My trip included a visit to both girl's classroom--took photos in Tori's only. First graders are much more receptive to the camera than 5th raders. The birthday was a trip to the mall with one of Tori's friends, where they bought identical outfits. Other shopping was also done, along with rides on the merry-go-round and lots of junk food from the food court.

The visit with Jennifer's Dad was a nice surprise. And I got to see Grandma Karen too! A tour of the fire department was interesting and impressive. And the discovery of a Greek Orthodox monastery a few miles down the road towards Tucson was most interesting. I had to clothe myself in a long skirt, long-sleeve shirt and kerchief before entering the grounds (clothing available in the bookstore). Men had to wear long pants. Forty monks live there. Hard to believe such a place would be located in the middle of that stretch.