Traveling with One Teen to Phoenix

Oldest Son and Youngest Son are out of school for a long holiday weekend. Oldest Son is in Florida participating in a debate tournament. Oldest Son "gone for debate" has become a common occurrence. Thus, Commuter Husband and I expect to be out and about with our Youngest Son more often over the next few years. This gradual movement from four to three signals the beginning of our boys creating their own independent lives separate from their parents. This long weekend we ventured to Phoenix, AZ with Youngest Son.

Friday Morning Arrival = Family
A 6am flight out of DFW got us to my Uncle's (my mother's brother) house in time for coffee in Phoenix. Commuter Husband, Youngest Son and I visited with Uncle and Uncle's Wife. Uncle had a double lung transplant one year ago when we were here visiting during Ranger's Spring Training. It is miraculous to see how great he is doing and living life fully again ...

Youngest Son learning how to chip golf balls from Uncle (his Great Uncle) in the backyard. 

Friday Evening = Sports
Commuter Husband went to Arizona State University way back when for his college freshman year. Friday evening we returned to his alma mater to attend the ASU versus USC basketball game. The college game was both fun and entertaining ...

The Band and Cheer Girls and Fans at attention for the Star Spangled Banner. 

And the spectacle of fire as the Sun Devil Basketball players are announced!

Seats on 3rd row rock! 

And the Sun Devils are victorious over the 23rd ranked USC!!

Saturday Morning = Nature
We awoke Saturday morning to coffee and yummy breakfast. Afterwards, Commuter Husband, Youngest Son and I headed to Thunderbird Conservation Park for a hike.

Youngest son scarfed down the pecan waffles made by Uncle and the eggs and bacon (real not turkey) made by Commuter Husband.

Youngest Son reaches the top of our 1.5 mile hike.

The View.

Saturday Afternoon = Culture
Who can say they have been to the 26th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest? The Heard Museum of American Indian Art & History was the host to this uniquely American experience.

We arrived to see the last few teen dancers.

Watching from a shaded hillside. The sound of the drums and chants heard clearly. 

This adult dancer from British Columbia was fantastic!

Youngest Son and Commuter Husband looking at Allan Houser's (Haozous) (Chiricahua Apache 1914-1994) bronze, Unconquered II.

Nora Naranjo-Morse (Tewa, born 1953) bronze, Khwee-seng (Woman-man)

Father - Son

Saturday Night = Food and Games
We wrapped up a full day with grilled steaks and 42 ...

Fillet, Baked Potato and Salad - so good - outside on a beautiful Phoenix evening.

Uncle and Youngest Son beat Commuter Husband and me - ugh.