What a crazy week. We left last Monday to head out to Phoenix for our BU Corporate training. It did not start until Wednesday, but we went out early to go to the Grand Canyon. Sam had a great flight on the way up. We were so happy, as I am sure was everyone around us. She got her picture taken with the pilot on the way off the plane. Once we arrived, we got our rental and drove off. Shortly after leaving we returned and tried for another car. the first car we had was making some awful sounds. They told us it was just a cheap car, but we think it was more than that. It was a Dodge Caliber, so we unloaded everything into a blue PT Cruiser. We started out of the garage only to find a light on. Nobody knew what it was, so we unloaded everything again and took a red one. Before we loaded everything this time, we checked out all the lights etc.. We were finally off. WE spent Monday out at the Grand Canyon. It is so beautiful there. You just can't beat God's natural beauty. We drove all the way in and decided to walk the South Rim. We got to the main village and had dinner, hung around for the sunset and then walked back to the car. Sam finally had enough at that point, but gave a few laughs for Todd's wonderful singing:).
We spent the night in Williams at the Fairfield Inn. I would highly recommend it. Nothing special, but clean and friendly. We slept in a little on Tuesday morning, which was nice. We had all had a long day. Tuesday we headed back to Phoenix, to spend some time with my friend Darlene and her husband Bob. Oh and how could I forget Boomer - the dog. he is so cute and a super frisbee player. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture. They were kind enough to house us on Tuesday. Darlene and I travelled to Australia my first year with People to People. We had so much fun that summer corralling the kiddos and learning as we went. I wish we had more time to spend with them, but maybe another trip - As I am sure we will be back.
Wednesday, the fun began. Mom flew in that morning and we had training. We picked her up, drove to BU in Gilbert and spent the next 4 days learning about our future. What I learned most is that we have a lot to do:)
We did learn of a serious set back in our loan. Long story, but please pray they will get everything sorted, so we can still close on the 29th. We did our part, now they need to get their act together!!
That night Darlene took us to a wonderful Greek restaurant - my Big Fat Greek restaurant. It is YUMMY!! Thursday we had a long night. They were nice enough - after everything else - to allow mom and Sam to join us for the evening activities. We went to a place in Mesa called Crosswinds. What a great idea. I told Todd if we had a million dollars we would open one of these. It is an indoor golf simulator. It is kind of hard to explain, but very fun. They had dinner for us and we played 9 holes of golf in a 4some - best ball. We also had a closest to the pin competition. I came home with the big prize, but mom really won. However, since she was not a BU owner, I won by default:) Mom was 12 feet from the hole and I was 15. It was a lot of fun. The rest of the week was informative, but could I have gotten the same from a net conference or over the phone? - yes!! Not ideal, but it would have worked. The good thing was that we met 5 other owners that are pretty much where we are in the process. It was great to get some ideas. One couple will be opening their store in 2 weeks. The rest of us are looking and hoping for Oct/Nov. We met one couple that is opening a store in NY. They had a location in Manhattan, but it fell through. They are now opening just outside - I think Harlem. I also learned that there is another one opening soon in Brooklyn. Saturday, we went in early and actually worked in the store. I need about 3 weeks of just doing that and then i will be ready:) What I really need is to learn how to be a sales person. Not my area of strength, but I guess i will be learning.
PS Susan - we visited the Grimaldi's in Scottsdale. I have to say it was just as yummy. Not the same atmosphere, but just as good as I remember!!
The flight home was a little bit harder on Sam. She slept through the take off, but landing was a little rough. The pilot kept going up and down and up and down and she was not happy. We tried to feed her, to give her the paci, but nothing worked. She was screaming. Fortunately, after about 5 min I finally got her to eat. The people around us were very kind and understanding. Once we landed she was smiling and laughing. We were so happy to have my mom with us. She was a huge help. I know Sam had a good time with her and I think Grandma enjoyed their time as well.
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