MESA, ARIZONA 1/12-15/2011

In case it is not evident to those that read this blog, we know we are very blessed to be afforded the opportunity to travel.  We have spent the last 4 1/2 years serving our church on a mission, traveling on loops around the country to keep visits current with our 5 sons and their families, traveling to wonderful places in between and being able to reconnect with other friends and family.  Too, we have spent a little time at our home to reconnect there too.  There is no way to put into words the feelings we have about the blessings we have had!  We are very, very grateful!!!!!!!
   On 1/12 we pulled into Mesa Regal RV Park in Mesa, AZ.  We were pleasantly surprised at how familiar we were with this town, having only been here for a week once before a couple years ago when we came into town to spend some time with our oldest son and family.  It is a very large town with lots of people, but very easy to get around in.  The park we were in is a retired folks RV park with at least 1000 sites, we were in # 1619.  Here is our spot.

 We had our own grapefruit tree that we enjoyed harvesting breakfast and snacks from daily.  These tree ripened fruit just melted in our mouths!!!

 We came to Mesa with the intent of reconnecting with some friends and family that live in the area.  Wayne had only seen his cousin, Cass, once in the last 40 years.  He, his wonderfully kind and patient wife, Laurette, and his super intelligent and bubbly youngest daughter, came over for dinner at our place.  We had a super evening visiting, reliving and forgiving the past.  When they left late in the evening, it was hard to say good bye and know that it will be awhile before we can see each other again.  Old family ties were reconnected and we will get together again soon.

 Another reason we came to Mesa was to go to the temple there.  It is one of our favorites.  It was very nice to spend an afternoon here.  Rejuvenating!!

 Also, we wanted to have some time with our oldest son's wife's parents and two of her siblings.  We think we are so lucky to have the friendships we do with the parents of each of our daughters-in-law.  Getting together with the Lemans is like going home.  We count Tom and Rosalie as good friends that we can let our hair down and visit with.  We had a joint venture dinner at their house with each of us contributing.  Good food, company and conversation!!!!

Finally, we also wanted to visit with one of our missionary girls (Heather Rogers) we served with that announced that she was getting married.  Wayne felt he needed to check out the guy to see if he was worthy of such a wonderful young lady, so we met them for frozen yogurts at a place we want to go back to called Blue Surf.  Excellent frozen yogurt!!!  He passed the test with flying colors.  After, we took them to see our trailer and visited more.

 

There you have our busy 3 1/2 days in Mesa.  On Saturday, 1/15, we hitched up and headed south.  We got as far as Casa Grande and pulled off to set up for the night so we can go to church in the morning, then we plan to spend about 4 or 5 more days here just relaxing and seeing some of the sights.