We spent a couple months in Tucson this winter, thanks to Microsoft’s remote work policy. We skipped our annual trip last year because of COVID concerns and the new baby, so it was a treat to make up for lost time. It’s funny to write a travel post about my hometown of 21 years, but it was such a meaningful chapter for our family that I have to give props.
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Natalie was born into a pandemic and we don’t have any extended family in Washington, so we’ve spent most of her life at home with just the three of us. One of my biggest concerns with her is making sure she has enough exposure to new things to keep her stimulated and growing. In Arizona she’s got FOUR grandparents, an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin of the same age! On top of that she got bonus holiday visits from another aunt and uncle and her older cousin (and a couple of doggies). She’s met her grandparents before, but this was her first time meeting the other family members and she really embraced all the attention she got.
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Having grandparents around was nice for mom and dad too. They did a lot more for us than just watch Natalie, and we needed all the help we could get because there’s a lot of logistics involved when flying with a baby (her first flights!) and staying for a few months over the holidays. They put us up in a guest house and let us borrow a car (and some golf clubs) and offered us occasional meals and entertainment. We really appreciated all that. They made the trip easier and more enjoyable, and I like to think we gave them a good time, too, because we were all very sad when it came time to leave.
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Of course the real reason we wintered in Arizona was the weather. Natalie averaged 1.5 playground visits per day and she even got to swim a few times. Pushing her stroller up Tumamoc Hill was a workout, and we also went hiking, to the zoo, botanical gardens, and Sonoran Desert Museum, and I snuck in a few rounds of golf on some fancy courses. That’s a big upgrade from the northwest’s short, soggy days (and snowstorms!)
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And what’s a trip to Tucson without indulging in the local delicacies? I had seven different flavors of eegee, Sonoran dogs and tacos, and lunches with old friends on University and 4th Avenue. We also took in a handful of UA men’s and women’s basketball games. As of this writing the ‘Cats are ranked #2 and #12, respectively, and gearing up for March Madness. I’m glad I got to be a part of the McKale magic. Bear Down!
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Felicia and I had a great time in all of the ways that we expected, and Natalie thrived too. As parents it felt like we used a cheat code, being surrounded by family and sunshine during the winter months, compared to last year when we were stuck inside with a newborn. We’re already looking at the calendar, figuring out how we can stay even longer next time.
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| hottest mixtape of 2022 |
TGIB
