The Dreaded Shop

The pool at the house we stayed at in Arizona in 2005

Are you like me and your holiday sneaks up on you before you have had the time to lose all of the winter weight that you wanted to shed? Then you have to go out and shop for a swimsuit. This is something I think most of us dread, except maybe when we were teenagers. Then to go out and find a suit to fit our flabby bodies - NOT FUN. Shopping for swimsuits for women is right up there with shopping for a good bra, underwear and jeans - are you with me?

Well, since our long awaited family holiday is upon us in a couple weeks - it is my quest today to find another swimsuit. Am I pushing my luck with being able to find two? I was able to find one a few weeks ago at SEARS with my mother-in-law. I am also hoping to find some shorts and a few summer items to get me started. The rest of my summer shopping will be done in Arizona. Shopping in the States is soooooooo fun. They have such different clothes than we have here and you can usually get them at a better price..........As a shopaholic I am very much looking forward to the many shopping excursions that will take place while we are there.

This is the bathing suit I bought so far

My parents are great and they like the times the whole family can be together and so do we. So, being the generous parents they are they plan a FAMILY holiday every couple of years. They pay for the whole family - all 8 of us - to go on a trip and we just have to provide our own spending money. Too generous I think - but we appreciate it none the less. It allows us to all be together on a trip - something that probably wouldn't happen otherwise. This year we are going to Scottsdale Arizona. In 2005 which some of these photos are from we stayed in Phoenix, Arizona. We all like the heat and since Jamaica is way too expensive Arizona is as good a place as any.

Trina, Sydney and Andrew 2005

Scott and I also love having the opportunity to spend a lot of time with our niece and nephew. It is great to be able to see them everyday which we don't get to do at home. I appreciate that my parents see the value in all of us being able to spend quality time together relaxing. Don't get me wrong - it isn't all roses - there is the occasional temper flare etc.... but the nice thing is that we all have our own rooms. Plus when anyone needs to escape to be by themselves for awhile you are able to do that. This year my mom has found an even more beautiful house than the last time. This is the house we are gong to be at this time http://www.arizonagreatgetaways.com/ The one we are staying at is the one that doesn't have the infra red sauna. Another reason I love visiting Arizona is that I get to visit one of my dearest friends Karen and her family. She was a bridesmaid in our wedding and I don't get to see her very often since she and her husband have moved to Arizona. She and her husband Johnny have 3 adorable children Kohl, Kalysta, and Kiyah. All in all the vacation should be great!!!!

Sedona

Well I am off to do the dreaded shop - wish me luck!!!

UPDATE TO YESTERDAYS POST - My mother-in-law is off to Royal Columbian this morning for an Angiogram and should be back later tonight. This test should show what type of open heart surgery she is going to need. Your continued prayers are much appreciated. :)