It has been hard to adjust to the high temperatures and bright shiny sun since we've returned from lovely 75 degree Alberta. We have been having ree-diculous issues with closing and underwriters for our new house so we've been mostly staying in and going mental waiting for a grand ultimatum. They have asked us for documents we've given them 3 or 4 times, tax papers that don't even exist, every bank transaction we have EVER done, rental and work references from 1990, what color are hair is, when we used the washroom last....
just kidding.
It is seriously getting so absurd we wonder if the company is actually legit. NEVER will we go through a mortgage broker again!!! Buying a house in Canada was a hop, skip and a whistle compared to this. YES I know the mortgage crisis, economy failure, fall of America the great as we know it, blah, blah, blah, JUST GIVE ME MY HOUSE!! We'll let you know in 2025 when the bank decides to close and we're all moved in.
rant rant rant
So on a more positive note, when you can't beat the heat, you grin and you bare it and you make the most of it. I'm talking about the desert where we have chosen our permanent home. I have heard alot of complaints about the heat in the valley and HOW can we stand it, especially being Canadian!! Dan and I will tell you honestly and truthfully we don't mind the heat. Today the kids and I were outside all day at the Phoenix zoo.
Most of you already know these things and I don't want to sound like a know it all but I wanted to post some tips and things that we do to still have fun on a family outing in the great outdoors during the wicked hot summer months. (Since I can't stand being holed up in my house).
-Everyone wears a hat, including the adults. A hat will keep you at least 50 percent cooler, protect you from headaches, sunstroke and face burn. Try to wear a hat that covers the entire top of your head and has a brim for shade.
-Take a cooler full of more than enough ice water for the entire family for the entire day. We cart it around in a stroller, but I have seen coolers with wheels. It is essential that it is water, not pop or juice and COLD, my kids won't drink as much it if its warm. DRINK LOTS AND LOTS!
-wear light airy clothes and put sunscreen on everybody
-don't eat sugary foods, combined with the heat sugary foods will bring you down, you will feel sluggish and tired and want to go home by 2pm, instead pack trail mix, ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, fruit and veggies.
-its always more fun for the kids to plan your activities near a spray park or water structure. If they can hose themselves off they will complain less and have more energy for other activities. We don't always do this.
-now for a nasty little secret, SHUSH don't tell. This totally contradicts my no sugar, no pop rules but sometimes if I like a little boost of energy during the middle of a hot day I will drink a pepsi max. Maybe I'll go to hell in a handcart for it... But it works like a charm!
The reason I posted these ideas is because we are a family that loves the outdoors. We have ventured out to alot of different places in southern Arizona even in the middle of the summer. There are oooodles of places here we still need to visit and really look forward to the new experiences. Here are a couple of pictures of us at the Phoenix zoo where we literally spent the entire day... and it was a blast!
This little birdy joined us for our picnic lunch, the girls felt real sorry for it cause if you look real close you will see that it only has one leg.
Some of the great things I love about phoenix zoo in the middle of summer:-kids under 12 are free!
-there are misters under alot of the exhibits
-there is tons of shade
-not as crowded as winter months
-the two awesome splash pads!
