The Frary Family: Take me home, country road...

This past April Shon and I had a quick trip to Arizona for a family situation. I hadn't been back to Arizona since my parents left several years back. I think it was 2008? I miss Arizona...as much as I love the benefits and beauty of Utah, Arizona will always be my home. I think I get it from the Bender side of my family (which is my mom's side) although there are no Bender's left there. I do have some extended family there on my biological father's side. One of which is my Aunt Martha that I haven't seen since I was just a little kid...we're talking almost 30 years I think. In the past few years I have been in contact with her and I even found out I have another uncle that I either didn't remember or didn't know about. I am SO grateful for social media and genealogy so I can attempt to connect and have some sort of relationship with my family. I also have a ton of friends left back in Arizona...and friends to me are just as important as family. They are our elected family. I have been friends with Mike and Brittney since 1997. I met Brittney in school and I met Mike at my first job at McDonalds. I actually knew them separately for a few years...so I can always joke that I knew them longer than they knew each other! :-) Fate would have it and they were married a few years after Shon and I. These are some of the bestest friends I have. I literally texted Brittney the day before and said we are coming and asked if we could crash at her house. Thankfully they didn't have plans and were available for the weekend. It was one of the quickest, most emotional, rewarding and memorable trips I have had to Arizona. I wish I had more time. So much has changed since I had been back home. I didn't get a chance to see everyone and everything I wanted...but it did make me want to make more of an effort to go home.

Blurry...on our way...

Totally off subject. And no pun to my truck driving friends and family...but I REALLY hate when rigs do this on a two lane stretch. Move!

Getting ready to cross the border and go over the damn...

Coming up on the bridge...

One of the most beautiful creations...

Shon and I have this pact every time we drive to Arizona. We stop in Paige, Arizona at the Jack in the Box. EVERY TIME...We don't have one here in Utah and they have some of the best burgers. It's our own little wacky tradition and we like it! :-)

He's really enjoying his burger. lol

Just outside of Paige...road construction. We were stuck here for about 20 minutes...super...

My grandparents are buried in Phoenix. And since there is no family left there (I am the closest family) I went to check on their gravestones. The flowers were left from my mom from almost 3 years ago...

The morning's came earlier with lots on the agenda...thank goodness Brittney had coffee brewing!

My little buddy. He made it easier so I didn't miss my own kids so much. I was so anxious to meet him.

I may have spoiled him a little with some ring pops. :-)

Full size dog...on my lap...and I loved it! I would sit on her couch and she would come right over and lay on my like it was nothing...I really wanted to take her home!

Fixed up the flowers on grandma and grandpas graves. Hopefully they last!

Grandpa always said he wanted a spot in the shade...

The Cardinals used the ASU stadium last time I lived in Arizona...they have since built them their own stadium, and mini mall, and restaurants, etc. Holy cow! It's huge! Too bad I think the Cardinals suck. :-)

I totally see the Mays resemblance in my Aunt Martha and I...we both have the same shape like eyes with the brows coming down over our eyes. She is so awesome! I am so proud of the work she does and so grateful she was there!

Our 18 years of friendship picture. We have been through weddings, deaths, kids and so much more. Couldn't have asked for a better wing chick to go through it with!