I arrived late Friday night, and was truly pleased that it did not take long for us to connect. We've developed a truly strong connection during recent visits, and I'm always pleased to see how this endures, even though I don't have the luxury of seeing her everyday.
After spending the afternoon / evening in Orange County with Bella's mother, we drove to AZ on Saturday morning, and arrived early afternoon. Bella is great in the car, and especially on this trip -- she slept for 90% of the way there! My parents have a very nice pool / hot tub in the rear of their house, and Bella is a big fan ...so we didn't waste anytime.
She loves taking picture, and has zero fear in front of the camera. At the bottom, a video is attached where Bella was adamant about sharing her feelings for Grandma. Again and again, she was yelling, "I love you Grandma!!" My little girl is amazing affectionate. Just about every night as we were preparing for bed, Bella would tell me -- "Daddy, I love you." ..completely unprovoked and out of nowhere. It never fails to put a smile on my face.
On our first full day in Scottsdale, we headed to the driving range at Estancia, where my parent's live. I had taken Bella to the golf course once before in Portland, and her interest was certainly marginal. However, on this trek, she was fully engaged -- it was great to see! Three entertaining points from the growing personality of my little girl:
1) just about every time I offer to take her to do something new, she always exclaims, "But Daddy, I don't know how!!" This trip was not exception. Amusing yes, but not quite the go-getter mentality yet.
2) In between many swings, she would turn around and tell my mom and I, "I'm not doing great, but if I keep trying, I'll get better -- I just have to keep trying" Wisdom beyond her years!!
3) and best yet --
After I initially showed her the basics of the golf swing, she did not want to hear ANY additional instruction from her Daddy. I would try to gently remind her to keep her right hand below when gripping the club, or to keep the ball in the middle of her stance, and she would turnaround, and sternly tell me, "Daddy -- I can do it! Stop talking!!!" Fantastic stuff! However, where she gets the stubborn independence is simply a mystery -- HA!
This is my favorite photo of the bunch -- notice the extended arms on the follow through, weight on the left foot, club face rotated through the follow through.
(there is a video at the end showing her golf swing in motion -- this could be on Letterman in a few years if all goes as planned :)
After a great 1st day on the golf course, we decided to head out the following day, per Bella's request. We headed right to the putting green.
She loved to get the ball close, and "Just tap it in!" You have to start somewhere right. She keeps telling me that she is going to be a hockey player (no idea where she gets this from), and from the position of her hands on the stick, you can see how this might be more of a natural sport for her.
After our 2nd session at the driving range, we met up with the family for lunch. The patio of the restaurant is in full-view of the outdoor pool, so it is not surprising that this soon caught her eye.
Though the air was a little chilly, we decided to check out the temperature of the water.
After feeling how warm it was, she was eager to go put on her bathing suit!
We put it on quickly, and jumped in the pool shortly after. However, it did not take us long to realize the 'warm' pool was not quite as warm as we thought, so it was a short venture.
After 2 full days of activiity, it was time for one of Bella's favorite activities -- bath time!! ..and especially when the bath includes jets, bubbles, and a shower spray!!
After 2 full days of activiity, it was time for one of Bella's favorite activities -- bath time!! ..and especially when the bath includes jets, bubbles, and a shower spray!!
Could life get any better?
Clearly not -- this a photo of sheer happiness
(there is a photo attached at the bottom capturing all the excitement)
After the 5.5 hour drive back to LA, it was time for us to depart ..but the fun was not over yet -- we spent most of my last hour at the airport playing games induced by Daddy (I sometimes wonder who is really the kid between us!), and having a jolly old-time.
We're planning a 2-4 week visit to Oregon sometime this summer, so more to come...
VIDEOS:
Bella playing in the tub.
"I love you Grandma" Bella's golf swing
