Celebrating Camden in Scottsdale

Days 20 & 21 – July 18^th & 19^th, 2016

I apologize for falling off the road trip radar! Once we got to Scottsdale, we really relaxed. And then it was hard for me to get back in the writing groove. God bless those of you who’ve emailed to see if we were okay. Thank you. Relieved to know I do have a few readersJ.

So we’re at the Camelback Inn, one of my all-time favorite places. They have a motto: “A place where time stands Still.” Don’t you love that?

I did have to do six loads of laundry, but other than that…I relaxed by the pool, swam, played with the kids, and let the pool boy talk me into trying different tropical concoctions. It was heaven. And I parked my car for two days – we never left the property.

Mr. Camden turned nine while we were chilling and he had unlimited signing privileges by the pool – of which he took full advantage. I also dare say – I think he became a swimmer. We couldn’t get him out of the water. But of course, it was 110 degrees! He started the day off with a breakfast delivered by room service (for only the little prince, the rest of us ate pop tarts). The woman in charge of the room service calls bumped into Camden the day before (long story involving a hotel fire alarm - we're jinxed) and, of course, she was charmed by him. So in addition to his breakfast of Fruit Loops, white toast, sliced bananas, cranberry juice and decaf coffee – he was treated to a platter of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and a hand written note from “Cindy.” He enjoyed his breakfast on the balcony, overlooking the Camelback Mountain.

I know, I know – I’m probably creating a monster. But he was soooo excited, and grateful. He repeatedly told us, “You guys are the best parents in the whole world!” And unlike what some of his siblings probably would've done, he graciously shared his cookies.

Day 22- July 20, 2016

Scottsdale, AZ – Odessa, TX

787 miles – 11 hours

The following day was very long. The kids and I drove 787 long and boring miles (through the dessert), crossing two time zones. We arrived in Odessa at 8 P.M. I was willing to go to bed without dinner, but was overruled. We had a horrible dinner as Cheddar's. It was the first time in my life that I actually had to call a manager over to our table. I felt like my dad!

Quote of the Day:

Camden was excitedly waiting for room service on his birthday – in his underwear. When there was a knock on our door, I told him that he better hurry up and get dressed. He asked me if he had to and I said, “I guess not – if you don’t mind Room Service seeing you in your underwear.” He replied, “Oh I don’t mind anyone seeing me in my underwear!”