As most of you know, I just returned from a week's vacation. And, as many of you also know, the logistics were a bit unusual for this trip.

You see, for several years I've had a hankerin' to make a trip to Arizona for Spring Training. Shari has had a similar desire to visit a favorite great-aunt and uncle who live in Peoria, AZ, just west of Phoenix (which just happens to be the home of the Mariners' spring training facility). Flying six full-fare family members there for a week, renting a mini-van, finding a decently-priced hotel that would allow six people in one room (nearly impossible!), etc. made it seem out of reach.

Then we came up with a wild idea—we invited Shari's folks to join us (it's her mom's aunt and uncle). Shari, the kids, and her parents would drive in two cars, then I would fly and meet them part way. I would spend a week with them, then fly back.

As it has turned out, it actually worked quite well. They headed out on March 1st, stayed with my parents in Portland the first night, spent 2 nights with my aunt in San Jose, CA, then headed to Yosemite National Park for a couple of days. Saturday, March 6th, I hopped a plane headed for Las Vegas where they picked me up on the way to Zion National Park. After a glorious day at Zion and a night at Lake Powell, AZ, we headed to the Grand Canyon, then on to Phoenix.

The weather was most cooperative all along the way, especially for the two spring training games we got to see (Giants/Rangers and Mariners/Rockies). I flew back on Sunday the 14th from Phoenix, and the rest of the crew headed back yesterday (Monday) via San Juan Capistrano, San Jose and Portland.

The kids have been absolutely fantastic in the car and at the hotels. Shari has proven once again that I am completely undeserving of her. She is amazing! This will be a trip to remember (at least for those of us over age 4). We'll certainly have to find a way to take the girls again when they are older.