Arizona Trip for Thanksgiving 2024

I started my Thanksgiving adventures by flying alone with the boys to Arizona. Our flight was early, we had to leave our house at 4:30 AM to be sure we got where we needed to be. The Southwest agent checking our bags was super sweet and let Jay press the buttons to send the bags through the tunnel. Then, she gave Matthew a gate pass! This is unheard of these days and I was doubtful we'd get one. Bless this woman for letting him come with us. Going through security without him would have been really hard and waiting for the airplane with two kiddos running in opposite directions would have been nerve-wracking too! The boys love watching the guys load suitcases into the airplanes and seeing all the moving vehicles on the tarmac. When it was time to board, we said goodbye to Matthew and headed onto the plane. Because of the early flight, it wasn't full and we were able to get a row with only one person in front of us. Jay had a bit of a hard time, but having the ability to put him in a chair where someone wasn't in front of him was very helpful. The boys were so excited to get juice and we did our very best to only spill a little bit. The hour and a half flight felt very long and I was grateful when we hit the ground. The boys stayed in the stroller well for me through the airport and once we got to baggage claim, Jay was thrilled to help pull everyone's suitcases off the belt. I had to grab him several times to keep him from grabbing bags that weren't ours. I loaded the two car seats onto the stroller, left Hugh in his seat, held onto Jay's backpack while he pulled his little suitcase, then pushed the stroller and the suitcase out of the airport onto the curb. Hugh fell asleep while we waited and Jay loved watching people load up into cars and take their luggage with them. We were so excited to see Kara when she arrived! Jett and Hank were thrilled to be sitting in the back where their big brothers usually sit! Kara is super woman and taught piano lessons that afternoon while her boys did homework and I made dinner. The boys loved playing outside in the sandbox and riding on all the toys. 

Hugh, Matthew, and Jay riding the train at DIA

Hugh, Me, and Jay, utilizing our whole row

I just snapped a picture and tried not to think about all the germs...

How did I get two suitcases, two backpacks, two kids, two carseats, and a stroller around an airport, it was a miracle! 

Levi, Ross, and Hugh playing catch

Ross demonstrating to Jay and Hugh how to load up cars onto the trailer

Kara and Jay dancing with Hank observing

Jay woke up very early every morning while we were at Kara's. It was usually about 4/4:30 and he was up for the day. I'd try to convince him to go back to sleep, but he was ready for fun! He'd crawl up to my bed and lay with me while kind of watching a show, and I went in and out of sleep. Needless to say, I was very tired every day so naps were an essential part of survival. By Saturday, we were so ready for Matthew to be with us so we could all get the much needed support and love only Dad can provide. 

Throughout our days in San Tan Valley, we went to Costco, Home Depot, Safeway, and to Ross and Levi's school. When you are walking around stores with 4 boys 4 and under, you get a lot of looks. A lady at Home Depot gave the boys a cool foam citrus orange ball and lemon pop-its. At Safeway we had some really nice workers trying to help us, while my boys were being tornados. Hugh threw all the cucumbers out of the cart, Jay wouldn't sit in the cart and didn't have shoes and tried to grab everything within reach off the shelves and if he couldn't reach something, he'd just reach for Hugh, Hank, or Jett and tantalize them. We got the kids buckled into the car and Kara and I both looked at each other like we'd just fought a battle. Then we laughed because laughing is better than crying! I try my hardest to never go to the store with both my kids and that trip to Safeway was a reminder of why. 

Jay and Levi racing cars

Hank, Hugh, Jett, and Jay all in the cart at Costco

All the boys watching a little story time after cleaning everything up

We got to go see Ross run in his school Turkey Trot and play human hungry hippos. He did awesome and it was fun to watch his excitement! Jay and Hugh loved hollering, Go Ross!  I stayed home with the boys during nap time for Kara to go watch Levi. Ross took special interest in Hugh while we were there and it was so sweet. Ross would help Hugh eat, even convincing Hugh to eat rice that I couldn't even get him to try. Ross would read him books, get him toys, and follow him around. Truly all of the Black boys were so kind to my boys for the whole time we were there and the next week! 

Ross feeding Hugh

One morning, Kara and I really needed a walk to reset. It was nice to get out and walk together. We stopped at the park on the way home and let the boys run around! The weather is so perfect in Arizona in November, and we enjoyed it as much as we possibly could! 

Super mom Kara and Hank

Hugh, deciding the sand seemed like a nice place to lay

Friday night I watched the boys while Kara and Seth went out to dinner for Seth's birthday. The Black boys were super excited to watch a show, so I let them watch a couple episodes. Jay and Hugh didn't watch much, but they still had plenty of fun things to do. Papa picked up pizza for us on his way into town and we all enjoyed a pizza night together. Everyone was very hungry by the time Papa arrived so it made dinner a breeze. Kara made Seth an ice cream cake and everyone enjoyed that and early birthday celebrations once Kara and Seth got home from dinner. 

Saturday we got to see Coach Kara and soccer athletes, Levi and Ross, in action! Kara is coaching Levi's team and they had a fun game! Kara has great energy and is able to connect with children in an engaging and fun way. Levi and Ross both played great in both their games. Jay and Hugh did remarkably well as they watched. Jay played on the playground for most of Ross's game, but I did get to watch some. By the time the games finished, I thought it would be lunch time and it was only 10:30! Once we got home, the boys played outside and we got everything packed up in preparation to go to Oma and Papa's. Ross and Levi came with us, which was a special treat. Papa drove Kara's van and we all piled in. Ross and Levi were awesome passengers, handing toys to the boys and reading them books along the way. We beat the Merrill van by about 30 minutes and we were so excited when they arrived! Matthew was able to tag along with them for the second leg of the trip and we were so happy to see him! We were originally planning to meet up at the BYU v ASU football game, but we realized we could resell our tickets for more than 2.5x as much as we purchased them for! In the end, it was nice to simplify and be in Pima and ready to start a great week. 

Papa, Ross, Hank, Jay, Seth, Hugh, and Me

Coach Kara and the team!

Jay actually held himself up on these monkey bars for the first time ever! He never holds on, for even a second, so this was big progress.

Ross reading stories to Hugh and Jay and Levi

Sunday was a beautiful day! We got to go to church with Oma and Papa and the Merrill's. Hope was my little buddy during church and she and Hugh entertained most of the kids, while Jay entertained the other half of the bench. Jason later said, "we had a great time!" Jay loves Uncle Jason and to have him and Papa nearby each other made it an awesome way to spend the sacrament meeting. Hugh was very sad we were leaving him, but made a cute little hand turkey and fell asleep in the nursery leader's lap for the rest of the time. Sunday dinner with Papa Ross is always a special treat and we enjoyed having him! We used the last few minutes of sunlight for a walk on the canal and it was beautiful! Ross was kicking rocks into the canal and kicked his shoe off. It started flowing down the river and Matthew saved the day by tracking it and running down to get it just as it came close enough to the edge to grab. It was impressive! Katey, Oma, Papa, and I went to a community Christmas Concert at the Stake Center in the evening. It was beautiful! I love music and it was a great way to kick off the holiday week. 

Super Aunt Katey letting Jay play with Abby, Tia, and Levi

Tia helping Hugh up the hill

Kade and Jay walking, so sweet. Up ahead you can see Ross, Levi, and Tia pushing the stroller with Hugh and Hope

Me, Katey, Papa, Oma, and Kylee

Abby was the motor and Hugh and Hope enjoyed their ride!

Despite my sciatica pain, I decided to go for a walk and play pickleball Monday morning. I was grateful when the chiropractor said he could fit me in. He helped work out the sore muscles and get everything back into place. I needed it desperately and was very grateful! Kara, Hank, Jett, and the Pollocks arrived that afternoon and Jack and Lindsay and their family rolled in that evening. It was fun to watch the kids figure each other out and learn to get along. 

Hugh, Hope, and Jay playing in the sand

Levi helping Hugh enjoy the slide in the fort

Hope and Jay loving the dirt

Oma playing rolley polley. 

Tuesday morning we went to the church to play games and run around. Jay was in an out of the cultural hall and Hugh was terrified I would leave him, so I was in and out of the games with one or both of the boys. We played dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, and tag. It was a hard morning for me. I want to play, I want to play like I used to, which means never stopping and being all in! With the boys, I didn't get to go-go-go. I did get a few rounds of Speed while Jack, Kara, and Mom chased Jay and Tia had Hugh. I felt so loved and supported while we were there though, and throughout the whole week. Everyone helped me with my boys, especially when Matthew couldn't be with us because he was working. I felt seen and supported and loved in a way that is hard to describe. I am so grateful for the unconditional love of my family! I need them! 

Hope and Hugh enjoying their snacks!

Jett and Hugh

Betty did great reading to Hugh several times throughout the week, so sweet

Matthew's first day off of the week was Wednesday and boy, were we ready to play with him and so grateful he had the rest of the week off. We enjoyed pickleball and being outside all day. The weather is unbeatable in November and we took advantage of it. We even played a few pickleball games at night with Papa's new light system. Jay loved helping Papa dig and move dirt around. The sandbox was a big hit with both of the boys. Wednesday evening, we had a surprise 40th birthday party for Jack. Fortieth birthdays are a big deal in the Blaylock family, so we decided it would be fun to celebrate Jack a little early. Klaire and I had the kids start singing in the hallway and Jack was actually surprised it was for him! He's a hard guy to surprise as he's very observant, but we did it! Matthew put together a little trivia guessing game based on facts of 1984 and then each sister shared a little gift and the memory associated with the gift. I gave him a little race car that matched the paint job he would do when we played playstation downstairs growing up. I always thought I was so cool for playing with him, and he was so good and always creamed me. 

Katey, Kara, Jack, Me, and Klaire

Silly version, because that's what we do.

Thursday was turkey day, aka, Thanksgiving! We started early with a Turkey Trot. We got there in time to cheer the fun run group home and then we had our 5k race. Matthew was super dad and pushed the stroller the whole way over the dirt paths. Only about a quarter of the race was pavement, but Matthew made it seem like a breeze. We weren't the speediest, but we had a great time running together! Hugh slept for most of the race and Jay ran for a little bit and pushed the stroller once or twice. It was a beautiful morning, perfect for a run. We won a raffle prize for some pizza and everyone else in the family won a prize or two, too! Thanksgiving dinner was divine, as to be expected. My favorite dishes are sweet potatoes, corn casserole, and broccoli salad. I made a two crust, gluten free apple pie, and it turned out amazing! We did some fresh apples and some bottled, and the crust actually turned out well! I was so excited! I haven't successfully made pie crusts since being GF, so nine years later I consider it a big win. Jay and Hugh napped during Thanksgiving dinner, but enjoyed the food for supper that night. We all hit the pickleball courts for a game or two and the kids loved playing outside! 

Hugh really liked Stanton's boots

Jay, Hank, Kade, Abby, Betty, Tia, Roxy, Levi, and Ross 

The running clan!

Thanksgiving dinner!

Kid Table - Abby, Hope, Jason, Kade, and Stanton

Big Kid Table - Betty, Levi, Roxy, Tia, Ross, Allen, and Kylee

My beautiful GF pie!

Jay, Matthew, Roxy and Tia with Skippy in the sandbox

Jay loved the whipped cream the most! 

Hugh giving Hope a ride

Kylee, Betty, Hank, Kade, Levi, Roxy, Allen, Ross, and Jay on the lookout hill at the fort

Kylee, Roxy, Ross, and Tia listening to Uncle Matthew read a story

Friday was a big day. We took family pictures in the morning. We got there first and hoped to get a good picture of Hugh and Jay on their own, but no luck. I later snapped a couple on my phone that will do the job. Oma and Papa's new neighbor took them for us and did a good job! We took them near the clay wall where we sometimes go shooting. The big kids and some adults made egg drops and dropped them off the balcony. Klaire and Curtis bought a huge piñata from Mexico and loaded it with goodies for the kids. Everyone had an awesome time swinging at it! Jay was more timid than I thought he would be, but he and Hugh did get into it. In the evening, Kara put together a Nativity with all the kids. Jay and Hugh were little sheep. They were fast coming into see baby Jesus, and quick to remove their costumes. Jay gave his to the baby, which was very sweet and symbolic for how much we should give to the Savior. The kids all did a beautiful job! 

Jay

Hugh

Matthew and Me

Jett, Hugh, and Jay entertaining themselves during family photos

Hank is a super colorer right now, and Hugh often joined him! 

The egg drop!

Hugh taking a swing

Jay's turn

Go, Oma!

The cousin line, well, as much as we could get! Everyone is still in order of age on our height line up.

Go, Papa!

Hope and Jett

This is my only picture with Jay and Hugh in their sheep costumes

So sweet to see everyone together in the nativity! 

Saturday was filled with more pickleball, packing up, and goodbyes. The Colorado crews hit the road early and Klaire and Kara and their families left a little after lunch. The house was really quiet the rest of the day! It was an amazing week and we felt so loved! Everyone worked together to help us help Jay, by talking with him in ways he could understand and being super patient when he was doing things they didn't appreciate. Jay got better throughout the week and it was awesome to see the cousins all handle things better, too. All the boys loved helping Papa with his digging, and Jay especially loved it and got a few rides in the wheelbarrow because he stuck with it. 

Jay loved this particular pile of dirt, it was soft and powdery

Rides from Papa!

Hugh working on the scooter

Hugh and Jay riding with Papa

In the afternoon on Saturday, we went for a four wheeler ride with Papa to the slot in the mountain/mesa. Jay rode with Papa, and I drove with Matthew. It was pretty cool, and Jay was so brave! He did awesome climbing through the slot, up onto the ledges, and didn't even seem phased by any of it. He also did great riding with Papa, he was taught well earlier in the week by Aunt Katey about where to put his hands while riding. When we got back, I started to hear some barky coughs from Hugh and knew I needed to watch his breathing, it sounded like croup. 

Me, Jay, and Papa climbing through the slot

It's pretty amazing these are just dirt walls...

Throughout the evening, I got more worried. He was wheezing with each breath, so around 3am, I took Hugh to the emergency room up in Safford. They gave him a steroid and some Tylenol and sent us home. We got home about 5:30 and both fell back asleep quickly. Oma and Papa didn't even know we'd left! I slept almost until it was time for church and Matthew stayed home with the boys while I went with Oma and Papa. We swapped after the meetings so Matthew could get the sacrament with the different ward. Papa Ross came to dinner that afternoon, but with the kids running wild, it was hard to have any real conversation. That evening, Matthew and I went down with Papa to Papa Ross's house. We had an awesome conversation with him! Papa Ross shared about his time on round up, he probably first went when he was about Jay's age but had to stay with the cook at camp during the day. He shared about his once a year trip to Point of Pines where he loved to go and fish. They could ride straight over the mountains behind the ranch to get there, whereas now you have to go all the way to the reservation to get there by road. It was just the four of us and I could have chatted with him all evening! We left around 9 to let him go to bed, but it was sure nice to visit with him. He's a good man! 

Poor little Hugh in the ER with me

Jay and Hugh loved shooting hoops! 

We finished up our time at Oma and Papa's by playing pickleball and going to the new Fair Grounds Park that Papa helped rebuild through his work. We had a great time and enjoyed every minute we had there! The boys did okay on the flight home and my friend Barb McCullom picked us up from the airport. We were glad to get home, back in our beds, and get some much needed rest. 

Hugh was so tired, yet only slept for about an hour of our drive to Mesa.

Oma and Papa rented a van so we got the deluxe ride with everyone from Pima to Phoenix. 

Hugh had such a great time with the little coup while we were there. 

I am so thankful for my family! I don't think there are many families who could get together for a week and feel like it wasn't enough time and still love each other at the end. My family is aware and thoughtful of what I need and when I need it, in a way no one else is. I have loving parents and grandparents who have taught me about Jesus Christ through word and example. I am grateful for temples and the blessings they bring so I can be with my family for forever! Matthew, Jay, and Hugh are the greatest blessings I could ever have. They fill my life with more joy and purpose than I thought possible.