Another Visit With Mom

Note: This blog was written last November, but we're just now getting around to editing and posting it.

We had another opportunity to bring Mike's mom up to Payson.  We were concerned it would be too cold for her, but she told us she would be fine if she brought up extra clothes for layering.

We set up the fire pit Friday night and roasted marshmallows.  Sam and Shawn were kind enough to leave behind some of the chocolate they had used for smores during their honeymoon visit and we took advantage of their generosity.

Nice hat Mom!

This weekend we had to pull up the floor tile in the master bathroom to prepare it for having the new tile laid over Thanksgiving week (when we will be in Payson).  We already confirmed with our tile guy, Joe, that he can do the work that week.  To give us as much use of the two bathrooms as possible, on Saturday we chipped out as much tile as we could access without removing the vanity and toilet.  Then, on Monday, the day we were leaving, we removed the toilet and vanity and chipped away the rest.  It was a full assembly line with Mike pulling up the tile and Laurie and Mom taking it to the dumpster.  The bathroom is ready for new tile, which will match the tile in the laundry room and guest bath.

All tile removed around fixtures

All the tile removed and ready for new

Sam and Shawn told us about a short hike they took along the Verde River just north of Payson.  We took a drive up there and brought Zena along.  We found a small community along a branch of the Verde River and a pull-out where we could access the water.  The place had bathrooms and picnic tables.  There were some big pools near this site and we let Zena jump in and play.  She really loves the water, regardless of how cold it is.  It was a beautiful spot and we will be sure to come back another time, maybe for a picnic.

Mom and Laurie on other side of river

Zena in her element

We have been discussing getting a truck to help us haul stuff, but at the same time we thought that keeping the Jeep and using a trailer would work just as well.  This weekend we found a trailer for sale in the local paper and Mike checked it out on Monday.  It was in good shape and a good price, so we bought it.  It will need some wiring work, but it will be great for pulling ATVs when we have the cash to buy some.

The new trailer can fit two quads

We are looking forward to our next trip up which will be a full week at Thanksgiving.  It has started to become a family tradition.

Stats: 1 Home Depot trip; 1 Walmart trip
Remodeling expense 10/23/12-11/5/12: $181
Remodeling expense to date: $45,384