We had originally planned to drive, but at the last minute (after a couple of recent weekends driving for a few hours) we decided flying was worth it. The flights went well and we had no issues with them, the kids, or lost luggage. Our first impressions were how green the place is, how tall the trees are, but also that certain areas of town are pretty run down. It's only natural to notice these things first when you're coming from a newer, cookie cutter environment in the high desert.
The kids loved the plane ride. Although they've been on flights before, this was the first time they've been old enough to enjoy it. It's been a few years since we've flown with them...pretty much since Jonathan was born. Take off and landing were the best parts. Grandma had made them some fun activity bags that kept them busy.
After getting our rental car and lunch we stopped by John's new office. We met the staff, including Brooke, the kids favorite. She had them laughing and playing from the very start while we talked with Stacey's dad. I haven't seen Jonathan light up the way he did for Brooke before. He definitely liked her. The kids scored a few suckers from Brooke too, which turned into a show and tell of tongue colors. Jonathan loved being the center of attention and seeing the pictures of his blue tongue.
Later on that night we had dinner at the Johnson's. The kids had a ball playing on the little trampoline that was in the back yard. I'll get pictures and video of it soon. They bounced and played with the beach ball that I would periodically throw into the netted trampoline area. The game was who could get the beach ball and then throw it back out. Jonathan tackled Julia and jumped right in there to wrestle for it even though his older sister is stronger. It was hilarious to watch, and also listen, because when he wrestles anyone he says the karate sound, "kiai" (hi-ya), over and over again when mixing it up.
