On Tuesday, July 23, I flew out of Cedar Rapids heading to Tucson, AZ where I was anxious to meet my new granddaughter, Savanna.

This was a short trip with my returning home on July 27th so that gave me three full days to get acquainted with Savanna, explore Greta’s and Steev’s new home, and meet Jemma who is their new 8-month old dog.  Steev had a video shoot from Thursday through Sunday so time with him was limited.

On Wednesday I was able to spend the day with Steev and Savanna while Greta worked; we went to REI for a hat purchase, drove to a hiking trail but decided not to venture out on it because Savanna was sound asleep, and treated ourselves to Italian ice cream at Frost Gelato.  That evening Greta made us a delicious pizza.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greta, Savanna, and I went on a picnic to Sabino Canyon on Thursday; we had talked of driving up Mt. Lemon but it looked very stormy on the mountain so we stayed in the valley.  The afternoon was spent reading and taking a nap.  That evening we went for Mexican food at La Indita’s and explored Antigone Books; both of these places are located on the tree-lined historic shopping district called 4th Avenue.

Before I knew it, my last full day in Tucson had arrived.  Greta, Savanna, and I went shopping for a rug to be placed in Savanna’s room plus a few “let Grandma Jan spoil her” items.  Allan, my youngest stepson, had been in Phoenix on business for the week so he rented a car and drove to Tucson to spend the next three days with Steev and his family.  He arrived around 5:00 or so; once Steev got home, we went to Bai Thong Restaurant for dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I awoke on Saturday, there was a message from American Airlines stating my 9:00 AM flight had been “delayed” so they put me on another flight leaving at 1:30 in the afternoon.  Before saying good bye to Greta (who had to work) and Savanna, we took time to take some family pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The boys and I went to breakfast after the picture taking session.   Steev had to work so Allan and I took my rental car back to the airport.  We then toured San Xavier del Bac Mission.  Allan dropped me off at the airport and I made it into Cedar Rapids around 9:30 with no major problem.  It was good to see my friends, Mary and Joe, waiting to take me home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great trip filled with fun and laughter; I so enjoyed spending time with Savanna.  The only sadness about the trip was Tom not being alive to meet his granddaughter for the first time or being able to see how happy Greta and Steev are having a daughter.