PHOENIX

As summer approaches I am busier and busier with photo shoots and weddings. I kept a week in May open after Brent had some long-term projects due for us to be able to go on a trip. The flights to Hawaii were full so we decided to go to Phoenix, and we had the best time.

The first day Stella enjoyed her (probably) last free flight as a lap rider, and then when we arrived at our hotel she was totally thrilled with the room and its bed.

We were pretty lazy most of the trip, but we did make it to the pool. I don't know what Stella loved more; swimming around with a noodle or reading the gossip magazines that my mom loves. (Stella calls them pictures.)

Stella: "Look how Jen buys her own milk. She is so down to earth."

Nama: "I know. Can you believe Britney makes people carry her shopping bags? What a diva!"

Stella looked so cute in her little outfit I took her outside before we went out to take some pictures of her. I asked her to pose, and all of the following pictures of Stella with her head tilted resulted.

For dinner we were invited to my dad's best friend's house for dinner. The Hayward's home is just gorgeous and has a prettier backyard/garden than most hotels I've stayed at. Stella loved walking around, seeing the wild bunny rabbits, and eating asparagus and cake for dinner.

Stella had a great time the entire trip. She was so good and was always up for her next adventure. We did a lot of shopping and just hanging out. Every morning, Stella was so excited to see that she was still in Phoenix and that her Nama and Papa were just in the other room. She loved opening and closing the doors in our mini-condo and discovering loved ones on the other side. She was a very busy girl and it showed when we went to dinner with Larry and Sherie and she went into a zombie trance while sitting on Larry's lap.

Overall I had a great time, and I am so glad that Brent took some time off of work to come and spend time with us (and happily make me watch Buffy and Angel). I found some really pretty black Prada heels and a few other treats to help me remember Phoenix with fondness.