Visit to Arizona

Well, the last few weeks of summer have been very eventful. Last Tuesday I traveled to Arizona and was met at the airport by my adoring grandmother and my adorable three-year-old cousin. The next few days were filled with visits to relatives, swimming, coloring, and reading stories. My mom and I had several enjoyable lunch dates and Mare and I even took a long bike ride with Donovan. On Thursday evening, my dad and I went to the airport to pick up Musheer who had come directly from his internship in Washington, D.C. Yes, that was Thursday they began higher security measures, longer lines, and absolutely no liquids. Fortunately, he made it to Phoenix just fine, only thirty minutes behind schedule.
The rest of our time in the desert was eventful, to say the least. Musheer had the opportunity to meet all of my family members and a few friends. He was adored by all and eagerly accepted into the fold, especially by my Black aunt Evelyn. My mother took him on several grueling hikes, which he adamantly adored. Musheer, although he rarely exercises, is extremely agile and energetic. This young man had no problem rock climbing up the face of Camelback Mountain his first time up. We spent one evening cooking dinner for my grandparents and the food was delicious, if I do say so myself. On Saturday afternoon, Ben came in from Pennsylvania, which made my visit even sweeter.

Now back on the East Coast, I am frantically preparing for the new school year and finally finishing up my online graduate courses for the summer. Next week I will be in training with several other teachers from my school. In less than three weeks I will be in the classroom once again. Although it feels in some ways like I am starting all over, I know that this time I am prepared for what is to come. I am thankful for the restful and rejuvenating summer and look forward to the many challenges that sill surely exist in the coming year.