best part. We met Vince Dooley. Or accosted him - depending on who you ask. But we did get him to slow down long enough to snap this picture. . . . before Mamoo kissed him! (on the cheek). What a day!

Another successful day on the potty

Joseph had another successful day using the potty. He wore his big boy britches all day at school with no accidents!

This evening at bedtime, Joseph picked out two books to read. First, we read the new Brown Bear Brown Bear. And for his second story, the OLD Brown Bear Brown Bear.

Ahhhh to be two again!

First UGA game, and the unveiling of UGA VII, and potty training

We made it through the first football game. It wasn't easy, but we heard the bugle player, and saw all of our seatmates, and watched the crowning of UGA VII.



That was especially hard, as UGA VI was in UGAdom for our whole marriage. Kris's bachelor party was held at the South Carolina game, which was UGA VI's first showing. And then of course UGA VI died not long after Kris.

Joseph had a blast at the game though. Despite the 94 felt like 104 degree heat that nearly wiped both Greg and myself out! He cheered and screamed during the game, and has talked about the "new" UGA, Hairy Dawg and the football players non stop ever since. How 'bout them Dawgs!

I was pretty exhausted after the game. I don't know why, but those always make you sore. So Sunday and Monday we just hung around the house to focus on our next big hurdle: the potty.



Joseph did GREAT! He only had one accident. We even ventured out to the Varsity Jr for lunch with Kelly, Kyle and Kimi. And later, Joseph and I went to Barnes and Noble where he picked out a prize since he had done so well using the potty. We looked and looked and looked through all the books they had. We made another round. We looked at Toy Story books and potty books and Thomas books and Cars books. After much deliberation, Joseph finally settled on the classic Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you see? (which we already own and read every night). But I guess it never hurts to have another copy.